As much as fans love and value the Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn, the state as a whole is filled with people that care about each other. We love football, but we more so love the individuals who sacrifice to make the ones around them better.
On Monday, the state of Alabama and college football mourn a great ambassador, head coach and friend it lost to kidney failure.
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
Pat Dye, a native Georgian, started his coaching career at the University of Alabama as an assistant to Paul W. “Bear” Bryant. He served as a linebackers’ coach on two national championship teams (1965, 1973) and formed a special friendship with Bryant.
Bryant treated Dye like a son and all the pupil wanted was to one day be a great head coach.
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He got his opportunity in 1981 at Auburn and in the following year, Dye led the Tigers to its first victory over Bryant and the Crimson Tide (23-22) in 10 years. He turned Auburn into a winning program and produced a Heisman winner in Bo Jackson.
Dye won four Southeastern Conference championships (1983, 1987-89) and coached four 10-win seasons.
For 12 years (1981-92), he compiled a 99-39-4 record at Auburn – showing his mentor that he could lead young athletes. Along with being a three-time recipient of SEC Coach of the Year, Dye also had the responsibility of serving as the Tigers’ athletics director from 1981 to 1991.
In 2005, Dye was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and he was also inducted into the Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame in 2014.
On May 21, he was hospitalized in Atlanta for kidney problems.
Dye would end up contracting the coronavirus and lost his life at 80 years old.
Former players, coaches and media pundits joined the Auburn family in celebrating the life of Dye and what he meant to the sport.
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
RIP Coach Pat Dye. It was honor to know you pic.twitter.com/P5uYscjaJF
— Sean White (@SeanWhiteAU) June 1, 2020
I just found out about the passing of my college football coach Pat Dye! What a great coach and a great person. His guidance on my future helped me to decide on pro baseball out of Auburn. Thanks for everything coach you were a true inspiration for me. #RIP Pat Dye War Eagle!!
— Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) June 1, 2020
Coach Gene Stallings from his Texas ranch today: “I was so sorry to hear about Pat (Dye) I knew him before we were head coaches and I’ve been his friend ever since. When he was at Auburn and I was at Alabama, on the field or recruiting, we never had one cross word between us”
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) June 1, 2020
Coach Dye. Great Coach, Great man! R. I.P.
— Mark Richt (@MarkRicht) June 1, 2020
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 (@AyeyoKEJO) June 1, 2020
Godspeed Pat Dye. In college at Tennessee as a joke I went to a Halloween party dressed as Dye, in his trademark necktie & ball cap. Last year I told him that story & that I was sorry I didn’t have a photo of it. He said “If you were dressed like me I know you looked good.” #wde pic.twitter.com/ntT28sBssp
— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) June 1, 2020
College Football and the coaching profession lost a great one today. Coach Pat Dye won many games but I can tell you from knowing so many of the young men who played for him they were far better & stronger people from their time with him. Coach Dye thanks for your example. RIP?
— David Cutcliffe (@DavidCutcliffe) June 1, 2020
Though the rivalry runs deep, respect is the bigger factor and we will remember the person Dye was.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
