“His nickname was ‘Bear.’ Now, imagine a guy that can carry the nickname, 'Bear.'” This was how football great Joe Namath described his coach in the University of Alabama, Paul Bryant. Considering the magnitude of Bryant’s contribution to the history of the school’s football program, there is probably no better-suited nickname for him.
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| Image source: al.com |
Before Bryant was signed to be the Crimson Tide’s coach in 1958, the university had found intermittent success. It had already won five national titles by then, but in-between those championships were seasons of disappointment and futility. Prior to his hiring, Alabama had endured four straight losing seasons.
Even though Bryant’s first season with the team resulted in mild success, a foundation had been set and turning the tide had become an attainable ambition. His focus on instilling the basics in his players helped build skills and characters. He once said, “I don’t want ordinary people. I want people who are willing to sacrifice and do without a lot of those things ordinary students get to do. That’s what it takes to win.”
And win they did.
In the Bryant era, which reigned for 25 years, the Crimson Tide won six national titles, 13 conference championships, 24 bowl appearances, and amassed more wins than any other team during that duration.
His legend has helped inspire a new crop of football coaches after his retirement, particularly current Alabama coach Nick Saban, who several pundits also consider one of the best football coaches of all time.
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| Image source: al.com |
Hi there! I’m Kevin Rolle, an amateur sportswriter from Alabama. Let’s talk about Alabama’s sports teams by following me on Twitter.
