UAB To Launch Cancer Survivor Program In Pat Sullivan's Honor

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Auburn University and Birmingham communities were struck with tragic news at the beginning of the month with the death of former Heisman Trophy winner and football coach Pat Sullivan. Although he will be remembered for numerous accomplishments on and off the football field, the University of Alabama at Birmingham plans to pay tribute to his legacy as they launch a comprehensive cancer survivor program in Sullivan's honor.

The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB aims to help head and neck cancer patients like Sullivan have a better quality of life during and after treatment. As a result, UAB will launch the Pat and Jean Sullivan Comprehensive Head and Neck Cancer Survivor Care Program early next year — the first effort of its kind in the country.

Dr. Ravi Bhatia, interim director of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, released the following statement, after learning of Coach Sullivan’s passing:

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Coach Pat Sullivan. First and foremost, we want to send our heartfelt condolences to Jean Sullivan, his wife of 50 years, and the entire family. Coach Sullivan was a celebrated coach on the field and a champion for others after he stepped off the field. Even as he fought his own cancer journey, Coach Sullivan was selflessly motivated and driven to help others navigate and address the challenges that come with the disease. He was truly an inspiration to us all. Coach Sullivan's legacy will forever continue to inspire our physicians, researchers and our patients at the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB."

Bhatia added that UAB is continuing to raise funds to launch this program in 2020 "so that Coach Sullivan’s vision for head and neck cancer care will become a reality for all patients, families, and caregivers."

Sullivan was Auburn's first Heisman winner, capturing the award in 1971. Sullivan played in the NFL for six years before returning to Birmingham to work, and was then summoned back to the Plains to become the quarterbacks coach at Auburn under Pat Dye. Sullivan left Auburn in 1992 to become the head coach at TCU, a job he held for five seasons.

Sullivan would then coach at UAB as an assistant and at Samford as head coach before retiring in 2014.

Sullivan was selected to the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1981 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991.