LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Eastern Kentucky University football coaching legend Roy Kidd died Tuesday at age 91.
The hall of fame coach's passing was announced Tuesday morning by the school on X, formerly known as Twitter. Kidd led the Colonels from 1964-2002.
"It would be impossible to express everything Coach Kidd has meant to Eastern Kentucky University," the post said. "He embodied the passion, purpose, and pride that our program strives for every day. Thank you, Coach Kidd!"
Kidd's career coaching record at EKU was 314-124-8. Only Grambling State's Eddie Robinson won more games at the NCAA Division I-AA/FCS level.
Kidd played quarterback for the Colonels from 1950-1953. He coached at the high school level before becoming an assistant for EKU in 1963.
He took over as head coach the following season.
Kidd won his first I-AA national championship in 1979. In 1982, he led the team to a 13-0 record and won his second national title.
“Roy Kidd’s passing is a great loss for EKU, the city of Richmond, Madison County, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and the entire college football community," Athletic Director Matt Roan said. "Coach Kidd’s impact on the people who were fortunate enough to know him was immeasurable and the pride he felt in being an EKU Colonel was apparent to everyone he met. College football is better for having Roy Kidd on the sidelines, EKU is better for having Roy Kidd on its campus, and we are all better for knowing and working with him. Thank you, Coach!”
He retired in 2002 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
Gov. Andy Beshear commented on Kidd's passing on X.
"Coach Roy Kidd was the most successful football coach in EKU's history," he said. "His awards will leave a lasting legacy, but he will also be remembered for his impact on the students he coached and supported. My prayers are with the Kidd family and all of EKU as we mourn this loss."
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