# Paul Bear Bryant Coach of the Year awards

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/paul-bear-bryant-coach-of-the-year-awards
> Updated: 2026-10-20T21:31:52.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The American Heart Association manages the Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant Coach of the Year awards, which recognize college football coaches for their integrity, grit, and performance both on and off the field. The awards also serve to raise funds for the American Heart Association.

In October 2026, the association released a 28-coach watch list for the 2026 award, featuring notable nominees such as Kalen DeBoer, Ryan Day, Kirby Smart, and Steve Sarkisian. The ceremony includes national honors as well as Conference Coach of the Year Awards for the Power Four conferences and a combined award for the Group of Six and Independent teams.

Bruce Arians has been named the recipient of the 2027 Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant Heart of a Champion Award. Presented by St. Luke’s Health, this specific honor recognizes Arians’ contributions to college football and the community, specifically highlighting his “resilience and integrity.”

## Timeline

### 2026-10-20: American Heart Association announces 2026 Paul 'Bear' Bryant Coach of the Year watch list

The American Heart Association has named 28 college football coaches to the 2026 Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant Coach of the Year watch list.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/american-heart-association-announces-2026-paul-bear-bryant-coach-of-the-year-watch-list

### 2026-10-13: Bruce Arians receives Paul “Bear” Bryant Heart of a Champion Award

Football coach Bruce Arians has received the American Heart Association’s 2027 Paul “Bear” Bryant Heart of a Champion Award for his contributions to the sport and his community.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bruce-arians-receives-paul-bear-bryant-heart-of-a-champion-award

---
Cite as: Paul Bear Bryant Coach of the Year awards. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/paul-bear-bryant-coach-of-the-year-awards