CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Illinois football coach Bret Bielema was named to the 2024 Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award watch list. The award is given each January and recognizes contributions from a college football coach that make the sport better for athletes and fans. The criteria for the award include demonstrating grit, integrity, and a winning approach to coaching and life – on and off the field.
Bielema’s team sits at 5-1 and is heading into the Michigan match-up at #22 in this week’s poll.
The award is given by the American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives for all for more than 100 years, The Bryant family presents this award to celebrate Bear Bryant’s legacy and raise awareness and money for research to combat cardiovascular disease and stroke, the leading causes of death. Bryant died from a heart attack in 1983 at the age of 69.
The Coach of the Year award winner will be announced on Wednesday, January 22, from Houston’s Post Oak Hotel. The National Sports Media Association, the Bryant Awards’ Executive Leadership Team and the Bryant Family voted on the watch list, finalists, and the winning Coach of the Year recipient.