He had the ability to make just the common football pregame talk make your heart glow. Stuff that wouldn't work from other people, worked with him. Rest in peace Coach Kidd.
Fellow Colonels,
It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Coach Roy Kidd. At 91 years old, Coach Kidd passed away surrounded by family and friends today, September 12, 2023. He leaves behind an indelible legacy at his alma mater, in the EKU community and in the lives of so many all across the world.
Coach Kidd joined our Colonel family as a student-athlete, then built a monumental career as head football coach at EKU from 1964 to 2002. As coach, he led the Colonels to two national I-AA championships and two runner-up finishes, 16 conference titles and 314 wins, earning induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Besides establishing Eastern as a football powerhouse and bringing national acclaim to the university, Coach Kidd is remembered by his former players as a thoughtful and compassionate mentor who cared about their personal success, far beyond their playing days. His love and support also went beyond the field and his players. He was such a great support to so many in our local community and to countless programs that have a positive impact.
Coach Kidd truly represents what it means to be an EKU Colonel, and we mourn his loss alongside his wife and family. Visitation and funeral services will be held at the EKU Center for the Arts. Dates and times to come. In lieu of flowers, the Kidd family has asked that donations be made in Coach’s honor to the Roy and Sue Kidd Endowed Scholarship at Eastern Kentucky University. Checks can be mailed to the EKU Foundation, CPO 19, 521 Lancaster Ave, Richmond, KY 40475. Online gifts can be made at go.eku.edu/Give-Kidd.
To learn more about Coach Kidd’s legacy at Eastern Kentucky University and for updated information regarding funeral arrangements, please visit go.eku.edu/CoachKidd.
One Eastern,
David T. McFaddin
Eastern Kentucky University President
