Former University of Alabama head football coach Ray Perkins passed away at his Northport home on Wednesday morning.

Perkins, 79, played wide receiver for the Crimson Tide under Paul “Bear” Bryant from 1964-1966. Perkins won two national championships and was named an All-American in his collegiate playing career in Tuscaloosa.

He would go on to play five seasons in the NFL before embarking on a coaching career in the league. After his first head coaching job for the New York Giants, Perkins took on the seemingly impossible task of succeeding Bryant as Bama’s head coach.

Perkins led his alma mater to a 32–15–1 record from 1983-1986, before leaving to coach the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Reacting to Perkins’ death, current Alabama head coach Nick Saban said in a statement, “Ray Perkins was a great friend and an outstanding football coach who served The University of Alabama with true class and integrity. Coach Perkins was a great leader who had a tremendous impact on the game of football at all levels. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Lisa, and his children Tony, Mike, Rachael and Shelby.”

Greg Byrne, UA director of athletics, stated, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Coach Perkins. Just a year ago we were celebrating him as our SEC Football Legend in Atlanta, an honor he was truly deserving of. Coach Perkins served in every possible capacity of Alabama Athletics as an All-American football player, head coach and athletics director, and he will certainly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Lisa, and children Tony, Mike, Rachael and Shelby, extended family and friends during this time.”

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Ray Perkins. Ray was a great ambassador for The University of Alabama and we will be forever grateful for his impact on the Capstone,” added Dr. Stuart R. Bell, UA president.

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn