AUBURN-Pat die much admired and beloved coach for the Auburn football team died on Monday, June 1. Coach Dye was 80.
Dye had recently tested positve for COVID-19. Lee County coroner Bill Harris said Dye died at a hospice care facility in Auburn from complications of kidney and liver failure.
Dye a former all-American college player at Georgia in the late 1950’s started his coaching career as an assistant at Alabama before earning his first head coaching tenure at East Carolina then onto Wyoming for a season before taking over the helm at Auburn in 1981 until 1992. In his 12 seasons at Auburn Coach Dye won 99 games which included four SEC championships.
Pat Dye’s son and the Auburn family responded to his passing Monday:
Pat Dye, Jr:
“On behalf of our family, I want to thank all of the people from around the country who have offered their support and admiration for Dad these past several days. Dad would be honored and humbled to know about this overwhelming outreach. The world has lost a pretty good football coach and a great man. He was beloved, he touched so many lives and he will be missed by many, especially our family.”
Governor Kay Ivey:
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Coach Pat Dye — a great man, coach and member of the Auburn family. Not only was he a phenomenal football coach, but an even better person. For years, I have known Pat personally and have always valued his friendship and colorful commentary. He had great takes on both football and life. Coach Dye truly embodied the Auburn spirit. He will be missed not only by the Auburn family, but the entire state of Alabama. War Eagle, Coach. Your life and legacy lives on.”
Rep. Robert Aderholt:
“If there was a college football version of Mount Rushmore, Pat Dye could be there among the greats. Not only did he bring Auburn football back into prominence by winning games, SEC Championships, and what probably should have been a 1983 National Championship, he was a wonderful molder of young men. While he will long be remembered for the games he won and the contributions he made to the great Auburn-Alabama rivalry, there are hundreds of people who were touched by him who will carry on his legacy for decades to come.”
