Longtime NFL coach Gunther Cunningham died on Saturday at the age of 72 after a brief bout with cancer.

Most known for his time with the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions, Cunningham began his NFL coaching career in 1982 as the defensive line and linebackers coach for the Baltimore Colts. He went on to coach for four more teams, including the Chiefs, with whom he had two stints as defensive coordinator and was head coach for the 1999 and 2000 seasons.

“My family and I are deeply saddened to hear the news of Gunther's passing,” Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt said in a statement. “During his nine seasons as defensive coordinator and two as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, he led some of the most feared defenses in our franchise's history with his energetic and motivating coaching style. Gunther made a tremendous impact on so many lives on and off the playing field in nearly five decades of coaching. Our heartfelt condolences go out to René, Natalie, Adam and the entire Cunningham family during this difficult time.”

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Cunningham's last NFL coaching job came in Detroit. He was the Lions' defensive coordinator from 2009 to 2013 before transitioning to a senior coaching assistant role in 2014. He retired from coaching at the conclusion of the 2016 season.

“Gunther Cunningham will forever be remembered as one of the great men of our game,” Detroit said in a statement. “He left a lasting impact on every person who was fortunate enough to work alongside him during his more than 47 years as a coach – including 34 years in the National Football League, the final eight of which were spent here in Detroit. Our organization is truly honored and proud to have been included in his distinguished coaching legacy. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his wife, René, and their entire family.”

The coaching giant is survived by his wife, René, and their two children.