UA Coaches on Mal Moore

Today, the University of Alabama athletics department released a statement from the Crimson Tide's head coaches on the passing of Mal Moore.

Nick Saban head football coach

"Mal was truly a special person in every sense of the word. We can talk about all the championships Mal has been involved with, but I think what will be remembered most was the man he was. He always put the best interests of others ahead of his own, he carried himself as a first-class gentleman, and he helped bring out the best in those around him.

"Mal was an outstanding leader in terms of all he did for Alabama athletics. Most importantly, he was a great friend to me and my family. Mal was the number one reason we decided to make the move to Tuscaloosa.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his daughter Heather. There's no question we have lost a great man today. What won't be lost is Mal's legacy in serving our University to make it a better place today and in the future. Nobody genuinely cared more about the Crimson Tide than Mal did. Mal has positively impacted athletics at Alabama unlike anyone ever has or probably ever will."

Sarah Patterson, head gymnastics coach

"Mal's passing is devastating to me and to everyone in the Crimson Tide family. No one loved the University of Alabama more than Mal Moore and that love and devotion is why he was the heart and soul of this athletics department and it's why he'll be missed in ways large and small for years to come. I knew Mal for more than 30 years and I can't imagine this athletics department without him. I will miss his amazing heart, his generous spirit and his unwavering integrity."

Anthony Grant, head men's basketball coach

"We are extremely saddened to hear the news of Coach Moore's passing today. We are eternally grateful for all he has done for our family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his daughter, Heather, his grandchildren and extended family. He was a great man."

Mitch Gaspard, head baseball coach

"First of all, our thoughts and prayers go out to Coach Moore's family and not enough can be said about what he stood for. We talk about character and the things he stood for with our team every day, and all of us live by his example daily. It's a sad day for the entire Alabama family. Unlike anywhere else in the country, when you put on the jersey that says 'Alabama' across the chest, the pride and tradition starts at the top. There are so many people that have helped build that standard, but none bigger than Coach Moore. With his history, what he stood for and how he represented this great University, he always did it in a first class manner."

Patrick Murphy, head softball coach

"I think our team realized what a champion he was for the whole athletic department, the state of Alabama, he was Alabama through and through. From Jackie Traina to Jordan Patterson to Courtney Conley, they all realized that. When he went up to the World Series last year and stood out in the rain with everybody else, it meant a lot to everyone in the program. Not just to that team but the kids on all 17 teams. We are really going to miss him."

Mic Potter, head women's golf coach

"Mal Moore will be truly missed. He loved golf and it is going to be tough not to have him out at the golf center, and not being able to get his input. His vision for our program and our facility is something that we will see every day going forward. The golf program is certainly going to miss him. Personally, Coach More gave me the opportunity to come to Alabama and have the success we have had with this program. I will forever be indebted to him for that. To trust a 50-year-old male with resurrecting the women's golf team was, I felt, a little bit of a leap of faith for him. I will never forget that, but the tools and resources that he gave our team to not only be successful as collegiate golfers, but for them to go forward and be successful as professionals, you just can't ask for more than that. The resources we have are unparalleled and it is all due to Mal Moore and his vision."

Jay Seawell, head men's golf coach

"I'm broken hearted today. I owe a great deal to Coach Moore. I would not be here without him, and our program would not be what it is without him. For me personally, it is a tough day. Mal's vision is why I am at the University of Alabama. His love for the University, and his vision for how to help it succeed. Our current players as well as our former players truly realize what Coach Moore has done to make Alabama golf what it is."

Dennis Pursley, head swimming and diving coach

"Coach Moore was a big reason that I came to Alabama. I've spent my entire career working with college coaches around the country and hearing them sing the blues that their athletics directors were one-track football people, but Coach Moore wasn't that way. He genuinely cared about the school and everyone associated with it. He cared about all the sports and you just felt like he was someone you wanted to work for. He's the reason that we have the environment we do at the University and the athletics department, where everyone supports one another and cares what happens in all the sports across the board. He's the one that has been the driving force behind all that. We've lost a great man."

Ed Allen, head volleyball coach

"The University has lost a true champion. The standard of excellence that Coach Moore has established over the years will continue to position us favorably as we continue to pursue excellence in our given sports. Alabama has lost a great leader who will be sorely missed."

Jenny Mainz, head women's tennis coach

"I am devastated at the news of Coach Moore's passing. I have the highest regard for him as a human being, and he was a very special person. What I admired most about Coach Moore was his character, integrity and gracious heart. You often hear of a coach being called a players' coach. Well he was a coaches' athletic director. He always recognized our contributions and took care of everyone. He was very good to me personally when my father was sick. His true colors were revealed with his patience, support and love. He believed in me and our team, and for that, I am forever grateful."

Dan Waters, head track & field coach

"I don't think the magnitude of what our athletic department lost today can truly be appreciated. What Coach Moore did here is hard to calculate or understand, but that will become apparent over the coming years. He left a legacy that is likely unmatched. And to do it in the way that he did - with humility, patience and grace - is something that is rare. Athletics can be a tough business, but I don't know a single person that is an adversary for Coach Moore. That may say more about him as a person than anything I can say. To say we will miss him doesn't say nearly enough."

Wendell Hudson, head women's basketball coach

"I'm saddened in the loss of a close friend in Mal Moore. The athletic department and University have lost someone that truly dedicated his life to the individuals that worked in both."

George Husack, head men's tennis coach

"I'm deeply saddened by this news as I'm at Alabama because of Coach Moore. Simply put, he was a great man and his contributions to this department, University and state will always be remembered. His last words to me were to always walk confidently. We all will walk, work and live with more confidence because of his pure and genuine commitment to all of the Alabama family."

Larry Davis, head rowing coach

"I am greatly saddened to hear that Coach Moore has passed away. He was instrumental in developing the rowing program and elevating it into a varsity sport. I am truly saddened that he will not be here to see one of his facilities, the women's rowing boathouse, be completed. It is going to be a big step for our program. I give my condolences to his entire family. He is truly going to be missed. One of the things I talk to the team about is that to be successful as a team you need leadership and you need to be loyal to the principles that you establish and you have to be that kind of dedicated individual and be consistent in that commitment. Mal was a classic example of someone who was a great leader and a team player as well as someone who was dedicated and had a passion for what he does. He has really helped the University and the athletic department achieve greatness and that is a great example for our girls."