Bryant, Paul (1913-1983), was one of the top coaches in the history of American college football. During his 38 years as a head coach, Bryant’s teams won 323 games, while losing only 85 and tying 7. Bryant achieved his greatest success at the University of Alabama, where he coached from 1958 to 1982. The Associated Press named his teams national champions in 1961, 1964, 1965, 1978, and 1979. Bryant, nicknamed “Bear,” was a large man with a gruff manner. He was a strict disciplinarian with his players, but he also took an active interest in their lives outside of football.
Paul William Bryant was born on Sept. 11, 1913, in Moro Bottom, Arkansas, near Fordyce. He played football at the University of Alabama from 1933 to 1935. His head coaching career began in 1945 at the University of Maryland. In 1946, he moved to the University of Kentucky. He coached there eight years. Bryant coached at Texas A&M University from 1954 until he became coach at Alabama. He died on Jan. 26, 1983.
