RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Former N.C. State head coach and College Football Hall of Famer Dick Sheridan passed away on Thursday, university officials confirmed. He was 81 years old.

Sheridan died following a brief illness near his home in Garden City Beach, South Carolina, the school said.

In his seven-year tenure, Sheridan became one of the most successful coaches in program history, guiding the Wolfpack to an overall record of 52-29-3 and six bowl game appearances from 1986-1992.

Sheridan was named the Bobby Dodd College Football Coach of the Year in his first year at N.C. State, compiling an 8-3-1 record and clinching a berth to the Peach Bowl.

The Wolfpack also finished in the Top 25 on three separate occasions with Sheridan at the helm of the program.

“I have such great respect for coach Sheridan and am saddened to hear this news,” N.C. State football coach Dave Doeren said in a statement. “He did so much to build the football program at N.C. State and impacted many players, coaches and staff during his time as coach. I enjoyed getting to know him during my time here.”

Before arriving in Raleigh, Sheridan left his mark of success as head coach at Furman University. Entering the college coaching ranks in 1978, he led the Paladins to 69 victories and eight Southern Conference championships over eight seasons. Sheridan still holds the school record for the highest winning percentage (74.4%) in Furham football history.

His accomplishments on the gridiron led to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2020.