The American Heart Association announced that the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award will return in EA SPORTS College Football 27, set for release on July 9, 2026. The award, given to the National Coach of the Year in the game’s Dynasty Mode, joins other prestigious honors like the Heisman Trophy and Lombardi Award. This marks the second consecutive year the Bryant Award appears in the popular video game franchise, further embedding Coach Bryant’s legacy in college football culture.
The inclusion of the Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award in EA SPORTS College Football 27 is part of the American Heart Association’s efforts to celebrate coaches who embody Bryant’s principles of excellence and character. It also serves as a platform to engage fans and raise awareness about heart disease and stroke, the nation’s leading killers. The award’s presence in the game highlights the intersection of sports, health advocacy, and entertainment.
The Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards, now in their 41st year, honor multiple coaching achievements, including the National Coach of the Year, Newcomer Coach of the Year, and Conference Coach of the Year awards. The 2025 Coach of the Year was Indiana’s Curt Cignetti, and the 2026 winner will be announced at a ceremony in Houston on January 27, 2027. Notably, the Coach of the Year award is the only college football coaching honor selected after the national champion is determined, with voting conducted by the National Sports Media Association, current NCAA coaches, former winners, the executive leadership team, and the Bryant family.
Paul “Bear” Bryant’s storied career began in Moro Bottom, Arkansas, and included head coaching stints at Maryland, Kentucky, Texas A&M, and Alabama. He amassed 323 wins, six national championships, and 14 SEC titles before his death from a heart attack in 1983. After his passing, the Bryant family partnered with the American Heart Association to keep his legacy alive, fund scientific research, and promote heart health. EA Sports College Football 27 will be released on Monday, July 9, 2026, and the continued inclusion of the Bryant Award underscores the enduring impact of Coach Bryant on and off the field.
