We lost an SEC legend on Monday as Pat Dye has passed at age 80 after the former Auburn had to be hospitalized due to ongoing kidney issues.
Dye is widely recognized as one of the best coaches not only in Auburn history but in SEC history. After taking over an Auburn program that was being dominated by Bear Bryant’s Alabama program, Dye managed to flip the momentum of the Iron Bowl during his tenure on The Plains.
Arguably his most important accomplishment as Auburn’s coach was getting the Iron Bowl moved away from Birmingham and moved to a home-and-home setting.
During his time coaching Auburn, from 1981 until 1992, Dye finished with a 99-39-4 record and went 6-2-1 in bowl games. He led Auburn to four SEC titles and went on to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
Following Dye’s passing, former Auburn players and coaches, as well as media members that covered the legendary coach, shared their reactions to the news:
RIP to Pat Dye! Enjoyed every moment he came to practice to spend his time with us man…will always appreciate every time i saw him and every word he spoke
— Kerryon Johnson (@CoachKerryon) June 1, 2020
He definitely one of the reasons I came to Auburn! This one here hurts. Rest up coach!??? https://t.co/pxuEFg79CU
— BigKat Bryant (@BigKat) June 1, 2020
Man ? Coach came to me after the LSU game in ‘18 and said “It’s really heartwarming watching you play football!” To me, that was the highest of praise knowing the LEGEND he was! ?? RIP Old Man ? You left your mark ? Forever grateful of our pre game and practice talks! ??❤️ https://t.co/qxuHvWCyMQ
— ⭐️Deshaun Davis⭐ (@_Davis_Boy12) June 1, 2020
RIP Coach Pat Dye. It was honor to know you pic.twitter.com/P5uYscjaJF
— Sean White (@sean_m_white) June 1, 2020
Sending my condolences to Dye family. R.I.P to one of the greatest to ever do it. #CoachDye ??
Auburn icon gone: Legendary coach Pat Dye dies | Auburn University Sports | https://t.co/QNwNR4paJk https://t.co/6dh8rQEL0H
— Takeo Spikes, M.B.A (@TakeoSpikes51) June 1, 2020
Coach Pat Dye, thank you for the wisdom, Auburn spirit, and courage. It was an honor to know you for who you were as a person. To the family, we are all praying for your loss. War Eagle ? forvever coach Dye.
— Kodi Burns (@KodiBurns) June 1, 2020
1:42 on this one gets me 30 years later. You coaches and players know that feeling. #RIPCoachDye https://t.co/68e8grntxT
— Jim Dunaway (@jimdunaway) June 1, 2020
https://twitter.com/CoachTimHorton/status/1267517700642832384
Auburn coaching legend Pat Dye passed away Monday.
Dye was hospitalized with a kidney issue. He tested positive for COVID-19.
He had a 99-39-4 record and won four SEC titles at Auburn from 1981-92. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005 pic.twitter.com/jSbJYSRrbK
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) June 1, 2020
This hurts. Prayers up for Coach and his family. This picture was taken less than 4 months ago. This man’s love for @AuburnU @AUAlumniAssoc @AuburnFootball was untouched. I am really hating 2020. ??? #RIP #CoachDye #PatDye #WarEagleCoach pic.twitter.com/ElwQ7pG5W4
— Tommy James Law (@TommyJamesLaw) June 1, 2020
Saddened to hear about the loss of my friend and coach, Thank you for your legacy #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/4cgG9eP8Mm
— Aubie the Tiger (@AubietheTiger01) June 1, 2020
RIP Coach Pat Dye. Yes, he won four SEC championships but his greatest accomplishment, IMO, was getting Auburn's home games in the Iron Bowl moved to Jordan-Hare Stadium. That changed the Auburn-Alabama rivalry forever. https://t.co/oE3pndyT4u
— Tony Barnhart (@MrCFB) June 1, 2020
I once asked HOF quarterback Fran Tarkenton to name his favorite teammate at Georgia. He didn't hesistate.
"Patrick Fain Dye," he said.
Two time All-American in 1959 and 1960. Won an SEC championship in 1959, beating Auburn in Athens.
RIP, Coach.
— Tony Barnhart (@MrCFB) June 1, 2020
We wouldn't be the Auburn we all enjoy and love today without Coach Pat Dye.
His impact on the community, athletics and countless individuals are immeasurable.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Dye family. pic.twitter.com/Fyt6Ts2rVc
— Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) June 1, 2020
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
