Jackie Sherrill, one of the most accomplished coaches in college football, has been selected to receive the American Heart Association’s 2027 Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by HFG Wealth Management. The announcement was made in Houston on October 20, 2026, recognising Sherrill’s decades-long career and his contributions to the development of players and the sport.
The award honours coaches for their achievements both on and off the football field. It also supports the American Heart Association’s mission to improve cardiovascular health, advance lifesaving research and raise awareness about heart disease.
The association presents the Bear Bryant Awards annually to celebrate excellence in coaching and honour the legacy of Paul “Bear” Bryant, the legendary coach who died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement. Since their inception, the awards have brought together members of the football community to support the association’s 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.”
Now in its 28th year, the Lifetime Achievement Award is selected through voting by the National Sports Media Association. Its criteria, established by the Bryant family, include integrity, leadership, dedication to developing young people and excellence in teaching football.
From Alabama Player to Accomplished College Football Coach
Sherrill’s connection to Bryant began during his playing career. Born in Duncan, Oklahoma, Sherrill played for Bryant at the University of Alabama from 1962 to 1965, helping the Crimson Tide win two national championships. He later returned to work as a graduate assistant under Bryant before beginning a coaching career that would span more than three decades.
Across 27 seasons as a head coach at Washington State, Pittsburgh, Texas A&M and Mississippi State, Sherrill recorded 180 wins, 120 losses and four ties.
His national profile grew during his tenure at the University of Pittsburgh, where he succeeded Johnny Majors. Between 1977 and 1981, Sherrill led the Panthers to a 50-9-1 record and five consecutive top-10 national finishes. His programme also helped develop future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino.
Sherrill’s coaching staff at Pittsburgh included Jimmy Johnson, who later won national championships, and Dave Wannstedt, who went on to become an NFL head coach.
In 1982, Sherrill moved to Texas A&M, where he built the Aggies into a major force in the Southwest Conference (SWC). The team won three consecutive SWC championships from 1985 to 1987, and Sherrill earned three consecutive SWC Coach of the Year honours during that period.
He also established the university’s renowned “12th Man Kickoff Team” tradition, which remains part of Aggie football culture.
Sherrill joined Mississippi State in 1991 and took charge of a programme that had not recorded a winning season since 1986. During his tenure, he guided 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 recorded by any head coach in Mississippi State history.
Sherrill Reflects on Bryant’s Influence and Award Recognition
Sherrill said receiving an award named after his former coach held particular significance because of Bryant’s influence on his life and career.
“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 honours presented during the annual Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards ceremony. The 41st ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, January 27, 2027, in Houston, Texas, and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
The event is presented by Memorial Hermann Health System. Bruce Arians has already been announced as the recipient of the Heart of a Champion Award. The ceremony will also recognise the Fan Favorite, Newcomer Coach of the Year and 2026 Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Year. Beyond celebrating coaching achievements, the awards help raise funds and awareness for the American Heart Association’s efforts to advance lifesaving research and improve cardiovascular health.
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