re: Yard needs desperate help. St Aug is dead... really dead, not dormant.

If you want low maintenance bermuda (low fertilizer and mowing needs), check Trinity Turf in Pilot Point for “Tifton 10” (not Texturf 10). If you need a “utility” lawn, this is it. Get a pallet and it’ll spread quickly.
Any other bermuda, it’ll need more mowing and fertilizer than st aug.
But if you have even dappled shade, forget bermuda.