Former UGA assistant Pyburn passes away

Here's some sad news from UGA on Monday morning:

ATHENS - Former University of Georgia assistant football coach Jim Pyburn died Saturday night in Jasper, Ala., after a long illness.

The father of former Georgia quarterback Jeff Pyburn (1976-79), Jim Pyburn coached defensive line, linebackers, and secondary from 1964-79 under UGA head coach Vince Dooley.

Born November 1, 1932, in Fairfield, Ala., Pyburn played football and baseball at Birmingham¹s Ensley High School before he became one of the greatest ends in Auburn University history. As a senior was named third team All-American and received more votes on the All-SEC team than any other player. He also was an outstanding baseball player leading the SEC in hitting with a .432 average in 1953 as a third baseman and outfielder.

The following year he signed a pro baseball contract with the Baltimore Orioles where he played in 158 major league games between 1955 and O57. After three years, he left baseball for a coaching career.

He was inducted into the State of Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. Jeff Pyburn is currently a practicing attorney in Phoenix, Ariz.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.