Michigan State announced Monday evening that longtime men's basketball coach George 'Jud' Heathcote passed away earlier that day at the age of 90.
Heathcote, who coached the Spartans from 1976-95, compiled a record of 340-220, making him the second winningest coach in school history behind his former pupil, Tom Izzo.
"Without a doubt, he was one of the most influential people in my life, giving me a chance when no one else would," Izzo said in a press release. "Any coaching success I've ever had is because of him. Long after he left Michigan State, he was still one of the first people I would call when I had a tough decision in coaching or life."
During his time in East Lansing, Mich., Heathcote led Michigan State to three Big Ten titles, nine NCAA Tournament appearances and the 1979 national title. The national championship team was led on the floor by Earvin 'Magic' Johnson.
Prior to his run at Michigan State, Heathcote was the head coach at the University of Montana from 1971-76 as he led the Grizzlies to two Big Sky conference titles.
