Former Auburn coach Pat Dye is hospitalized with kidney issues at age 80. Dye also tested positive for COVID-19, says his son, Pat Dye Jr., an NFL player agent.
“As has previously been reported, my dad has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus,” Dye Jr. told ESPN in a statement on Thursday. “However, his positive 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. On behalf of my family, I want to thank everyone for the overwhelming support for Dad and our family upon the reporting of this news.”
Dye coached at Auburn from 1981-92. He was 99-39-4 overall in 12 seasons, including nine straight with winning records. The team won four SEC championships, and Dye was named SEC Coach of the Year three times.
Auburn coaching legend Pat Dye was diagnosed with COVID-19 last week and hospitalized in Atlanta.
He returned Auburn to national prominence when he posted a 99-39-4 record with four SEC titles from 1981-92. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005. pic.twitter.com/Lfdcak2qb4
— Auburn Gold Mine (@AUGoldMine) May 21, 2020
Dye was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005. The field at Jordan-Hare Stadium was named in his honor that same year.