The American Heart Association has announced that Jackie Sherrill, a legendary figure in college football, will receive the 2027 Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by HFG Wealth Management. The award, now in its 28th year, recognizes a coach for outstanding career accomplishments both on and off the field and is voted on by the National Sports Media Association based on criteria established by the Bryant family, including integrity, leadership, dedication to the development of young people, and excellence in teaching the game of football.
Sherrill’s connection to coach Bryant runs deep. A native of Duncan, Oklahoma, Sherrill played for Bryant at the University of Alabama from 1962 to 1965, helping the Crimson Tide win two national championships. He later served as a graduate assistant under Bryant before embarking on a coaching career that spanned more than three decades. Over 27 seasons as a head coach at Washington State, Pittsburgh, Texas A&M, and Mississippi State, Sherrill compiled a career record of 180-120-4, becoming one of the most successful coaches of his era.
“Coach Sherrill’s impact on college football spans generations and extends far beyond wins and championships,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “Through his leadership, commitment to excellence, and dedication to developing young people, he exemplifies the values that defined coach Bryant’s remarkable legacy and continue to inspire others today. We are honored to recognize coach Sherrill's lasting impact on the game and the people he helped shape throughout his career.”
The award holds special significance because coach Bryant died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement. The Bear Bryant Awards annually celebrate excellence in coaching, honor Bryant’s legacy, and raise awareness and critical funds for the American Heart Association’s mission to fight cardiovascular disease and stroke. The awards support the Association’s lifesaving work, funding research and improving cardiovascular health. Fans can learn more about heart health at heart.org and stroke prevention at stroke.org.
Sherrill rose to national prominence at the University of Pittsburgh, where he succeeded Johnny Majors and guided the Panthers to a 50-9-1 record from 1977 to 1981, producing five consecutive top-10 finishes and helping develop future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino. His coaching staff during that period included future national championship-winning coach Jimmy Johnson and future NFL head coach Dave Wannstedt. In 1982, Sherrill moved to Texas A&M, where he transformed the Aggies into a Southwest Conference powerhouse, capturing three consecutive SWC championships from 1985 to 1987 and establishing the famed “12th Man Kickoff Team” tradition. He earned three consecutive SWC Coach of the Year honors during that run. After arriving at Mississippi State in 1991, Sherrill undertook one of the most impressive rebuilding projects in the Southeastern Conference, inheriting a program that had not enjoyed a winning season since 1986 and guiding the Bulldogs to six bowl appearances, an SEC Western Division title in 1998, and a top-15 national finish in 1999. His 75 victories remain the most by any head coach in Mississippi State history.
“Receiving an award that bears Coach Bryant’s name is truly special,” said Sherrill. “Coach Bryant shaped my life as a player, a coach, and a person. I’ve always believed that success is measured by the people you help develop and the relationships you build along the way. I’m deeply honored and humbled by this recognition.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award is one of five honors presented annually during the Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards ceremony, presented by Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston. This year’s ceremony, in its 41st year, will be held on Wednesday, January 27, and will air on the CBS Sports Network. Bruce Arians was previously announced as the recipient of this year’s Heart of a Champion Award. The Fan Favorite, Newcomer Coach of the Year, and 2026 Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Year will also be awarded that evening. More information about the awards is available at bryantawards.org.
