Jackie Sherrill Wins 2027 Bear Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award

Jackie Sherrill, a legendary college football coach whose career spans more than three decades, has been named the recipient of the American Heart Association’s 2027 Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by HFG Wealth Management. The award honors coaches for outstanding career accomplishments on and off the field and is voted on by the National Sports Media Association based on criteria established by the Bryant family, including integrity, leadership, dedication to developing young people, and excellence in teaching the game. Sherrill’s deep connection to Coach Bryant—he played for him at Alabama from 1962-65, winning two national championships, and later served as a graduate assistant—makes this recognition especially meaningful. “Coach Bryant shaped my life as a player, a coach and a person,” Sherrill said. “I’ve always believed that success is measured by the people you help develop and the relationships you build along the way.”

Sherrill compiled a 180-120-4 record over 27 seasons as a head coach at Washington State, Pittsburgh, Texas A&M, and Mississippi State. At Pittsburgh, he led the Panthers to a 50-9-1 record from 1977-81, five consecutive top-10 finishes, and helped develop Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino. His staff included future championship coach Jimmy Johnson and future NFL head coach Dave Wannstedt. At Texas A&M, he transformed the Aggies into a Southwest Conference powerhouse, winning three straight SWC titles from 1985-87 and establishing the famed “12th Man Kickoff Team” tradition. At Mississippi State, he inherited a program that hadn’t had a winning season since 1986 and guided the Bulldogs to six bowl appearances, an SEC Western Division title in 1998, and a top-15 national finish in 1999. His 75 victories remain the most in program history.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is one of five honors presented annually during the Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards ceremony, which will be held on Wednesday, January 27 in Houston and air on the CBS Sports Network. The event, in its 41st year, also recognizes the Heart of a Champion Award, Fan Favorite, Newcomer Coach of the Year, and the 2026 Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Year. The awards support the American Heart Association by raising funds and awareness to advance lifesaving research and improve cardiovascular health. Fans can follow the awards on facebook.com/bryantawards, https://x.com/bryantawards, or by using the hashtag #BryantAwards. For more information, visit bryantawards.org or connect with the American Heart Association at heart.org.