T he University of Alabama is reporting that Mal Moore will resign as the Director of Athletics at the University “due to factors related to his health.”
Coach Moore’s health has deteriorated in recent years, though the true Bama man has served as a walking legacy to Alabama athletics. The most recent stint has been pulmonary issues suffered this month. He has been treated at Duke University Medical Center for ongoing complications.
Moore has weathered unprecedented highs and lows in his 14 years as Athletic Director, seeing the best and worst coaches in UA history come through the football office. But Moore will forever be remembered for rolling the dice and playing the waiting game for current Alabama head coach Nick Saban when he was still with the Dolphins. The result of that move has been legendary.
According to reports, Moore will stay on with UA in the president’s office, serving as special assistant to UA president Judy Bonner.
As Paul Finebaum tweeted, “Mal Moore steps down as AD but will take spot next to Paul Bryant on Alabama’s version of Mount Rushmore.”
As a quarterback at Alabama from 1958-1960, and an assistant coach under Bear Bryant and Gene Stallings, and the author of Alabama’s current facilities and Coach Saban’s tenure…not to mention his tie to 10 national titles and countless conference championships, truer words have never been spoken.
UPDATE
Statement from Mal Moore:
“As many of you may know, due to factors related to my health, I am at a point that I can no longer fulfill my duties as athletics director in the true championship manner the position requires. While I have to focus on my health issue, I look forward to maintaining an ongoing working relationship with this great University as special assistant to Dr. Bonner. I know I can count on each of you to continue your unequaled support for me and The University of Alabama.
“I cannot adequately express what the University means to me. It has been a part of my life for more than 50 years, and I feel honored to have served the Crimson Tide as a player, coach and administrator. I am so appreciative of the University administration, coaches, staff, student-athletes and fans who have made my tenure as director so very meaningful, memorable and special.”
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Man, that leaves me rather sad. He has done a fantastic job for so many years, and we will truly miss your steady hand in everything, your true wisdom, and your wonderful demeanor, my friend. Godspeed, Mal Moore !
He is a true gentleman.
I hope Mr Moore gets his health back and
gets to enjoy his retirement!! Alabama owns
him a great THANK YOU for the work he did
for the school. 50 years at the Capstone
WOW!! RTR
Time to go get Ozzy!