The American Heart Association’s Paul “Bear” Bryant Award will again be included in EA SPORTS College Football 27’s Dynasty Mode, giving players the opportunity to earn the National Coach of the Year honor in the game. This marks the second consecutive year the award has been featured in the popular video game franchise, joining other prestigious accolades such as the Heisman Trophy, Lou Groza Award, Lombardi Award, Unitas Golden Arm Award, and Broyles Award.
The Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award is presented annually by the American Heart Association to recognize college football coaches who exemplify the principles of excellence, leadership, and character that defined Coach Bryant’s career. The award’s inclusion in EA SPORTS College Football 27 is part of ongoing efforts to engage with fans and promote heart health awareness.
Now in its 41st year, the American Heart Association’s Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards also include the Heart of a Champion Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Newcomer Coach of the Year Award, and Conference Coach of the Year Awards. The 2025 Coach of the Year was Indiana’s Curt Cignetti, and the 2026 winner will be announced at a ceremony in Houston, Texas on January 27, 2027. The award is the only college football coaching honor selected after the national champion has been determined, with voting conducted by the National Sports Media Association, current NCAA coaches, former award winners, the Bryant Awards’ Executive Leadership Team, and the Bryant family.
Paul “Bear” Bryant’s legacy in college football is unparalleled. He began his head coaching career at the University of Maryland in 1945 and later led programs at the University of Kentucky and Texas A&M before taking over at the University of Alabama in 1958. Over his tenure at Alabama, he won six national championships and 14 SEC Championships, finishing his career with 323 wins. Coach Bryant passed away from a heart attack on January 26, 1983. After his death, his family partnered with the American Heart Association to keep his legacy alive by raising funds for scientific research and increasing awareness about heart disease and stroke.
EA Sports College Football 27 is scheduled for release on July 9, 2026. The continued inclusion of the Bryant Award in the game underscores the lasting impact of Coach Bryant’s legacy and the importance of cardiovascular health.
