Tom Jackson, who coached UConn football’s successful teams during the 1980s, has died at his home in Florida, his family announced.

Jackson, 76, is third among UConn coaches in wins (62) and games (119). He was remembered by former players and colleagues as a gregarious man, whose players bonded together under his leadership.

“He had a big personality,” said Mark Didio, who played for UConn from 1988-91 and went on to play in the NFL for the Steelers. “Very charismatic. He definitely was a players’ coach, factual, in your face, no BS, but you wanted to play for him, wanted to practice.”

Originally from New Jersey, Jackson played on the offensive line for Joe Paterno’s early teams at Penn State, 1967-70, playing in two Orange Bowls and a Gator Bowl. He came to UConn in 1978 as offensive line coach and took over as head coach in 1983, replacing Walt Nadzak, who left to become AD at The Citadel.

“Men, you will get more accomplished in life with a smile and a handshake than you will by being a jerk,” Jackson told his players during his first season.

“Never had a bad day,” said Geno Auriemma, who came to UConn in 1985 and had the office next to Jackson’s in the Greer Field House. “That’s what I remember the most, never had a bad day. Loud, fun-loving. Players loved him. He was involved in all aspects of the athletic department. Just a really, really, really great human being.”

Ironically, Bill Belichick later revealed he had applied for the UConn job in 1983 before Jackson was hired. The Huskies were a successful Division I-AA program, now known as FCS, during that time. Under Nadzak, they won or tied for the Yankee Conference title three times, and Jackson compiled a 62-57 record, also winning three conference crowns, in 1983, ’86 and ’89. His best teams posted 8-3 records, in 1983 and ’89.Among those on Jackson’s staff was defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who has helped with Super Bowls in that role with the Giants and Chiefs.

“He really left a nice foundation to build on,” Didio said. “A lot of what he did, you see with the success program has today.”

A funeral mass will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Lakewood Ranch, Fla.. Didio said some of the former players may have an event in Jackson’s honor at UConn at a later date.