By Joshua Huff, sports editor
Former Auburn football coach Pat Dye died on Monday at the age of 80.
Dye, who guided the Tigers for 12 seasons (1981-92), was hospitalized in late May as a result of ongoing kidney issues. The legendary coach also tested positive for COVID-19 in May, but he was asymptomatic. According to ESPN, Dye had spent much of his time at his farm in Notasulga, Alabama.
The legendary coach went 99-39-4 and won a share of four SEC titles as the head coach of the Tigers. Dye earned three SEC Coach of the Year honors and was named the National Coach of the Year once. He was introduced 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 said in a statement posted to social media. “His impact on the community, athletics and countless individuals are immeasurable. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Dye family.”
Dye’s Auburn programs won at least 10 games four times and went 6-2-1 in bowl games. More importantly, Dye guided the Tigers to a 6-6 record against Alabama, which proceeded eight straight losses to the Tide prior to his arrival.
Dye was instrumental with the move of the Iron Bowl from Birmingham to what is now a home-and-home series. The first Iron Bowl game played at Jordan-Hare Stadium was in 1989, which was a 30-20 victory for the Tigers over the No. 2-ranked Tide.
Before he turned to coaching at Auburn, Dye was a two-time All-American at Georgia and roamed the sidelines of several programs before departing to The Plains. Dye coached linebackers at Alabama before becoming a head coach at East Carolina and Wyoming.
Overall, Dye’s coaching record sits at 153-62-5.
Dye was born Nov. 6, 1939, in Blythe, Georgia.