The Bodda Getta

From time to time I hear individuals state that some particular person was responsible or largely responsible for Auburn University hiring Pat Dye as head football coach. Over the years several have credited Mr. Lowder, recently one informed me that he knew the inside story of how a Georgia Power official made it happen. What actually happened is nowhere near the stories out there. At that time I was in a position that provided me access to reality.

The wheels began to turn very slowly after the 1980 opening game with Tennessee, very embarrassing, with many dignitaries in the President's Box, the Governor, etc. The Monday after that game, Dr. Hanly Funderburk, who was in his first year as Auburn University President stated to me, "If changing the football coach becomes necessary, I want to take a long look at Pat Dye, who is at Wyoming, and did a great job at East Carolina". Very little more was said untill the Florida Game in Gainesville, a disappointing loss followiing other SEC losses. Dr. Funderburk and Helen had flown down with the team. He asked Barbara and me to drive his car to the game and we would drive back together. After that game things were very quiet in the car, I was driving. Near valdosta Dr. Funderburk asked me what I thought we should do. My reply was that "we should make a change". He replied, "I will start to work on it tomorrow." and he again mentioned Coach Dye.

After the public announcement and with the President putting together a search committee, Governor James called the President to inform him that he was gong to hire Vince Dooley. When that did not occur, the Governor called to say that he had failed and was out of it, which proved to be an accurate statement. Some members of the search committee wanted to interview others, particularly Coach Sherrill, who came with a high price tag, but Dr. Funderburk quietly worked to bring Coach Dye in. Pat came in talking about building a winning program, he said nothing about money other than support for the program. He was intense and obviously tough and dedicated. All of you have heard the sixty minutes answer.
I beilieve that Coach Dye was brought back for a second time, and the offer was made. Mr. Lowder came onto the A.U. Board of Trustees two years later, but he was very helpful in providing an adequate compensation package for Coach Dye.

Dr. Hanly Funderburk was responsible for bringing Pat Dye to Auburn University and he should be afforded the credit. The rest is history.

Stan Wilson