American Heart Association announces 2026 Paul 'Bear' Bryant Coach of the Year watch list

The American Heart Association has released the 28-coach watch list for the 2026 Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant Coach of the Year Award. The honor recognizes college football coaches who demonstrate integrity, grit, and a winning approach both on and off the field.

Notable coaches included on the list are Kalen DeBoer of Alabama, Ryan Day of Ohio State, Kirby Smart of Georgia, Steve Sarkisian of Texas, Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame, Curt Cignetti of Indiana, and David Braun of Northwestern. Memphis head coach Charles Huff is also among the nominees, representing the American Conference.

The awards serve to honor Coach Bryant’s legacy and raise funds for the American Heart Association, following Bryant’s death from a heart attack in 1983. In addition to the national honor, the ceremony will present Conference Coach of the Year Awards for the Power Four conferences and a combined award for the Group of Six and Independent teams.