HEADLINE

Pat Dye, Auburn coaching legend, dies at 80

Field Level Media

June 01, 2020 at 6:56 pm.

Former Auburn football coach and athletic director Pat Dye died Monday at age 80.

Hospitalized in recent weeks with kidney problems, Dye tested positive for the coronavirus last month. A cause of death was not immediately available.

Dye compiled a 99-39-4 record and won four SEC titles with the Tigers from 1981-92. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

“We wouldn’t be the Auburn we all enjoy and love today without Coach Pat Dye,” the Auburn football program posted on Twitter. “His impact on the community, athletics and countless individuals are immeasurable. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Dye family.”

An offensive guard and linebacker, Dye played college football for his home-state Georgia Bulldogs from 1958-60. He played for the Canadian Football League’s Edmonton Eskimos as a two-way starter at tight end and linebacker from 1961-62.

He began his coaching career as an assistant at Alabama (1965-73) under Bear Bryant before becoming head coach at East Carolina (1974-79) and Wyoming (1980). His overall coaching record was 153-62-5. His teams were 7-2-1 in bowl games.

In 2005, the playing field at Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium was named Pat Dye Field.