Paul 'Bear' Bryant was born in Kingsland, Arkansas on 11 September 1913.
As a player Bryant won the 1931 Arkansas High School Football State Championship with the Fordyce High School Redbugs of Fordyce, Arkansas.
Bryant graduated from the University of Alabama in 1936 after playing in the 1935 Rose Bowl after a (10-0-0) season. Combined record during Bryant's college playing years was (23-3-2)
Served as an assistant coach for four years at the University of Alabama with a combined record of (29-5-3).
Bryant served in the United States Navy during World War II as a Lieutenant Commander.
Bryant directed the University of Alabama football team to national titles in 1961, 1964, 1965, 1978, and 1979. Bryant's record in college football was (323-85-17). Bryant had 15 bowl wins, including 8 Sugar Bowls.
Bryant coached at the University of Maryland for 1 season, the University of Kentucky for 8 season, Texas A&M University for 4 seasons, and the University of Alabama for 25 seasons.
Bryant participated in a total of 31 post-season bowl games including 24 consecutive at Alabama.
He was a 10-time Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year and a 4-time National Coach of the Year.
Paul 'Bear' Bryant died on 26 January 1983 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.