Merritt Norvell, who during his tenure as Michigan State's athletic director oversaw three Hall of Fame coaches, died Monday in Lansing. He was 79.
Norvell served as Michigan State's athletic director from 1995-99, when Nick Saban was coaching football, Tom Izzo basketball and Ron Mason hockey.
Norvell's son, Jay, is head football coach at Nevada and flew to Michigan on Monday.
"The thoughts of the entire Michigan State athletics family are with the family and friends of Merritt Norvell," Michigan State athletic director Bill Beekman said in a statement. "Beyond his contributions at Michigan State, his impact was felt across college athletics, including at the national level.