TUSCALOOSA, Ala. –

Bill Battle, former University of Alabama athletics director and legendary figure in college athletics, has died at age 82.

Alabama Athletics released a statement announcing Battle’s death on Thanksgiving morning.

Battle was Alabama’s athletics director from 2013 to 2017, but his ties to the UA date back to his time as a student-athlete in the 1960s.

Battle, a Birmingham native, played football under legendary football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant from 1960 to 1963. He was a three-year starter and helped lead the Crimson Tide to Bryant’s first National Championship in 1961.

One of Battle’s most notable achievements was the founding of the Collegiate Licensing Company in 1981. He served as its president and CEO until 2002.

In a statement from Alabama Athletics, current Alabama athletics director Greg Bryne called Battle a “true visionary”:

“It is difficult to put into words how much Coach Battle means to the University of Alabama and college athletics as a whole. He excelled in so many areas and was a true visionary. Beyond his accomplishments, he was an incredible man, and I am forever grateful for the friendship we have built over the years. We will miss him greatly and are praying for Mary, Pat, Mike, Shannon, Kayla and the entire Battle family.

Former Alabama football head coach Nick Saban said Battle “revolutionized” college football:

“Bill Battle was first class in every way. He represented the University of Alabama with great character and integrity. He was a standout football player at Alabama, a successful college head coach and a visionary who revolutionized the business of college athletics. I got to know it.” He was at his best when he returned to lead the Alabama athletics department, where his vision and leadership were the driving factors in the Crimson Tide’s success, which led to our 2015 national championship. Terry and I are saddened by his passing and our thoughts and prayers are with us. He will be greatly missed by his wife Maria and their entire family.

Funeral arrangements for Battle have not been announced.

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