HOUSTON - October 20, 2026 (NEWMEDIAWIRE) - Jackie Sherrill, one of the most influential and accomplished coaches in college football history, has been selected as the recipient of the American Heart Association’s 2027 Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by HFG Wealth Management.
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. Since its inception, the awards have united the football community in support of the Association's lifesaving work.
“Coach Sherrill’s impact on college football spans generations and extends far beyond wins and championships,” said Nancy Brown, chief executive officer of the American Heart Association. “Through his leadership, commitment to excellence and dedication to developing young people, he exemplifies the values that defined coach Bryant’s remarkable legacy and continue to inspire others today. We are honored to recognize coach Sherrill's lasting impact on the game and the people he helped shape throughout his career.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award honors a coach for outstanding career accomplishments both on and off the football field. Now in its 28th year, the Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award is voted on by the National Sports Media Association and based on criteria established by the Bryant family, which includes integrity, leadership, dedication to the development of young people and excellence in teaching the game of football.
Sherrill’s connection to coach Bryant runs deep. A native of Duncan, Oklahoma, Sherrill played for Bryant at the University of Alabama from 1962-65, helping the Crimson Tide win two national championships. He later served as a graduate assistant under Bryant before embarking on a coaching career that would help shape college football for more than three decades.
Over 27 seasons as a head coach at Washington State, Pittsburgh, Texas A&M and Mississippi State, Sherrill compiled a career record of 180-120-4, becoming one of the most successful coaches of his era.
Sherrill rose to national prominence at the University of Pittsburgh, where he succeeded Johnny Majors and guided the Panthers to a remarkable 50-9-1 record from 1977-81. Under his leadership, Pittsburgh produced five consecutive top 10 finishes and helped develop future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino. His coaching staff during that period also included future national championship-winning coach Jimmy Johnson and future NFL head coach Dave Wannstedt.
In 1982, Sherrill moved to Texas A&M, where he transformed the Aggies into a Southwest Conference (SWC) powerhouse. Texas A&M captured three consecutive SWC championships from 1985-87, while Sherrill established the famed “12th Man Kickoff Team” tradition that remains part of Aggie football culture today. He earned three consecutive SWC Coach of the Year honors during that championship run.
After arriving at Mississippi State in 1991, Sherrill undertook one of the most impressive rebuilding projects in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). He inherited a program that had not enjoyed a winning season since 1986 and proceeded to guide 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 by any head coach in Mississippi State history.
“Receiving an award that bears Coach Bryant’s name is truly special,” said Sherrill. “Coach Bryant shaped my life as a player, a coach and a person. I’ve always believed that success is measured by the people you help develop and the relationships you build along the way. I’m deeply honored and humbled by this recognition.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award is one of five honors presented annually during the Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards ceremony, presented by Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston Texas. This year’s ceremony, in its 41st year, will be held on Wednesday, January 27 in Houston and will air on the CBS Sports Network. Bruce Arians was previously announced as the recipient of this year’s Heart of a Champion Award. In addition, the Fan Favorite, Newcomer Coach of the Year, and 2026 Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Year will be awarded that evening. The Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards support the American Heart Association by raising funds and awareness to advance lifesaving research and improve cardiovascular health.
Fans can follow the Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards and track progress of the awards at facebook.com/bryantawards, https://x.com/bryantawards or by following the hashtag #BryantAwards. To attend an exclusive virtual, VIP experience for the Bryant Awards, contact 832-918-4009 or visit bryantawards.org.
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.
For Media Inquiries:
Paul Smith: paul.smith@heart.org
Steven Embree: steven.embree@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
