Late Friday night, legendary boxer Muhammad Ali died at the age of 74 after a three-decade long battle with Parkinson's disease. "The Greatest," as he was known, had as much impact in the political and racial arena as he did in the ring. He also had unmatched confidence and determination to be the best, something coaches across all sports relate to and try to pass on to their players.
It's understandable, then, that multiple college coaches, current and former, took to Twitter following Ali's passing to send their thoughts.
Louisville coach Bobby Petrino
Muhammad Ali was one of the most iconic athletes ever his impact on Louisville & the world will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/OwZQTslJbv
— Bobby Petrino (@CoachPetrinoUL) June 4, 2016
Florida coach Jim McElwain
We lost a legend, champion, and an inspiration. #RIPChamppic.twitter.com/7PAjmmIN3A
— Jim McElwain (@CoachMcElwain) June 4, 2016
Oklahoma Coach Bob Stoops
He will be missed & was truly #TheGreatest. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/vZQ0QKShCM
— Bob Stoops (@OU_CoachStoops) June 4, 2016
Former Louisville and current Texas Coach Charlie Strong
Very sad to hear of the passing of Muhammad Ali. I was fortunate to spend some great times with The Greatest in Louisville. #RIPChamp
— Charlie Strong (@Strong_TexasFB) June 4, 2016
Ohio State coach Urban Meyer
ALWAYS aim to be The Greatest. pic.twitter.com/ELe2GNOL27
— Urban Meyer (@OSUCoachMeyer) June 4, 2016
Former Kentucky coach Rich Brooks
Muhammad Ali was one of the great sport legends ever. It was a pleasure watching him box. His speed and power were amazing. RIP!
— Rich Brooks (@UKcoachbrooks) June 4, 2016
Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy
Icon for leadership and toughness. #RIPMuhammadAlipic.twitter.com/cjD5VUYRcN
— Mike Gundy (@CoachGundy) June 4, 2016
Miami defensive coordinator Manny Diaz
#TheGreatestpic.twitter.com/sdZTsrUssS
— Manny Diaz (@Coach_MannyDiaz) June 4, 2016
And while Alabama head coach Nick Saban doesn't have a Twitter account, he still expressed his feelings about Ali on ESPN Radio's Dari & Mel:
"You have to have respect for the commitment and the things he believed in that really changed the world," Saban said ( via Coaching Search). "There's a lot of great athletes, but there's not many that do that and use their notoriety in being a champion to affect the world in a lot of positive ways."
Ali's influence can be seen and felt in many ways, but his drive and competitiveness were among his more memorable qualities.