Bill Battle, the former Vols football coach, has died at the age of 82

At the age of 82, Bill Battle, the former athletic director of Alabama and football coach of Tennessee, passed away.

Battle’s death was announced Thursday by the University of Alabama, where he played for Paul “Bear” Bryant from 1960–1962 and was the AD from 2013–2017.

Before being replaced by Johnny Majors, Battle had a 59-22-2 record over seven seasons with the Volunteers from 1970 to 1976. He also went 4-1 in bowl games.

As a member of Bryant’s Crimson Tide, the Birmingham native earned a national title in 1961.

He started the Collegiate Licensing Company in 1981 and was its president and CEO until 2002, when he returned to Tuscaloosa in 2013 to head the sports department.

Stuart R. Bell, president of The University of Alabama, stated that “Bill Battle’s legacy at The University of Alabama is profound and enduring.” “His kindness and inspiring guidance improved our school and the lives of many children and coworkers. Future generations will be inspired by his unwavering commitment to UA and his unwavering passion to greatness. We will always be appreciative of his friendship and his enduring influence on our neighborhood.

Nick Saban, the former coach of the Crimson Tide, also issued a comment.

“Bill Battle was excellent in every aspect. He was a great example of ethics and character for The University of Alabama,” Saban stated. “He was a visionary who transformed the college sports industry, a successful head coach, and an exceptional football player at Alabama. His return to oversee the Alabama sports department, where his leadership and vision were key components of the Crimson Tide’s success that led to our 2015 national title, is when I got to know him the best. His departure has grieved Terry and me, and his wife Mary and their whole family are in our prayers and thoughts. He will be sorely missed.”