Mike Heimerdinger (left) gives instructions to former Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley during Heimerdinger's second stint with the Broncos in 2007. (David Zalubowski/The Associated Press)

After a nearly year-long battle with cancer, former Denver Broncos assistant coach Mike Heimerdinger passed away late Friday night.

Heimerdinger was a college roommate of former Broncos and current Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan at Eastern Illinois University.  Heimerdinger was the wide receivers coach for the Broncos from 1995-1999 until taking the offensive coordinator position with the Tennessee Titans in 2000.  Heimerdinger returned for his second stint with the Broncos as assistant head coach under Shanahan from 2006-2007.

Heimerdinger was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in November 2010 during his second stint with the Titans and relinquished his duties as offensive coordinator of the team later that month.

Heimerdinger is survived by his parents, his wife, Kathie, son Brian and daughter, Alicia.

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