The American Heart Association has selected Jackie Sherrill, one of college football's most influential coaches, as the recipient of the 2027 Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by HFG Wealth Management. The award honors a coach for outstanding career accomplishments both 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 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 spanned 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.
Sherrill rose to national prominence at the University of Pittsburgh, where 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 coaching staff during that period 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 powerhouse, capturing three consecutive SWC championships from 1985-87 and establishing the famed “12th Man Kickoff Team” tradition. He earned three consecutive SWC Coach of the Year honors during that run. After arriving at Mississippi State in 1991, Sherrill undertook one of the most impressive rebuilding projects in the Southeastern Conference, guiding 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.”
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 Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards support the American Heart Association by raising funds and awareness to advance lifesaving research and improve cardiovascular health. Fans can track progress of the awards at bryantawards.org. The Association, a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, funds groundbreaking research and provides critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. More information is available at heart.org and stroke.org.
