FILE - University of Alabama head coach Ray Perkins explains techniques to his quarterbacks in Tuscaloosa, Ala., in this March 23, 1983, file photo.
(AP Photo/File)TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Ray Perkins, the former Alabama receiver who replaced Bear Bryant as Crimson Tide's coach and started the transition with the New York Giants that led to two Super Bowl titles, died Wednesday in Tuscaloosa.
“I think he probably handled the circumstance of the situation he was in taking over for coach Bryant as well as anybody in the world could," Saban said after practice Wednesday.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of coach Perkins,” Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne said.
In 1981, Perkins led the team to its first postseason berth since 1963.