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Former Kentucky football coach Guy Morriss died Monday after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. He was 71.

Morriss served as an assistant coach under Hal Mumme from 1997 as offensive line coach before taking over for Mumme at the start of the 2001 season and guided the Wildcats to a 7-5 record in 2002. He left for Baylor the following season where he coached the Bears for five seasons. He also coached at Kentucky State, Texas A&M Commerce and was offensive line coach at Warren Central High School and Lexington Christian Academy.

““Guy Morriss provided steady leadership for our football program at a time of significant uncertainty,” said Kentucky Director of Athletics Mitch Barnhart, who arrived at UK in 2002 and worked with Morriss that season. “He was both liked and respected by the players, who responded to his fair, no-nonsense approach with their best efforts. His six years at UK feature some of the best players and most exciting moments in our history. He will be deeply missed and our condolences are with (wife) Jackie, their children, family and friends.”

“I’m grateful for everything he did for this program,” Stoops said. “We loved seeing him around here and just a few short weeks ago he attended Fan Day. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jackie and his family.”

Morriss played collegiate football at Texas Christian and played for 15 years in the National Football League. He played in two Super Bowls while with the Philadelphia Eagles (1973-83) and New England Patriots (1984-87).

Keith Taylor is the sports editor for Kentucky Today. Reach him at Keith.taylor@kentuckytodaycom and via Twitter at keithtaylor21.