Bear Bryant Not a Deity

by david
(huntsville, alabama)

Bear Bryant was not what he is proported to be. He was an opportunist. He would break NCAA rules and get away with it better than any other coach and this explains his success. College football changed major rules and practices just because of him. The heavy enforcement of personal foul rules, limits on scholarships and how national champions were determined were all changed because of his (bad) practices. His so-called 6 national championships are mostly uncalled for. Each one is mired in controversy and NONE of them are clearcut.

A good case can be made that NONE of them are true championships. In 1961 and 1979 the schedule was so weak that it is a joke amongst those in the know. 1964 was handed out before the bowl and the bowl was lost. 1965 was given to a 9-1-1 bama team by the AP when there were undefeated teams elsewhere. In 1973, bama lost a head to head Sugar Bowl appearance against Notre Dame yet still claims the championship. In 1978 bama lost a head to head matchup with USC who was the "co-champion".

The man was roundly hated by most players that went through the bama program. He lied to 11 out of 12 boys who signed up and they never played. They were recruited solely to keep them from playing elsewhere and were benched as he had planned.

Bear Bryant was given a blank check by the Governor and State of Alabama and he used these riches to keep himself off probation while simultaneously putting Auburn and other programs on probation. In short he wasn't a great coach. He was a good coach who had all the players and all the money.

Editor's Note:Hmmm, interesting perspective. I really do appreciate unique comments like these. However, your viewpoint doesn't "jive" with others I've heard from. For instance, check out Bear Bryant Story. That story is an exclusive to this site and is from Bobby Cannon who played for Bear Bryant.

Of course, we welcome any informed opinions on this subject. Thanks.

Mo