The American Heart Association has unveiled the 28 coaches on the watch list for the 2026 Paul 'Bear' Bryant Coach of the Year Award, an honor that carries significance beyond the gridiron because it doubles as a platform for fighting heart disease and stroke. The award, given each January to a college football coach who demonstrates grit, integrity and a winning approach on and off the field, is the only college football coaching honor bestowed after the National Champion has been determined.
The watch list, announced via NEWMEDIAWIRE, includes David Braun of Northwestern, Troy Calhoun of Air Force, Curt Cignetti of Indiana, Ryan Day of Ohio State, Kalen DeBoer of Alabama, Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame, Kirby Smart of Georgia, Steve Sarkisian of Texas and Willie Fritz of Houston, among others. The finalists and recipient are selected by the National Sports Media Association and the Paul 'Bear' Bryant Awards Executive Leadership Team, which includes members of the Bryant family and community leaders.
The implications of this announcement extend well beyond recognizing coaching excellence. The Bear Bryant Awards exist to honor the legacy of the legendary coach, who died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement. Since their inception, the awards have united the football community to support the Association's lifesaving work, raising critical funds and awareness for cardiovascular research and health improvements. That mission remains urgent: cardiovascular disease and stroke remain leading causes of death, and the Association's resources at heart.org and stroke.org provide vital information for prevention and care.
The watch list also underscores the breadth of talent in college football, spanning the Big Ten, SEC, ACC, Big 12 and Group of Six conferences. In addition to the national honor, the awards will present Conference Coach of the Year Awards for the Power Four leagues and a combined Group of Six and Independent category. The 41st annual ceremony is set for January 27, 2027, in Houston and will air on CBS Sports Network. Bruce Arians, a Super Bowl-winning NFL and college head coach, has been named the Heart of a Champion Award winner, and Jackie Sherrill, a two-time NCAA national championship head coach, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
For fans and supporters, the awards offer a way to engage with the cause. More information is available at bryantawards.org, and the original release can be viewed at www.newmediawire.com. By linking coaching excellence to heart health, the watch list announcement serves as a reminder that the spotlight on these coaches also shines on a mission to save lives.
