One of the most historic coaches in Auburn football history passed away Monday.
Legendary coach Patt Dye passed away Monday morning after dealing with kidney-related issues. Just a week before, it was announced that Dye had also contracted COVID-19.
His son, Pat Dye Jr., spoke to ESPN, saying:
"“…his positive test occurred a number of days ago during a routine precautionary test pursuant to his hospitalization for kidney-related issues.”"
The former Auburn football legend constructed quite the career while coaching in the college ranks. From 1983 to 1989, Dye made 4 SEC Championship appearances and helped propel Bo Jackson to SEC stardom.
During his time with the Tigers, Dye assembled a 99-39-4 record in 12 seasons and earned the 1983 coach of the year, along with multiple SEC coach of the year awards.
He accomplished all of this while also serving the role as the program’s athletic director while simultaneously coaching the team.
Dye had spent his final years on his farm in Notasulga, Alabama.
Remembering Pat Dye & his time with Auburn football
While Dye enjoyed quite the statistical success as Auburn’s lead man, he also left us with a memorable quote, at the expense of in-state rival Alabama.
When asked how long it would take Auburn football to beat Alabama, Dye sarcastically replied “60 minutes”.
The no-nonsense coach truly bled orange & blue as he worked to build Auburn football into a competitive program year in and year out.
Since his departure from the program, the Tigers have yet to see a coach accomplish what Dye was able to do during his time in Auburn, Alabama.
And though Pat Dye is gone, his legend will forever live on in the hearts of college football fans across the nation.