J. Dennis Hastert, the longest-serving Republican Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, died at the age of 84 at his home in Illinois, according to the Kendall County coroner’s office. He passed away over the weekend from natural causes while under hospice care.

Hastert’s political career, spanning two decades in Congress, was marked by significant influence, including presiding over the House during pivotal moments such as the impeachment proceedings against President Bill Clinton and the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He collaborated closely with President George W. Bush to advance key legislative priorities, notably large tax cuts and a major expansion of Medicare to include prescription drug coverage—the most substantial change to the program in decades. His leadership style was often described as congenial and pragmatic, earning him the nickname “Coach” among colleagues, a reflection of his earlier career as a high school wrestling coach in Yorkville, Illinois.

Hastert’s rise to the speakership was somewhat unexpected. He became speaker in 1999 after Newt Gingrich resigned amid ethics controversies and Bob Livingston withdrew as a potential successor following revelations of his own personal misconduct. Hastert held the position until 2007, when Democrats regained control of the House. During his tenure, he adopted what came to be known as the “Hastert rule,” an informal principle that the House should not advance legislation without majority support from the majority party, even if bipartisan support existed.

However, Hastert’s legacy was profoundly tarnished by revelations that emerged years after his departure from Congress. In 2015, he pleaded guilty to violating federal banking laws, admitting to withdrawing large sums of money through multiple small transactions to evade reporting requirements. The funds were reported to have been paid to an individual identified only as “Individual A” to conceal “prior misconduct.” This misconduct was revealed to be the sexual abuse of at least four teenage boys he had coached in wrestling during the late 1960s through the early 1980s. During sentencing in 2016, Hastert acknowledged he “mistreated” some of the boys, though he did not use the term sexual abuse. The presiding federal judge characterized him as “a serial child molester.” Hastert served 15 months in prison and was released in 2017.

Prior to his political career, Hastert was a history teacher and wrestling coach at Yorkville High School, where he led his team to a state championship in 1976 and earned recognition as Illinois coach of the year. Despite his later public prominence, the abuse allegations and his conviction shocked many of his former colleagues and constituents who had regarded him as an affable and steady figure.

Hastert’s tenure also faced criticism for ethical controversies involving other Republican leaders, including the handling of abuse allegations against former Congressman Mark Foley related to inappropriate communications with teenage House pages—a scandal that contributed to Republicans losing control of the House in 2006. Hastert and other party leaders were accused of failing to take sufficient action, though Hastert denied he was aware of Foley’s conduct at the time.

After resigning from Congress in 2007, Hastert pursued a career in lobbying and consulting, but following his indictment, he stepped away from public life. Institutions that had honored him, including his alma mater Wheaton College, distanced themselves after his legal troubles became public.

Hastert is survived by his wife, Jean, and two sons. His death concludes a life marked by a rise to political prominence and a dramatic and lasting fall in the public eye.