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A spirit that is not afraid

Pat Dye hospitalized with kidney issues, tests positive for COVID-19

<p>Former Auburn football coach&nbsp;Pat Dye looks to the camera during Bo Bikes Bama 2017 on Saturday, April 29, 2017 in Auburn, Ala.</p>

Former Auburn football coach Pat Dye looks to the camera during Bo Bikes Bama 2017 on Saturday, April 29, 2017 in Auburn, Ala.

Legendary Auburn football coach Pat Dye has tested positive for COVID-19.

The news first came out in an email sent out by Toccoa First United Methodist Church asking for prayers. 

Dye, now 80, was recently diagnosed with the virus and has been hospitalized with ongoing kidney issues, according to an email sent out by Toccoa First United Methodist Church. 

His son, Pat Dye Jr., spoke with ESPN's Mark Schlabach on Thursday and expects his father to be released from the hospital in a few days. 

"He has essentially been asymptomatic for the virus and is resting comfortably," Dye Jr. told ESPN. "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."

Pat Dye Jr., also confirmed that his father tested positive for the coronavirus during his hospitalization for kidney-related issues. 

"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."   

Dye was the head coach at Auburn from 1981-1992 where he would go 99-39-4 over 12 seasons. Auburn won the SEC in 1983, 1987, 1988 and 1999 and Dye became the fourth coach in SEC history to win three straight SEC titles. He also received SEC coach of the year honors in 1983, 1987 and 1988.

Along with being a head coach, Dye served as Auburn’s athletic director from 1981-1991.

While the stadium is named Jordan-Hare, on November 19, 2005, the field was named Pat Dye Field in his honor, Auburn won that 2005 Iron Bowl 28-18.

The Iron Bowl carries a special significance with Dye as he was the first coach to bring the Iron Bowl to Auburn. The Iron Bowl had been held at Legion Field in Birmingham for 41 years, but in 1989 Dye brought the rivalry back to Auburn. The Tigers would win 30-20.

During his time at Auburn, Dye’s 1982 Auburn team defeated Bear Bryant in his final regular-season game 23-22.

Dye also coached Bo Jackson during his 1985 Heisman season.

Dye was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.


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