The admiration for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, and their appeal, as well as most of their success, is due in no small part to Paul "Bear" Bryant (born September 11th, 1913 - died January 26th, 1983) - the all-time greatest NCAA college football coach. His famous houndstooth hat, and steely gaze, is instantly recognized by Alabama football fans of all ages.
Bryant effectively steered his players to many prestigious college bowl and championship games, winning the trophies and awards that permanently changed the Alabama football program. College Football dominates in Alabama, and forever when people think of Alabama football they will think of Paul Bear Bryant.
Before returning to coach his alma-mater, the Crimson Tide, Bryant had previously coached at Kentucky, Texas A & M and Maryland. He did great things at all three schools, particularly UK and A & M.
Bryant was head coach for just one season at the University of Maryland, in 1945, and he took them a 6-2-1 record. After that short stay at the Terrapins, he went on to coach the University of Kentucky for eight seasons, and they made their first bowl appearance in 1947 and also won their first and only SEC title in 1950. Bryant moved to Texas A & M in 1954 and became their athletic director and head coach. He improved the Aggies from 1-9 his first year to winning the Southwest Conference championship two years later.
When the 1957 season finished, Bryant went back home to Alabama, and took up the posts of athletic director and head coach at the University of Alabama. Bear Bryant is recognized as perhaps the most successful NCAA college football coach of all time because of the work he did with the Alabama football program. In 1959, he was responsible for the first victory in six years over Auburn, which led to their first appearance in a bowl game in as many years. Two years later, in 1961, Alabama had an 11-0 season. They went on beat Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl and bring home a National Championship.
Bryant subsequently guided quarterback, Joe Namath; developed his wishbone offense; and led Alabama to 24 straight bowl appearances. He also achieved a total of six National Titles (1961, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, and 1979). Bryant turned around the Alabama football program with his tough love and charming personality. His players sweat blood and tears for their coach.
In his quarter century at Bama, Bryant racked up a record of 323-85-17 (.780); won six National Championships; made 29 Bowl Appearances; had 15 Conference Championships; three times was named the National Coach of the Year; and became a respected member of the College Football Hall of Fame. The University of Alabama honored the "Bear" even further, in 1975, by naming their stadium and a major campus street after him. The state of Alabama also named a high school after Bryant.
Some people thought Jim Tressel might someday possibly be considered the best CFB coach ever. Of course, that was before the Terrell Pryor Scandal.
Mo Johnson is the editor of The Best Football Blog which has interesting football stories about every level of football from high school, to college, to the pros.
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