Retired Head Coach Eddie Payne with the USC Upstate Spartans (Dawson Powers / USA TODAY Sports)
The college basketball world received sad news today with the announcement that retired Head Coach Eddie Payne had passed away at the age of 69. He was the Head Coach with the Belmont Abbey Crusaders, East Carolina Pirates, Oregon State Beavers, and USC Upstate Spartans. The cause of death is believed to be complications from a stroke. Payne will be mourned by the college basketball world for some time. He announced his retirement from basketball due to his declining health back in 2017.
We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of former USC Upstate head basketball coach Eddie Payne early this morning.