Longtime NFL and college football coach Lou Saban died early Sunday morning at the age of 87.

Saban played college football at Indiana University; then he played in the National Football League for the Cleveland Browns before pursuing a coaching career.

During his coaching career he spent time with many different teams including the Patriots, Bills and Broncos. He also coached college kids at Miami, Army, Northwestern and Maryland.

Saban even spent some time as the New York Yankees president from 1981-82.

Yankees owner George Steinbrenner had nothing but great things to say about Saban.

“My friendship with Lou goes back to 1948, when we were both involved in a youth track and field program in Cleveland. He has been my friend and mentor for over 50 years, and one of the people who helped shape my life. Lou was tough and disciplined, and he earned all the respect and recognition that came his way. He spent a lifetime leading, teaching and inspiring, and took great satisfaction in making the lives around him better.

“This is a tremendous loss to me personally, and I extend my deepest condolences to his wife, Joyce, and the entire Saban family.”

In case you were wondering, Lou Saban is the cousin of current Alabama head coach Nick Saban, whose middle name happens to be “Lou”.