Mike Heimerdinger, the Owls' offensive coordinator between 1989-1993, passed away late Friday night after losing his cancer battle at the age of 58. He was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer back in November of 2010, and it's truly unfortunate that he's longer with us.

After coaching the Rice offense, Heimerdinger spent 17 seasons coaching in the NFL before getting fired from the Titans. He has developed many great quarterbacks including Steve McNair, Jay Cutler, and Vince Young.

Some various thoughts on Heimerdinger and his legacy:

"Mike approached cancer with the same vigor and tenacity that he approached any football game — to win," Heimerdinger's wife, Kathie, said in a statement. "Even in the final minutes he never gave up — that was our Dinger. He was a deeply devoted husband and father, loving son and brother, loyal friend and committed coach who loved the game and life."

 "He was a great coach and a tough coach," Titans running back Chris Johnson, who was NFL Offensive Player of the Year when Heimerdinger was his coach, said. "I know I wouldn't have become the player I am without his confidence and the trust that he showed in me. My thoughts go out to his family."