Alabama Mourns the Passing of Former AD Mal Moore

University of Alabama announced Saturday afternoon the passing of former athletic director Mal Moore. He was 73.

It is well documented that Moore -- as a player, coach and athletic director -- was part of 10 national championships, and that's just in football.

Last year alone, the athletic department recorded four national championships in football, men's golf, gymnastics and softball. 

The most memorable of Moore's accomplishments was to bring Nick Saban to Tuscaloosa as head football coach. According to stories, Moore had said he was not coming back there until Saban became head coach. He got his wish.

Saban said in a statement the main reason he and his wife came to Tuscaloosa was Moore. That is a tribute to not only Moore's love of Alabama athletics, but his warm personality as well.

Saban's hiring seemed to not only put some spark in the athletic department again, but into the university, too. Moore's personality made him the perfect fundraiser. His mark can be seen everywhere on the University of Alabama campus, most prominently with the new athletic facilities.  

Moore's passing ends the connection between two great head coaches, Bear Bryant and Nick Saban. But most importantly, it is the death of one of the nicest gentlemen in the world of sports.

He'll be sorely missed by all.