FAQ: Mike Leach Receives Posthumous Paul 'Bear' Bryant Heart of a Champion Award

What is the Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant Heart of a Champion Award?

The Heart of a Champion Award recognizes individuals whose notable contributions and positive influence have helped define how we experience sports, and who exemplified characteristics for which Coach Bryant was known, including integrity, perseverance, determination and grit.

Why is Mike Leach receiving this award?

Mike Leach is being honored for his exceptional contributions to college football and the community, his larger-than-life impact on the game, his players, and the communities he touched throughout his coaching career, as well as his innovative spirit, authenticity and fearless leadership.

When and where will the award be presented?

The award will be presented on January 21st in Houston, Texas, where Sharon Leach, Mike’s widow, will receive the award in honor of her husband’s legacy.

Who presents the Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant Awards?

The American Heart Association presents the Bear Bryant Awards annually to celebrate excellence in coaching, honor Coach Bryant’s legacy, and raise awareness and critical funds for its mission.

How is the Heart of a Champion Award recipient selected?

The Heart of a Champion Award is selected by the Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant Awards Executive Leadership Team.

What were Mike Leach’s most significant coaching achievements?

Leach revolutionized offensive football with his development of the air raid system, posted a combined 158-106 record, won 18 games over AP-ranked teams while his own team was unranked, and was honored as Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year and recipient of both the Woody Hayes Trophy and George Munger Award after the 2008 season.

Who else has received the Heart of a Champion Award in previous years?

Previous recipients include Mark Richt (2025), Olivia and Archie Manning (2024), Mark Dantonio (2023), David Shaw (2022), Sylvester Croom (2021) and Lee Corso (2020).

What is the significance of this being a posthumous award?

Mike Leach passed away in December 2022 at the age of 61 after suffering a heart attack, making this 2026 award a posthumous recognition of his lasting impact on college football and the communities he served.

What connection does this award have to heart health awareness?

Both Mike Leach and Coach Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant died from heart attacks, and the American Heart Association uses these awards to raise awareness and critical funds for its mission to change the future of health for everyone everywhere.