The University of Alabama has confirmed that longtime athletics director Mal Moore has passed away at the age of 73 in Durham, N.C. Moore had been hospitalized at Duke University Medial Center since March 14 with pulmonary problems.

Moore served as UA athletics director since 1999 but stepped down March 20, citing his declining health. Bill Battle was approved as his replacement last Friday.

During his time as AD, he oversaw numerous facilities upgrades and eight national championships, including three in football, three in gymnastics, one in both women’s golf and softball. His hiring of head football coach Nick Saban will go down as one of his greatest accomplishments during his time at UA.

Moore graduated from UA in 1963 with a degree in sociology, and earned his master’s in secondary education in 1964. He played quarterback for legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant from 1958-62 and was an assistant coach from 1965-1982 and 1990-1993.