Syracuse football will wear a patch on its uniforms this season in memory of the late Dick MacPherson, who coached SU from 1981-1990. MacPherson died earlier this month. He was 86.

The orange patch features orange lettering that reads “Mac,” a nod to MacPherson’s nickname of “Coach Mac.” The same design will also appear on the Carrier Dome’s turf.

In a statement, SU athletic director John Wildhack called the patches “a tribute to the lasting impact (MacPherson) had on Syracuse University.”

SU appeared in five bowl games during MacPherson’s 10-year tenure and overall, his teams combined for a 66-46-4 record. Syracuse was ranked as high as fourth in a national poll during his tenure.

MacPherson, a Korean War veteran, is known for catapulting the Syracuse program into national prominence, which extended beyond his time as coach, into the 1990s. In 1987-88, SU finished 11-0 in the regular season and tied Auburn, 16-16, in the Sugar Bowl. He was consensus pick for National Coach of the Year. Over his final four seasons, SU went 36-10-3.

His success at the college level launched a career in the NFL. After the 1990 season, he was named head coach of the New England Patriots. He coached there for two seasons before retiring.