Legendary basketball coach Don Haskins, whose career was depicted in the 2006 movie Glory Road and who led Texas Western College to become NCAA National Champions in 1966, passed away on Sunday from congestive heart failure in Texas.   Haskins was 78-years old.

Haskins, the Hall of Fame coach credited with helping break color barriers in college sports in 1966 when he used five black starters to win a national basketball title for Texas Western, died Sunday. He was 78.

Dr. Dwayne Aboud, Haskins’ physician, told reporters Sunday that Haskins had been suffering from congestive heart failure and died at home about 4:30 p.m. He was surrounded by friends and relatives, Aboud said.

“As many of you know, Coach Haskins has had some cardiac problems. He opted not to go back to the hospital but to remain at home,” Aboud said, standing outside the UTEP basketball arena named for Haskins.

Haskins played five starting African-Americans, a first in college history, in beating the lily white Kentucky Wildcats in the 1966 championship game.

Don is survived by his wife Mary Haskins and sons Brent, David and Steve.  Haskins coached at UTEP (TWC) for 38 years racking up a career record of 719-353.