Jim Sweeney, the legendary head football coach of Fresno State, has died at the age of 83, according to ESPN.

Sweeney led the Bulldogs for 19 years, finishing as Fresno State's all-time wins leader with 144 victories. He finished his coaching career with 200 wins in 32 seasons.

After winning eight conference titles at Fresno State, and retiring following the 1996 season, the field at Bulldog Stadium was changed to "Jim Sweeney" Field in his honor.

The university announced Sweeney's death on Friday, providing no additional details.

"Most of what our football has accomplished in recent years was clearly made possible by the path that Coach Sweeny blazed for Fresno State football throughout his two decades of leadership," athletic director Thomas Boeh said in a statement. "He was a man of vision, toughness and character who led the Bulldogs to new heights and went on to become a national icon."

Sweeney also coached Washington State and Montana State before he took the job as coach with Fresno State in 1976.

After two years at Fresno State, Sweeney took a NFL assistant coaching job for the Oakland Raiders in John Madden's final season and one year with the St. Louis Cardinals under Bud Wilkinson. Sweeney returned back to Fresno State after the 1979 season with the Cardinals, and stayed until his retirement.

During Sweeney's tenure with Fresno, he helped 35 players get selected in the NFL draft. The list includes Henry Ellard, Trent Dilfer, Stephone Paige, Stepher Baker, Ron Cox and Aaron Craver

"Jim Sweeney is a Bulldog legend who will be deeply missed in our community," Fresno State's University President John D. Welty said. "Not only was he one of Fresno State's most successful football coaches, but he was also a man who loved his student-athletes, first as individuals, and second as athletes, making their well-being a priority. Jim was devoted to Fresno and to our university - he embodied the true Bulldog spirit."

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