Today is the 33rd anniversary of legendary Alabama football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant’s death, and the War Eagle Reader has unearthed the press release Auburn University put out responding to the news.
The Tide and Tigers remain fierce rivals on the field, but this press release exudes the kind of class both programs are known for.
The biggest takeaway from all the comments below is that while Coach Bryant racked up many college football coaching records, his most lasting legacy is the way he impacted everyone with whom he came in contact, especially his players.
“He received recognition for the games he won and for the honors he received,” said then-Auburn football coach and athletic director Pat Dye, “but the greatest thing about him was the many things he did for people that no one knew bout.”
RELATED: The Day ‘Bear’ Died: 10 quotes that sum up Coach Bryant’s incredible life and legacy
Quoting Auburn Coach Pat Dye on Alabama Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant…
“It goes without saying that Coach Bryant was a great, great coach. The record speaks for itself. The greatest thing about him , however, was what he did for other people. He did so much for others, things people never knew about.
“Coach Bryant gave me my first job in coaching. It is very evident what he meant to me. He meant so much to so many people and he meant so much to the game of football. He touched the lives of so many, many people. His presence made this world a better place to live in…”
“He was like all great people who have come through American history. Though he may be gone, his teachings will last forever in the lives of those he touched.”
Auburn University Coaches’ comments concerning the death of Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant:
Neil Callaway – offensive line coach – “It was an honor to play for Coach Bryant. His death is a shock. Words can’t describe how everybody will miss him. He did so much for so many people inside and outside football. I don;t think there will be another one like him. He was a man’s man. He portrayed everything anybody wanted to look up to in a person. He was hard, loving, understanding, tough, demanding, dedicated. Everybody will miss him.”
(Hallway played for Bryant at Alabama from 1974-77)Frank Orgel – defensive coordinator – “It was a big shock to hear of Coach Bryant’s death. College football has lost a fine gentleman and a great coach. He influenced the lives of many people, both in and out of football.
“There was some kind of magic about him that lit up the room when he walked in or when people were around him. He made contributions to football and life that will carry on for a long time.”
Bud Casey – coaches running backs – “The world is losing a great coach and a great man who lived a great life. I looked on him as a leader and as a grandfather image. I knew anytime I needed help I could call him night or day and he would be there. The most important lesson he taught me was to never give up on someone. He’d always give you another chance, just like he gave me when I played for him. He made you grow and mature by the way he treated you. He recommended me for every job I ever had and I’ve been in coaching 16 years.
“My sympathy goes out to his family and to all the people whose lives he touched for so many years. His influence will be felt for many years to come.”
(Casey played on Bryant’s first freshman football team following his return as the Crimson Tide’s head coach in 1958. He also was a member of the 1959 and 1960 Alabama teams).Larry Blakeney – coaches split ends – “He was a great coach. His contributions to college football are probably unequaled. I grew up 30 miles from Tuscaloosa and became an Alabama fan about the time Coach Bryant came back as head coach. I could see the foundation he was building at Alabama and the way he was building it. He knew how to get the most out of people, not only on that football field, but anywhere else. That was a rare trait and that was one reason he will be remembered for his many contributions to the game and to society as a whole. He will be greatly missed.”
Auburn University football player comments concerning the death of Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant:
Bob Harris – strong safety – “Coach Bryant’s death is a great loss to the institution of football. He influenced a lot of people’s lives, not only the people who played for him but the people who played against him. I didn’t get the chance to know him personally but you knew what he stood for through the people he influenced and what they accomplished.”
Donnie Humphrey – defensive tackle – “Coach Bryant’s death is a big shock to me. There is nothing bad you can say about him. Everything he did was positive. Was fortunate enough to have met him when they were recruiting me, to have played against him, and to have been apart of a team that beat him. Not everyone can say that. He believed in what he preached. He would never ask anyone to do anything he didn’t believe in or wouldn’t try himself. Bear Bryant is college football. His influence will be around for a long time.”
David King – defensive back – “I was stunned at first, I guess just like everybody else. I don’t think it will really sink in until I really think long and hard about how great the man really was. I know his spirit of winning and competition will live for a long tome to come.”
Randy Campbell – quarterback – “I think Coach Bryant’s death is a real tragedy to college football. To lose the greatest coach that ever lived is a sad day for college football. I feel for all his family, friends, former players and the current team. He touched a lot of lives. I don’t think there will be another coach as great as he. I feel that I am just fortunate to have been on the same field that he was on. It was quite an honor to have shared the same presence with such a great man.”
Statement by Auburn University football coach and athletic director Pat Dye concerning the death of Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant:
“When we went to bed last night, Sue and I talked about going over to visit Coach Bryant in the hospital. We had heard his vital signs were good and that he was resting comfortably.
“We are deeply saddened by his death. Sue and I extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Bryant and to the rest of his family. It is very evident what Coach Bryant has meant to me, to the game of football and to the lives of so many people he has touched through the years. His presence made his world a better place to live in.
“He was like all great people who have come through American history. Though he may be gone, his teachings will last forever in the lives of those he touched.”
“He received recognition for the games he won and for the honors he received, but the greatest thing about him was the many things he did for people that no one knew bout.”
Statement from Dr. H. Hanly Funderburk, President of Auburn University on the death of Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant:
“Everyone at Auburn University joins in extending sincerest condolences to the family and friend of Coach Paul Bryant. Coach Bryant was indeed one of Alabama’s greatest assets, setting standards of excellence and quality that made us all aspire for greater successes.
“We will miss this great man, but his contributions to athletics, education, and the State of Alabama will remain.”
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