The American Heart Association has revealed the eight finalists for the 2025 Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant Coach of the Year Award, marking the 40th anniversary of the honor that celebrates coaching contributions that enhance college football for athletes and fans. The award distinguishes itself as the only major college football coaching honor presented after the national champion is determined, with voting conducted by the National Sports Media Association, the Bryant Awards’ Executive Leadership Team, and the Bryant Family.
Five of the finalists have already earned conference-specific Bear Bryant coaching honors. The list includes Curt Cignetti of Indiana University (Bear Bryant Big 10 Conference Coach of the Year), Bob Chesney of James Madison University (Bear Bryant Group of 6 Conference Coach of the Year), Mario Cristobal of the University of Miami, Mike Elko of Texas A&M University, Tony Elliott of the University of Virginia (Bear Bryant Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year), Dan Lanning of the University of Oregon, Clark Lea of Vanderbilt University (Bear Bryant Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year), and Joey McGuire of Texas Tech University (Bear Bryant Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year).
The award presentation holds significance beyond sports recognition, as it serves the American Heart Association’s mission to raise awareness and critical funds for cardiovascular health. The award 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. The organization presents the awards annually to celebrate coaching excellence while advancing its health initiatives.
The winner will be announced during a ceremony at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston, Texas, on January 21, 2026, broadcast on CBS Sports Network. The event, presented by Houston-based Memorial Hermann Health System, will also recognize two special honorees: Phillip Fulmer, former University of Tennessee head coach, will receive the 2026 Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award, while the late Mike Leach, innovator of the Air Raid offense, will be honored posthumously with the 2026 Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant Heart of a Champion Award presented by St. Luke’s Health. Additional information about the awards is available at bryantawards.org.
This news story relied on content distributed by NewMediaWire. Blockchain Registration, Verification & Enhancement provided by NewsRamp™. The source URL for this press release is Eight College Football Coaches Named Finalists for 2025 Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant Coach of the Year Award.