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FAQ: 2025 Paul 'Bear' Bryant Coach of the Year Award Finalists and Ceremony Details
TL;DR
The Paul 'Bear' Bryant Coach of the Year Award gives eight finalists a prestigious edge in recruiting and career advancement by recognizing their winning approaches.
The American Heart Association's award is voted on by media, leadership teams, and the Bryant family after the national champion is determined each January.
This award honors coaching excellence while raising funds for heart health, continuing Bear Bryant's legacy to create a healthier future for all.
Five of the eight finalists also won conference coach of the year awards, with the winner announced live on CBS Sports Network.
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It's an annual award presented by the American Heart Association to a college football coach for contributions that improve the sport for athletes and fans, demonstrating grit, integrity, and a winning approach both on and off the field. It's unique as the only college football coaching honor given after the National Champion has been determined.
The eight finalists are Curt Cignetti (Indiana University), Bob Chesney (James Madison University), Mario Cristobal (University of Miami), Mike Elko (Texas A&M University), Tony Elliott (University of Virginia), Dan Lanning (University of Oregon), Clark Lea (Vanderbilt University), and Joey McGuire (Texas Tech University).
Five finalists received Bear Bryant conference awards: Curt Cignetti (Big 10), Bob Chesney (Group of 6), Tony Elliott (ACC), Clark Lea (SEC), and Joey McGuire (Big 12).
The winner will be announced live on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston, Texas, during an awards ceremony presented by Memorial Hermann Health System.
The event will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network at 12:30 a.m. CST on January 22, 2026.
Voting is conducted by members of the National Sports Media Association, the Bryant Awards' Executive Leadership Team, and the Bryant Family.
The association presents the award to celebrate coaching excellence, honor Bear Bryant's legacy, and raise awareness and critical funds for its mission to improve heart health. Coach Bryant died from a heart attack in 1983, 28 days after his final victory and retirement.
Yes, Phillip Fulmer will receive the 2026 Paul 'Bear' Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award, and the late Mike Leach will be honored posthumously with the 2026 Paul 'Bear' Bryant Heart of a Champion Award presented by St. Luke's Health.
Fans can track progress at facebook.com/bryantawards and x.com/bryantawards.
Curated from NewMediaWire
