When The Best Damn Band in the Land takes the field today, they'll do so with heavy hearts.

Former band director Dr. Jon Woods passed away this morning at 76 years old. Woods played a large role in turning The Ohio State Marching Band into what it is today. He led TBDBITL for 28 years prior to retiring in 2012 and was the longest serving director in school history. He was also a professor of music education in OSU's School of Music, where he taught grad students and supervised student teachers.

When Jon Waters took over, he was honored to step in for Woods.

"I feel a great responsibility, especially to follow in Jon Woods’ shoes," Waters told Eleven Warriors in 2012. " I think everyone in this position as director of the band is a steward of a tradition, whether you’re here for 38 years as Jon Woods was or one year, I view it as a personal responsibility and one of great stewardship to maintain a tradition and give a quality student experience to generations of students who will fill our ranks."

Woods was scheduled to make his final, public appearance at Ohio Stadium today.