We’re in the game: Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award to be featured in EA Sports College Football 26

The latest installment in the EA SPORTS College Football franchise features American Heart Association initiative

2025-08-12

(Press-News.org) HOUSTON, August 12, 2025 — For the first time, gamers and fans of the celebrated EA SPORTS College Football can compete for the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award — part of a new relationship with the American Heart Association, changing the future of health for all. The relationship between the American Heart Association and EA SPORTS™ allows players taking part in EA SPORTS College Football 26’s “Dynasty Mode” have a chance to win the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award as the game’s National Coach of the Year. The “Bear” Bryant Award joins other storied trophies including the Heisman Trophy, Lou Groza Award, Lombardi Award, Unitas Golden Arm Award the latest release of the classic video game. EA Sports College Football 26 was released on July 7.

“In College Football 26, our mission is to deliver the most authentic experience possible—capturing the energy of gameday, the passion of the players, and the enduring legacy of the sport’s greatest leaders," said Josh Gregory, Senior Manager of Business Development, EA SPORTS. "That’s why we’re honored to partner with the American Heart Association to feature the Bear Bryant Award in our virtual trophy room. Coach Bryant’s legendary commitment to excellence and his profound impact on generations of athletes make this award a true celebration of college football’s top coaches. By bringing this tradition to life in our game, we’re giving players a meaningful way to honor the coaches who shape the game, inspire their teams, and leave a lasting mark on the sport.”

Now in its 40th year, the American Heart Association Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards program celebrates leadership and excellence in college football coaching — while raising funds for research and awareness to fight heart disease and stroke, the leading killers of Americans. The annual Bryant Awards honor coaches with a series of distinctions including the Heart of a Champion Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Newcomer Coach of the Year Award, Conference Coach of the Year Awards, and the National Coach of the Year Award. Last year, Marcus Freeman of the University of Notre Dame was named 2024 Coach of the Year winner. The 2025 winner will be announced in nationally televised ceremonies in Houston, Texas on January 21, 2026.

“This impactful collaboration with EA SPORTS College Football 26 and the American Heart Association allows us to meet a generation of fans where they are in our work to change the future of health for everyone everywhere,” said Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. “Through Coach Bear Bryant’s legacy of coaching excellence and with the reach of EA Sports we can connect the importance of heart health in this game setting through the Bear Bryant Award.”

Coach Bryant’s journey to the top of college football began on September 11, 1913, in Moro Bottom, Arkansas. He started his playing career at Fordyce High School Redbugs and played in college for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He began his head coaching career at the University of Maryland in 1945, and after successful stints at Kentucky (1946-53) and Texas A&M (Agricultural and Mechanical University) (1954-57), coach Bryant took over the Alabama program in 1958 and led the Crimson Tide through the 1982 season. He won 323 games against just 85 losses and 17 ties, capturing six national championships, 14 SEC Championships, and one Southwest Conference championship. A three-time American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Coach of the Year and 12-time Southeastern Conference (SEC) Coach of the Year, coach Bryant passed away from a heart attack on January 26, 1983 – just under a month after coaching his final game.

The American Heart Association worked with the Bryant family after Coach Bryant’s death from a heart attack in 1983 to honor his legacy while advancing its mission to fight heart disease and stroke. Through this collaboration, the Association established the Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards, which celebrate coaching excellence and raise vital funds for cardiovascular research and awareness.

After his passing from a heart attack in 1983, the Bryant Family felt moved to educate and impact awareness around heart disease and stroke and approached the American Heart Association to create a meaningful collaboration to keep his legacy alive while raising funds to support the fight against cardiovascular disease and stroke.

For more information on the American Heart Association Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards, visit www.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.   

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