Legendary college basketball coach Charles "Lefty" Driesell, one of the most influential figures in the sport, has passed away at the age of 92. Driesell, known for his fiery coaching style, helped elevate struggling programs like the Maryland Terrapins during his storied coaching career. The university confirmed his passing at his home in Virginia Beach.

Driesell had an impressive coaching career, winning 100 or more games at each of his coaching stops, which included Davidson, James Madison, and Georgia State. However, his most significant and memorable contribution came during his tenure at Maryland, where he coached from 1969 to 1986, amassing an impressive 348 wins. Under his guidance, the Terrapins secured multiple NCAA tournament appearances, as well as the 1972 NIT Championship and the 1984 ACC Tournament championship.

Maryland athletic director Damon Evans hailed Driesell as a "transcendent figure" in college basketball history and credited him with putting Maryland basketball on the map. Despite his impressive coaching record, Driesell faced challenges, most notably the tragic passing of star player Len Bias in 1986, which led to him stepping down from his coaching role.

In 2018, Driesell was rightfully inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, an accolade that was long overdue, according to legendary Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski. Throughout his coaching career, Driesell's impact extended beyond wins and losses, with his innovative approach and contributions to the game setting him apart as a true basketball icon.

Driesell's legacy includes numerous achievements such as leading all four of the college basketball teams he coached to at least one NCAA Tournament appearance, with Maryland and Davidson reaching the Elite Eight multiple times. Additionally, Driesell is credited with creating the now-popular college basketball tradition of Midnight Madness in 1971.

Maryland paid tribute to Driesell earlier this year during a home game against Michigan State, honoring his immense contributions to the program and the sport as a whole. Driesell leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of college basketball and is survived by his four children. His son Chuck, who played for his father at Maryland, followed in his footsteps by becoming an assistant coach at James Madison.