Remembering a Coaching Legend: Roy Kidd, Eastern Kentucky Football Icon, Passes Away at 91

The world of college football is mourning the loss of a true legend today, as Roy Kidd, the iconic former head coach of Eastern Kentucky University’s football team, passed away at the age of 91. The news was announced by the university via social media, paying tribute to the man who left an indelible mark on the EKU community and college football as a whole.

“Coach Kidd left an indelible impact on every person he encountered, whether in athletics, across campus, or beyond. Our university is forever grateful for his loyalty and service to our students,” the university’s statement read. “As we mourn, please join us in sending well wishes to his wife and children. Visitation details will be finalized in shortly and once we have those details, we will be sure to share them with you. Rest in Peace, Coach Roy Kidd.”

A Storied Career

Roy Kidd’s legacy in the world of football is nothing short of legendary. He served as the head coach of Eastern Kentucky from 1964 to 2002, compiling a remarkable record of 314 wins, 124 losses, and 8 ties. Under his leadership, the EKU Colonels achieved significant milestones, including winning two I-AA National Championships in 1979 and 1982 and reaching the finals in 1980 and 1981.

Coach Kidd’s 300th career win, achieved just 22 years ago, placed him in an exclusive circle of collegiate coaches. His achievements extended to 16 Ohio Valley Conference titles and two national runner-up finishes.

A Multifaceted Athlete and Coach

Before his illustrious coaching career, Roy Kidd was a three-sport star at Corbin High School. He continued to excel at Eastern Kentucky University, where he became a record-setting Little All-American quarterback for the football team and a stalwart center fielder on the baseball diamond, maintaining a batting average above .300 each season.

After a brief stint as an assistant basketball and head baseball coach at Madison Central High School, Kidd led the Madison-Model high school football team to a remarkable 54-11-1 record from 1956 to 1961. His journey then took him to Morehead State University as an assistant football coach before returning to EKU, where he began a 39-year reign of consistent excellence.

A Lifelong Commitment to EKU

Even after retiring from coaching, Roy Kidd’s dedication to Eastern Kentucky University continued. He worked part-time in the EKU Development Office, tirelessly rallying support for an institution he deeply cherished.

His contributions to EKU were recognized with numerous honors, including the naming of the EKU football stadium as Roy Kidd Stadium, the renaming of the street in front of it as Roy and Sue Kidd Way, and the erection of a statue in his honor outside the stadium in 2017.

A Man of Values

Beyond his coaching prowess, Roy Kidd’s philosophy in life was grounded in values. He once said, “I want our people to have pride in this place, work hard to make it nice, get a good education, be a good person when they go out in the world, and treat others the way you want to be treated.”

His commitment to shaping not only successful athletes but also good people was at the heart of his coaching philosophy.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Roy Kidd’s impact extended beyond the university. He was a member of several Halls of Fame, including the EKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni, the EKU Athletics Hall of Fame, the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame, the OVC Hall of Fame, and the Madison County Sports Hall of Fame.

The Kentucky High School Athletic Association pays tribute to his legacy through the Roy Kidd Award, presented annually to the best high school football player in the state. The Roy Kidd OVC Coach of the Year Award is also a testament to his enduring influence.

Family and Loved Ones

Roy Kidd is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Susan ‘Sue’ Purcell Kidd, and their three children, Marc Kidd (Amy Luyster) of Plano, Texas, Kathy Kuhl (Lewis) of Miami, Florida, and Keith Kidd (Laura Estepp) of Richmond, Kentucky. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Seth Kidd (Mehgan), Evan Kuhl (Ana), Samantha Kidd Shelton (Tyler), Nicholas Kuhl, Kirsten Kuhl, and Kody Kidd, as well as four great-grandchildren, Penelope Kidd, Lucia Kuhl, Otto Shelton, and Clementine Kidd, along with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great-nephews.

A Farewell to a Legend

Services to honor the memory of Roy Kidd will be held at the EKU Center for the Arts, with Bill Fort officiating. A private burial will follow in the Richmond Cemetery. Dates and times for these services will be announced shortly.

As we bid farewell to a true football icon, Coach Roy Kidd’s impact on the university and the countless lives he touched will be remembered for generations to come.