BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Auburn football coach Pat Dye announced his resignation Thursday night, coming on the eve of the Tigers' season- ending clash against No. 2 Alabama.
The announcement was made by Auburn President Dr. William V. Muse at a news conference.
The team had arrived in Birmingham earlier in the day for its Thanksgiving Day contest against the Crimson Tide.
'This is Coach Dye's decision,' Muse said. 'It was a difficult decision for him and for Auburn University, but Coach Dye believes, and I agree, that the decision is in his best interests.'
The resignation does not become effective until Dye coaches the Tigers, 5-4-1, against Alabama.
Dye's resignation came less than three weeks after the university received a letter of inquiry from the NCAA detailing an investigation into nine reported violations in the Auburn football program. Dye also was the school's athletic director during that time.
The NCAA spent 13 months investigating accusations by former football player Eric Ramsey, who secretly recorded conversations in which he talked with Auburn coaches and a booster about receiving payments and gifts in violation of NCAA rules.
The letter also charged that Dye was aware of the alleged violations. Dye, who stepped down after last season as athletic director, acknowledged that Auburn had violated NCAA rules.
Talk of Dye's resignation as coach began about a week ago, according to Muse.
'There is no admission of guilt on any of the allegations the NCAA has made against Auburn,' Muse said.
Dye, 53, has a 99-38-4 record at Auburn and has guided the Tigers to four Southeastern Conference championships.
