Dozier native and former University of Alabama athletic director Mal Moore died Saturday at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C.

Moore, who also played and coached at Alabama, stepped down from his post March 20 in the midst of a battle with pulmonary problems. He was 73.

He is survived by his daughter, Heather Cook, granddaughter, Anna Lee, and grandson, Charles Cannon. His brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Tina Moore, are Andalusia residents.

During Moore’s tenure as Alabama’s athletic director, which began in 1999, the Crimson Tide won eight national championships and 19 SEC titles. More than $220 million was raised for the construction or maintenance of athletic facilities under Moore’s watch.

Alabama players, coaches and former athletes had nothing but high praise for Moore.

UA senior and Andalusia native Nico Johnson tweeted, “Mal Moore was not only our athletic director we practically grew up in same area just ten min aptart. (He) taught me a lot through my journey at UA.”

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.