ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Virginia high school football coach who inspired the movie “Remember the Titans,” has died. Herman Boone was 84.

Aly Khan Johnson, an assistant coach for Boone beginning in 1972, said the coach died Wednesday at his home in Alexandria, Virginia. He said Boone had been battling cancer. Johnson said he had visited the coach regularly and planned to see him Wednesday when he learned of his death. Johnson said a funeral home operated by his wife is handling the arrangements, which are not complete.

Boone guided T.C. Williams High School to a state championship while navigating the early days of desegregation.

In the movie, he was portrayed by Denzel Washington.

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