Former Alabama Coach Ray Perkins Has Died at 79
According to sources close to the family, former Alabama Crimson Tide player and coach, Ray Perkins, has passed away at the age of 79. Perkins passed away in his home in Tuscaloosa. Perkins played receiver for the Crimson Tide from 1964-66, he replaced Coach Bryant after he retired and served as head coach at Alabama from 1983-86.
Perkins was born in Petal, Mississippi on Dec. 6 1941, he attended the University of Alabama and played football for Coach Bear Bryant. During his time at the Capstone, Perkins won two national championships and caught passes from Joe Namath and Ken Stabler. He recorded 63 receptions for 908 yards and nine touchdowns in his three years playing for the Tide.
Perkins then played several seasons professionally for the Baltimore Colts along with Jonny Unitas. Perkins was on the receiving end of a 68-yard touchdown pass in the 1970 AFC Championship game helping the Colts get to Super Bowl V. Perkins and the Colts won that Super Bowl, making Perkins a champion on both the college and professional level.
After his playing days, Perkins spent time with Mississippi State, the New England Patriots and the San Diego Chargers as an assistant coach. He then was hired to be the head coach of the New York Giants. In four seasons in charge of the Giants he amassed a record of 23-34 and qualified for the playoffs one time.
Following the retirement of Coach Bryant, Perkins was chosen to lead the Crimson Tide. He spent four seasons in charge of the Alabama football program and put together a record of 32-15-1. Perkins won three bowl games as head coach at Alabama and had the Crimson Tide ranked as high as No. 9 in his final year in charge.
Perkins was named SEC Player of the Year and First Team All-American in 1966. He is currently inducted in the Mississippi and Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and is also in the Super Bowl Hall of Fame.
Perkins is survived by his wife, Lisa, two sons and two daughters.
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