The American Heart Association has revealed the eight finalists for the 2025 Paul 'Bear' Bryant Coach of the Year Award, marking the 40th anniversary of the prestigious coaching honor. This announcement carries significance beyond the football field, as the award serves dual purposes: recognizing coaching excellence while raising awareness and critical funds for cardiovascular health, the very condition that claimed legendary coach Bear Bryant's life in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement.
The eight finalists, selected for demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach both on and off the field, are Curt Cignetti of Indiana University, Bob Chesney of James Madison University, Mario Cristobal of the University of Miami, Mike Elko of Texas A&M University, Tony Elliott of the University of Virginia, Dan Lanning of the University of Oregon, Clark Lea of Vanderbilt University, and Joey McGuire of Texas Tech University. Five of these coaches also earned conference-specific Bear Bryant honors: Cignetti (Big 10), Chesney (Group of 6), Elliott (Atlantic Coast Conference), Lea (Southeastern Conference), and McGuire (Big 12).
What makes this award unique in college football is its timing as the only major coaching honor presented after the National Champion has been determined. The final selection involves voting by members of the National Sports Media Association, the Bryant Awards' Executive Leadership Team, and the Bryant Family, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of coaching contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike.
The importance of this announcement extends beyond athletic recognition to public health advocacy. The American Heart Association, which presents the awards annually, uses the platform to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. The organization, described as a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, channels attention from the awards toward its mission of funding groundbreaking research and providing critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke.
This year's ceremony will also honor two additional coaching legends. Phillip Fulmer, former head coach of the University of Tennessee, will receive the 2026 Paul 'Bear' Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award, while the late Mike Leach, innovator of the Air Raid offense and former head coach at Texas Tech, Washington State and Mississippi State universities, will be honored posthumously with the 2026 Paul 'Bear' Bryant Heart of a Champion Award presented by St. Luke's Health.
The winner will be announced during a ceremony at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston, Texas, on January 21, 2026, with the event broadcast on CBS Sports Network. Fans can follow award developments through official channels including facebook.com/bryantawards and x.com/bryantawards using the hashtag #BryantAwards. The intersection of sports excellence and health advocacy through this award creates meaningful impact, honoring coaching legacy while supporting vital cardiovascular research that benefits communities nationwide.
