The American Heart Association has released the 2026 Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award watch list, naming 28 current college football coaches in consideration for the annual honor. The award, given each January, recognizes a coach whose contributions make the sport better for athletes and fans by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life, both on and off the field. It is the only college football coaching honor presented after the National Champion has been determined.
The watch list, finalists and ultimate recipient are voted on by the National Sports Media Association and the Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards Executive Leadership Team, which includes members of the Bryant family and community leaders. The 2026 list features coaches from programs across the country, including David Braun of Northwestern, Curt Cignetti of Indiana, Ryan Day of Ohio State, Kalen DeBoer of Alabama, Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame, Kirby Smart of Georgia and Steve Sarkisian of Texas.
The awards carry significance beyond the playing field. The American Heart Association presents the honors annually to celebrate coaching excellence, honor Coach Bryant's legacy and raise awareness and critical funds for its mission. Bryant died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement. Since its inception, the awards have united the football community in support of the Association's lifesaving work.
In addition to the national Coach of the Year, the program will present Conference Coach of the Year Awards from each of the Power Four conferences and one from the combined Group of Six conferences and Independent teams. The National Coach of the Year Award is one of five honors presented during the Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards Ceremony, presented by Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston. The 41st annual ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, January 27, 2027, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Bruce Arians, a Super Bowl-winning NFL coach and former college head coach, has been selected as the Heart of a Champion Award winner, while Jackie Sherrill, a two-time NCAA national championship head coach, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Fan Favorite and Newcomer Coach of the Year Awards will be announced live at the event.
The announcement matters to fans, athletes and the broader football community because it signals the start of the awards season and highlights coaches who exemplify leadership. It also underscores the partnership between college football and the American Heart Association, which uses the platform to advance cardiovascular research and improve health outcomes. Proceeds from the awards support the Association's mission to fight heart disease and stroke, conditions that remain leading causes of death. More information about the awards is available at bryantawards.org, and the Association's health resources can be found at heart.org and stroke.org. The original release is available on www.newmediawire.com.
