The University of Alabama lost a pioneer of its football program on Thursday.
An announcement came from the university that Bill Battle, a former player and athletics director, passed away at 82.
Forever Crimson Tide
Former Alabama administrator and student-athlete, coach and licensing pioneer Bill Battle passes away at 82
🔗 https://t.co/EdxHgTEOpq pic.twitter.com/67jkMphpLI
— Alabama Athletics (@UA_Athletics) November 28, 2024
Battle had been fighting multiple myeloma, a form of cancer for 10-plus years. A native of Birmingham, Ala., Battle attended UA on a football scholarship and played from 1960-62 under Paul W. “Bear” Bryant as a tight end and defensive end.
He was on Coach Bryant’s first national championship team in 1961. Battle would earn a bachelor’s degree from UA in biology with a minor in psychology in 1963. He marched with a master’s degree in education from the University of Oklahoma in 1964.
Battle’s coaching career began in 1963 as an assistant coach at Oklahoma under Bud Wilkinson, while being an assistant coach at Army for the United States military from 1964 to 1965.
Battle also served in the military during his two years coaching at Army.
He went to the University of Tennessee in 1966 as an assistant coach for four years (1966-69), but his moment came to be a head coach for the Volunteers in 1970. In seven seasons (1970-76) at Tennessee, Battle produced a record of 59-22-2 — including three seasons with at least 10 wins. He coached the Vols to five bowl games — four victories — in his tenure. Battle was a businessman and was a member of several halls of fame, but his biggest joy was returning to his Alma mater in 2013 as director of athletics.
Why Kalen DeBoer needs to return to black hoodie with Crimson print for Alabama in Iron Bowl
Mal Moore, a former Alabama player, coach, and AD, died on March 30, 2013 from pulmonary problems.
Battle came back as the new AD and assisted Nick Saban to two College Football Playoff National Championships (2015, 2017), a Heisman Trophy winner (Derrick Henry, in 2015), and three Southeastern Conference Championships (2014-16).
Battle served as the Tide’s director of athletics for four years (2013-17) until health issues caused him to step away.
Several members of the university poured their condolences to Battle’s family, including Saban.
Saban said Battle was ‘first class in every way.’
“He represented The University of Alabama with tremendous character and integrity,” Saban said in a statement. “He was an outstanding football player at Alabama, a successful collegiate head coach and visionary who revolutionized the business of college athletics. I got to know him best when he returned to direct the Alabama athletics department where his vision and leadership were driving factors in the Crimson Tide’s success that resulted in our 2015 national championship. Terry and I are saddened by his passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Mary and their entire family. He will be deeply missed.”
-Dr. Stuart R. Bell, UA President
“Bill Battle’s legacy at The University of Alabama is profound and enduring. His generosity and visionary leadership elevated our institution and enriched the lives of countless students and colleagues. His dedication to excellence and steadfast devotion to UA will inspire generations to come. We are forever grateful for his friendship and his lasting impact on our community.”
-Paul Bryant Jr., Lifelong friend of Coach Battle and son of Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant
“Coach Battle was a great player and top prospect in the South when he came to Alabama at a time when the program was down. He started for Papa for three years including a national championship. He created the licensing industry that The University and schools nationwide still benefit from today. He was a major donor to The University. When we needed him again, he left retirement to help us as Athletic Director.”
-Greg Byrne, Alabama Director of Athletics
“It’s difficult to put into words just how much Coach Battle means to The University of Alabama and college athletics, as a whole. He excelled in so many areas and was a true visionary. Beyond his accomplishments, he was an incredible man, and I am forever grateful for the friendship we built over the years. We will miss him tremendously and are praying for Mary, Pat, Mike, Shannon, Kayla and the entire Battle family.”
–Greg Sankey, Southeastern Conference Commissioner
“I am grateful for the privilege to have known and worked with Bill Battle. Bill was an innovative leader who had a distinguished career as a coach, businessman, and athletics director, who loved his family and was committed to the special opportunities presented through intercollegiate athletics. In the SEC, we share in the sorrow of Bill’s passing but are thankful for his impact and friendship.”
Battle meant a lot to the Alabama athletics community and will be dearly missed.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
