Former Michigan State head coach George Perles died late Tuesday night, according to a report from Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press. Perles was 85.

Perles passed away peacefully and was surrounded by his family, according to the report. In 2017, he announced that he was battling Parkinson’s disease.

Perles attended Michigan State University and was a member of the football team from 1954-1956. From 1959-1970, he was a member of the Spartans’ coaching staff, serving as the defensive line coach.

Following his time as an assistant in East Lansing, Perles went on to coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1972-82, where he served in multiple roles. From 1972-77, Perles was the team’s defensive line coach and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 1978. From 1979-82, Perles was the associate head coach.

In 1983, Perles returned to Michigan State to become the head coach of the Spartans. He coached at MSU for 12 seasons, leading the program to two B1G titles (1987, 1990) and six bowl games. The Spartans finished ranked in the top 25 three times during his tenure.

Perles joined the Michigan State University Board of Trustees in 2007, where he served until 2018. He stepped away in November 2018, citing health concerns.