Storied Auburn football coach Pat Dye has tested positive for COVID-19 while in the hospital for kidney issues. He is resting comfortably and expected home soon.
The news of Dye’s hospitalization and coronavirus diagnosis was first announced to the public by his home parish of Toccoa First United Methodist Church. Subsequent reporting on his condition was done by ESPN.
The legendary coach’s son, Pat Dye, Jr., told ESPN that his father’s positive COVID-19 test “occurred a number of days ago during a routine precautionary test pursuant to his hospitalization for kidney-related issues.”
“He has essentially been asymptomatic for the virus and is resting comfortably. We fully anticipate his release from the hospital in the next few days once his kidney function is stable,” added Dye Jr.
Coach Dye is familiar to many younger generations of fans as the namesake of the field where the Tigers play their home games.
Dye earned that distinction by leading his teams to a 99-39-4 overall record during his 12 seasons as head coach from 1981-1992.
He won six Iron Bowls, four SEC championships and three SEC Coach of the Year awards.
Dye recruited Auburn legend Bo Jackson and coached him to a Heisman Trophy-winning season in 1985.
Dye also served as Auburn’s athletic director from 1981-1991. During his tenure as AD, he masterminded the move of the Iron Bowl from Birmingham’s Legion Field to Alabama and Auburn’s home stadiums.
When Dye was first hired as Auburn’s coach in 1981 he was asked how long it would take to beat Alabama.
“60 minutes,” Dye replied.
Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95
