Eight College Football Coaches Named Finalists for 2025 Paul 'Bear' Bryant Coach of the Year Award

The American Heart Association has announced eight active college football coaches as finalists for the 2025 Paul 'Bear' Bryant Coach of the Year Award, marking the 40th anniversary of this prestigious coaching honor. This announcement matters because it represents one of college football's most significant coaching recognitions, awarded after the national champion has been determined, making it a comprehensive assessment of a coach's entire season performance. The implications extend beyond athletic achievement, as the award serves as a platform for raising awareness about heart health and funding critical cardiovascular research through the American Heart Association's mission.

The finalists include Curt Cignetti of Indiana University, Bob Chesney of James Madison University, Mario Cristobal of the University of Miami, Mike Elko of Texas A&M University, Tony Elliott of the University of Virginia, Dan Lanning of the University of Oregon, Clark Lea of Vanderbilt University, and Joey McGuire of Texas Tech University. Five of these coaches have already been recognized as conference coaches of the year within their respective athletic conferences, highlighting their exceptional performance throughout the 2025 season. The selection process involves voting by members of the National Sports Media Association, the Bryant Awards' Executive Leadership Team, and the Bryant Family, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of each candidate's contributions to the sport.

The award ceremony holds particular significance as it honors the legacy of coaching legend Paul 'Bear' Bryant, who died from a heart attack in 1983 just 28 days after his final victory and retirement. This connection between coaching excellence and cardiovascular health awareness creates a powerful platform for the American Heart Association's mission. The organization, described as a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, uses this annual event to raise critical funds while celebrating coaching achievements that demonstrate grit, integrity, and a winning approach both on and off the field.

The winner will be announced during a live ceremony from the Post Oak Hotel in Houston, Texas, on January 21, 2026, with the event broadcast on CBS Sports Network. This year's ceremony will also recognize two additional coaching legends: Phillip Fulmer will receive the 2026 Paul 'Bear' Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award, while 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. These special recognitions further emphasize the award's role in celebrating coaching legacies while supporting cardiovascular health initiatives. The event's presentation by Houston-based Memorial Hermann Health System underscores the healthcare community's involvement in this intersection of sports excellence and health awareness.

Beyond the immediate recognition of coaching excellence, the Bryant Awards serve as an important fundraising vehicle for the American Heart Association's research and education programs. The organization's mission to ensure equitable health in all communities and drive breakthroughs in cardiovascular care receives significant visibility through this high-profile sports event. This connection between athletic achievement and health advocacy represents a unique model of how sports platforms can serve broader societal purposes, making the announcement of these finalists important not just for college football enthusiasts but for anyone concerned with cardiovascular health awareness and research funding.