AD Mal Moore leaving Alabama due to health concerns

Alabama’s classic helmets will be sporting a new addition this season. Joining the classic white and Crimson is a helmet decal in honor of former athletic director Mal Moore, who passed away earlier this year.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Alabama helmet decal 2013 in honor of Mal Moore. <a href="http://t.co/5ZPU0oXHiM">pic.twitter.com/5ZPU0oXHiM</a></p>— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) <a href="https://twitter.com/CecilHurt/statuses/372041283545493504">August 26, 2013</a></blockquote>

Mal Moore died on Saturday, just 10 days after resigning as Alabama’s athletic director because of health issues. He was 73.

Moore was hired as Alabama’s athletic director in 1999, and hired Nick Saban as Alabama’s head football coach in 2007. Saban has been nothing short of legendary for Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide’s football program to three national titles in the last four seasons.

Alabama athletic director Mal Moore will be stepping down from his post. Moore will move into an advisory position and become a special assistant to University President Judy Bonner.

Moore has struggled with heart issues in recent years. He was hospitalized with an irregular heartbeat in late August, although it was considered precautionary. He was then hospitalized again for a pulmonary condition last week. It’s a safe bet to presume his health is a primary factor in his decision to resign.

Moore has been affiliated with the University of Alabama for over a half-century. He graduated from Alabama in 1963 and played football under Bear Bryant from 1958 to 1962. He went on to serve as an assistant football coach for over two decades with the Tide, then moved into the administration in 1994 as assistant athletic director. Moore has served as Alabama’s athletic director since 1999 and has presided over a department that has won three of the last four national championships.