CANTON, Ohio - Pete Elliott, the longest-tenured executive director in the Pro Football Hall of Fame's history, has died. He was 86.

Elliott served as the museum's director from 1979-1996 and continued as a member of the Hall's board of trustees in his retirement. Elliott also was head football coach at Illinois from 1960-66.

"Pete was beloved by the entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family, including the staff, board of trustees and the Hall of Fame members," President and Executive Director Steve Perry said. "He was a kind and thoughtful person and an inspiration to us all."

Elliott was an All-American quarterback at Michigan in the 1940s before a long coaching career. He led Illinois to the 1964 Rose Bowl.

He was enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994.

© Copyright 2013