Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards 2025 college football Coach of the Year finalists named

HOUSTON, Jan. 7, 2026 — Eight active college football coaches make up the American Heart Association’s 2025 Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award finalist list. The award, now in its 40^th year, is given each January to a college football coach for contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life – both on and off the field. The Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award is the only college football coaching honor given after the National Champion has been determined. The finalists and Coach of the Year recipient are voted on by members of the National Sports Media Association, the Bryant Awards’ Executive Leadership Team and the Bryant Family.

The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, presents the Bear Bryant Awards annually to celebrate excellence in coaching, to honor coach Bryant’s legacy, and to raise awareness and critical funds for its mission. The coaching legend died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement.

Five of the finalists were also named Bear Bryant conference coaches of the year for their respective intercollegiate athletic conferences.

The 2025 Coach of the Year finalists are (in alphabetical order by finalist last name)

• Curt Cignetti, Indiana University [Bear Bryant Big 10 Conference Coach of the Year]
• Bob Chesney, James Madison University [Bear Bryant Group of 6 Conference Coach of the Year]
• Mario Cristobal, University of Miami
• Mike Elko, Texas A&M University
• Tony Elliott, University of Virginia [Bear Bryant Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year]
• Dan Lanning, University of Oregon
• Clark Lea, Vanderbilt University [Bear Bryant Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year]
• Joey McGuire, Texas Tech University [Bear Bryant Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year]

The Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award will be announced live from the Post Oak Hotel in Houston, Texas, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, during an awards ceremony presented by Houston-based Memorial Hermann Health System. The event will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network at 12:30 a.m. CST on January 22nd.

As previously announced, Phillip Fulmer, the legendary former head coach of the University of Tennessee and the late Mike Leach, innovator of the Air Raid offense and former head coach at Texas Tech, Washington State and Mississippi State universities, will also be recognized with special awards at this year’s gala event. Coach Fulmer will receive the 2026 Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award and the late coach Leach will be honored posthumously with the 2026 Paul “Bear” Bryant Heart of a Champion Award presented by St. Luke’s Health, one of the largest health systems in Greater Houston.

Fans can follow the Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards, track progress of the awards at  facebook.com/bryantawards, x.com/bryantawards or by following the hashtag #BryantAwards. To attend the exclusive virtual, VIP experience for the Bryant Awards, contact 832-918-4009 or visit bryantawards.org.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.