The American Heart Association has revealed the 2025 Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award watch list, featuring twenty-eight college football coaches under consideration for the prestigious annual honor. This announcement marks the 40th year of an award that celebrates coaching excellence while simultaneously supporting cardiovascular health awareness and research funding.
The significance of this watch list extends beyond athletic recognition, serving as a platform for the American Heart Association's mission to combat heart disease. Coach Bryant's death from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement, provides poignant context for why this award ceremony doubles as a fundraising and awareness campaign for heart health. The connection between Coach Bryant's legacy and cardiovascular health creates a powerful narrative that resonates with both sports enthusiasts and health advocates.
The watch list includes coaches from across major collegiate conferences, including Bret Bielema of the University of Illinois, Kalen DeBoer of the University of Alabama, Kirby Smart of the University of Georgia, and Lincoln Riley of USC. These coaches represent institutions from the Big Ten Conference, Southeastern Conference, Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12 Conference, and other collegiate athletic associations. The diversity of conferences and geographical representation underscores the national scope of both college football and heart health awareness efforts.
The award ceremony, scheduled for January 21, 2026, in Houston, Texas, will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and presented by Memorial Hermann Health System. In addition to the main Coach of the Year honor, the event will recognize Conference Coach of the Year Awards from each of the Power Four conferences and one from the combined Group of Five conferences. The ceremony will also feature special recognition awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award for Phillip Fulmer of the University of Tennessee and the Heart of a Champion Award presented by St. Luke's Health.
The selection process involves multiple voting bodies, including the National Sports Media Association, the Bryant Awards' Executive Leadership Team, and the Bryant Family. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the award recognizes not only on-field success but also the character and integrity that Coach Bryant exemplified throughout his career. The criteria emphasize contributions that improve the sport for athletes and fans while demonstrating grit, integrity, and a winning approach to coaching and life both on and off the field.
For those interested in following the awards process, additional information is available through the official channels at facebook.com/bryantawards and twitter.com/bryantawards. The continued growth and recognition of these awards highlight the enduring connection between sports excellence and health advocacy, creating meaningful impact beyond the football field.
