Former Auburn football coach Pat Dye is expected to recover from the kidney-related issues that sent him to the hospital, where the 80-year-old recently tested positive for the novel coronavirus, his son told ESPN.
Pat Dye Jr. said 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," adding that Pat Dye Sr. "has essentially been asymptomatic for the virus."
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Dye, who also served as Auburn's athletic director from 1981 to 1991 while he coached the Tigers' football team from 1981 to 1992, reportedly has been living at his farm in Notasulga, Ala.
"We fully anticipate his release from the hospital in the next few days once his kidney function is stable," Pat Dye Jr. told ESPN of his father. "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 Sr., a College Football Hall of Famer, compiled a record of 99-39-4 in 12 seasons as Auburn's football coach. His success is why Auburn's football team now plays its home games on Pat Dye Field at Jordan-Hare Stadium.