After 12 years and four Southeastern Conference titles, Pat Dye's coaching career at Auburn comes to an end today when the Tigers battle No. 2 Alabama.
Dye's resignation was announced by university president William Muse at a hastily called news conference Wednesday night."This was Coach Dye's decision," Muse said. "This was a difficult decision for him and Auburn University. Coach Dye believes that the decision is in his best interest and in Auburn's best interest."
After great success during the 1980s, Dye's final two years were marred by an NCAA investigation that threatens to land the team on probation. The NCAA this month charged the school with nine rules violations.
Muse said Dye's resignation was in no way an admission of guilt to the NCAA charges. He said Dye initiated talks about his resignation a week ago and an agreement was reached Wednesday afternoon.
"Coach Dye was in agreement with the timing of this announcement," Muse said. "We wanted him to coach his last game in an environment that was free from speculation and innuendo."
Dye's final game will be Auburn's season finale against Alabama at Legion Field. Ironically, an upset victory by the Tigers (5-4-1) over the Crimson Tide (10-0) would give Dye an even 100 wins at the school.
Alabama coach Gene Stallings said he was saddened by Dye's resignation, "not only for Coach Dye, but for college football."
Dye, 53, who did not attend the news conference, addressed his players and staff earlier Wednesday and reportedly told them "tomorrow will be our last game together."
Muse said Dye will be paid for the final four years of his $146,000-a-year contract over a seven-year period. During that time, he will serve as a special assistant to the president.