The U.S. Senate passed Senate Resolution (S. Res 79), honoring the life of Dean Smith, the legendary coach of the University of North Carolina’s basketball team. Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the resolution this past week following his passing on Saturday, Feb. 7.

Smith led the UNC Chapel Hill basketball team to multiple national championships and remained a beloved leader in North Carolina after his retirement.

“Coach Smith was a leader on and off the court,” said Burr. “A fantastic coach, he will be remembered for his success at the helm of the Tar Heels team, and his memory will continue to live on through the hundreds of students he encouraged to succeed in the classroom. I’m happy for the opportunity to further honor his life with this resolution.”

“Few figures in North Carolina have had as profound an impact on our state as Coach Dean Smith, and this resolution recognizes his tremendous life and legacy,” said Burr. “Coach Smith is universally regarded as one of the greatest basketball coaches of all-time, and his role as a leader, teacher, and mentor will never be forgotten.”

A public memorial honoring Smith is set for Sunday, February 21.