Coaches, players and fans of the University of Alabama are mourning former athletic director Mal Moore, just 10 days after he stepped down from his post for health reasons.

Moore, 73, had a connection to his alma mater as a player, coach and administrator. In recent years he was best known as the man who hired head football coach Nick Saban, but he also played for Bear Bryant and coached with Gene Stallings. He had a connection to 10 national championships at Alabama.

But friends and Alabama officials remembered him most not as a coach but as a good man.

“Coach Moore will be deeply missed,” Gov. Robert Bentley said. “I’ve known Mal for over 30 years and have always considered him a good friend as well as a good man. He was devoted to UA Athletics, and he will also be remembered for his dedication to his family. Mal made a positive impact on our entire state. I want to offer my deepest condolences to his family during this time.”

Many current and former players echoed those thoughts on Twitter accounts.

“Coach Mal Moore will be missed so much,” quarterback A.J. McCarron said on his Twitter account. “I love you coach and know you will be watching over us from above. We will always remember you.”

From Jeremiah Castille: “Thoughts and prayers going out to the family of Mal Moore. His contributions and passion to the University will never be forgotten.”