On Tuesday afternoon, I asked on Twitter for people to react to the news that UAlbany football coach Bob Ford would be retiring following the 2013 season.

Below are tweets that were sent to me or that were sent out to the twittersphere on Coach Ford and what he's meant to people.

Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator

@ChuckSchumer: “Congrats to legendary UAlbany football coach Bob Ford on impending retirement after 43 yrs of leading the #purplefam”

UAlbany Athletics

@UAlbanySports: “Coach Ford, the most modest man alive, announcing that the 2013 season will be his last with @UAlbanyFootball #44seasons”

Tim McDonnell, CAA Communications Assistant

@timmcd_123: “Do people really realize how much of a legend Bob Ford is? Guy literally built the UAlbany football program. #CAAFB”

Will Brown, UAlbany men’s basketball coach

@UAHOOPSWB: “On vacation but have seen many tweets about Coach Bob Ford. Great guy and a great coach. Has impacted the lives of so many he has coached!”

Mike McMahon/The Record

Jim Fiore, Stony Brook AD

@JDFiore: “Much congratulations & respect to @UAlbanySports football coach Bob Ford on his retirement announcement. Hall of fame coach; better person”

Greg Viscomi, Monmouth Assistant AD

@OneandOnlyGregV: MT: “Class act, great coach – best of luck”

Anthony Sciarra QB (’04)

@danefan: “Coach Ford is without a doubt one of the greatest human beings I’ve ever encountered. That is true both on and off the field. His number one goal was to turn out fine young men and that was evident in everything he did. He developed skills in so many of us that we never could have imagined we had. He will be impossible to replace, but we’re looking forward to his next chapter.”

Paul Layton P (’10-12)

@PunterLayton: “Congrats to Coach Ford announcing his retirement for after this season”

Dave Plungas ILB (’08-12)

@TheGR8Plungini: “If you didn't play for or know coach ford you don't understand. Never once seen him in a bad mood. Retiring a legend.”

Justin Brancaccio LB (’06-09)

@JBran54: “It’s crazy to think this is the last season #BobFord will coach @UAlbanyFootball the program he built & tradition will grow! #Purplefam

Rashad Barksdale DB (’07) 

@RB25HUD: “gave me a chance that made my dream come true! not just a great coach, he’s a great guy! Him & his straw hat u can’t replace!

Ryan Kirchner WR (’09-12)

@RyKirch8: “There is no coach to ever have an impact on his players in both football and especially life like Ford has had. He’s a legend.”

Kevin Richards OL (’06-09)

@KevinRichards75: “Coach Ford is UA’s best rep and his coaching tree is massive. It’s VERYHARD to find a coach in the Northeast NOT connected with him.”

WFAN’s Paul Dottino

@giantswfan: “Albany’s Bob Ford and RMorris’ Joe Walton are retiring at end of year. Great FB guys. Thanks for the memories. Best to both of them.”

John Carpenter, Stony Brook Equipment Manager

@John_Carpenter1: “Congratulations to Coach Bob Ford on an outstanding career at @UAlbanyFootball. He is a true legend of CFB.”