"Coach Dean Smith passed away peacefully the evening of February 7 at his home in Chapel Hill, and surrounded by his wife and five children," Smith's family said in a statement. "We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers, and appreciate the continued respect for our privacy as arrangements are made available to the public. Thank you."

 

Smith coached the Tar Heels from 1961 to 1997, going 879-254 and retiring as the winningest coach in college basketball history. North Carolina won NCAA championships in 1982 and 1993 and reached the Final Four 11 times under Smith.

 

 

 

Dean Smith, former North Carolina Tar Heels coach, dies at age of 83 - ESPN

RIP to a coaching legend.

RIP, Coach.

Nothing but respect for Coach Smith. Prayers out to his family.

Single-handedly linked to the term "four corners."

One of the legends, RIP Coach Smith.

I didn't realize he still had an office in Chapel Hill.

Growing up, I always felt he was the best coach in the college game. Certainly a legend that deserves to be celebrated for the basketball life he lived.

RIP Coach Smith.

Dean Smith will always be a legend of the sport, rest in peace Coach Smith.

RIP Coach Smith...a true testament to a coach is how his players talk about him and feel about him long after their playing days are over. Those guys LOVED him!

Much respect for Coach Smith. RIP.

Did less with more. Should probably get credit for the Shot Clock. Only 2 titles is really hard to believe.

Did less with more. Should probably get credit for the Shot Clock. Only 2 titles is really hard to believe.

 

Not the thread for this, IMO.

Did less with more. Should probably get credit for the Shot Clock. Only 2 titles is really hard to believe.

 

Way to bring in the negativity. Take it elsewhere.