The American Heart Association has selected Jackie Sherrill, a coaching legend whose career spanned more than three decades, as the recipient of its 2027 Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by HFG Wealth Management. The award, now in its 28th year, honors a coach for outstanding career accomplishments both on and off the football field and is voted on by the National Sports Media Association based on criteria established by the Bryant family, including 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 head coaching career at Washington State, Pittsburgh, Texas A&M and Mississippi State. Over 27 seasons, Sherrill compiled a career record of 180-120-4. At Pittsburgh, he guided the Panthers to a 50-9-1 record from 1977-81, producing five consecutive top-10 finishes and helping develop future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino. His staff during that period included future national championship-winning coach Jimmy Johnson and future NFL head coach Dave Wannstedt. At Texas A&M, Sherrill transformed the Aggies into a Southwest Conference powerhouse, winning three consecutive conference championships from 1985-87 and establishing the famed “12th Man Kickoff Team” tradition. At Mississippi State, he inherited a program that had not enjoyed a winning season since 1986 and led 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.
“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.” Sherrill said receiving an award that bears Coach Bryant’s name is truly special. “Coach Bryant shaped my life as a player, a coach and a person,” he said. “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 award is one of five honors presented annually during the Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards ceremony, presented by Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston. 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. The Fan Favorite, Newcomer Coach of the Year and the 2026 Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Year will also 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. Coach Bryant died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement, and the awards have since united the football community in support of the Association’s mission. For more information about the awards, visit bryantawards.org. To learn more about the American Heart Association’s work, visit heart.org.
