Bear: The Hard Life & Good Times of Alabama's Coach Bryant

by Paul W. Bryant, John Underwood

A reissue of Paul "Bear" Bryant's autobiography, this edition features a completely new introduction and an accompanying audio CD of Bryant himself, in his own voice, talking about his life and football. It's all here, in his own inimitable words and with a candor that is both remarkable and eminently revealing. From his hardscrabble youth as the third youngest of 13 children of a dirt-poor farmer in Moro Bottom, Arkansas, to his playing days at the University of Alabama and fortuitous marriage to the remarkable Mary Harmon Black, to his first stabs at coaching as an assistant coach, to his 38 years as a head coach, coaching marquis names like Namath and Crow and Parilli, to his 323 victories and a record six National Championships.

Genres: Sports, Football, Biography, Nonfiction

345 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

Paul William "Bear" Bryant (September 11, 1913 – January 26, 1983) was an American college football player and coach. He was best known as the long-time head coach of the University of Alabama football team. During his 25-year tenure as Alabama's head coach, he amassed six national championships and thirteen conference championships. Upon his retirement in 1982, he held the record for most wins as head coach in collegiate football history with 323 wins. The Paul W. Bryant Museum, Paul W. Bryant Hall, Paul W. Bryant Drive, and Bryant–Denny Stadium are all named in his honor at the University of Alabama. He was also known for his trademark black and white houndstooth hat, deep voice, casually leaning up against the goal post during pre-game warmups, and frequently holding his rolled-up game plan while on the sidelines smoking a cigarette. Before arriving at Alabama, Bryant was head football coach at the University of Maryland, the University of Kentucky, and Texas A&M University.

Reviews

[Sam Culbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in Birmingham, and then graduating from the University of Alabama I have always heard the stories and legends of Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant. He has always been a larger than life figure for everyone in the state. This book is a great way to get an inside look into the mind of one of the greatest college football coaches ever and hear his perspective on these moments of his life.

Aside from the unique angle on these stories this book teaches you a lot. A large portion of that is football knowledge specific to the 1950s and 60s, however much of it is very useful. Bryant has lead young men across the decades and in many different ways to connect with these young men. This book lays out the ways he did that, and was able to connect with his followers and the methods employed to propel his team towards the ultimate goal of winning football games.

When I first picked this up I was not expecting to learn as much practical life advice from this book as I did. On top of my Alabama football fandom this was a great read all around. Roll Tide.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Paul Bear Bryant is a giant and his rendition in his autobiography is a read well worth the life lessons.

[Kase Wulff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paul "Bear" Bryant was a legendary football coach at Kentucky, Texas A and M, and the University of Alabama. He won six national championships and thirteen conference championships while he coached at Alabama. When Bryant retired, he held the record for the most wins as head coach in collegiate history. Outside of football, Paul was the eleventh of twelve children, and was born in Fordyce, Arkansas. He got his nickname bear when he agreed to wrestle a captive bear during a theater promotion. He was only thirteen years old at the time. Bear attended Fordyce high school, and played football there as an eighth grader. As an offensive linemen and a defensive end, Paul and his team won the state championship in Arkansas in the year of 1930, but this was only the beginning of legend.

Paul Bryant accepted a scholarship to play at the University of Alabama. He played defensive end, and was part of the 1934 national championship team. Bryant took over the Alabama football team in 1958. In their first season they went 5 – 4 – 1. In 1961, Alabama won a national championship against Arkansas. Their record was 11 - 0 at the conclusion of that season.

The 1976 team was another national championship contender. Their quarterback at the time was Kenny Stabler. After the 1982 season, Bear decided to retire at the age of 69 that December. He died of a heart attack on January 25, 1983. Paul Bryant was one of the greatest coaches of all time, and will be remembered as such. His coaching excellence brought Alabama through tough times, and shaped them into a championship team. This man changed the sport forever, and will always be remembered.

[Riley Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paul William "Bear" Bryant was best known for his time coaching at the University of Alabama. He was born in Moro Bottom, Arkansas, and grew up there. Bear is now considered among the best coaches in the nation. I believe Bryant was the best coach there ever was and will be.
Bear wrote his autobiography for several reasons. One reason is to show his success as a coach, and how he did it. His book also shows why he is the best. Most of all he demonstrates how one can become a great coach through his experience. Bear uses his humorous stories to give an example to young and rising coaches.
The theme of the book is success. Bryant shares how he was successful and passes his knowledge of success to readers. He mentions many times his little hints to success. Bear also shares how he received tips from prior coaches as well. Other times, Bryant gave advice to coaches who did not know what to do with their success or how to get it.
Bryant wrote his autobiography not in chronological order, but how it made most sense and helped get his point across. The book's style is a description because of Bear's stories not being chronological and he explained the events. Bear also made the football games and other happenings feel as if you are right there, and it is current.
I found the book very interesting. I liked how the book was written and the story of "Bear" Bryant. I also liked his side notes and advice. I liked the book very much and found nothing to my disliking. Paul William "Bear" Bryant was an outstanding coach unparalleled to any others.

[Monte Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you grew up in the south in the 1960's and followed college football, you will love this book. It is the autobiography of Paul "Bear" Bryant. It is honest and tells it like it was. It was particularly good when talking about the big law suit with the SATURDAY EVENING POST over the "fixing" of a football game with Georgia in the early 60's. You get a good sense of what drove this man to becoming such a great coach. It is easy to read and well-written.

[Mark Warren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Coach Bryant's autobiography. I was surprised and impressed by how candid and genuine the coach was regarding recruiting, race relations, and the increasing influence of big money in the college game over the course of his career. Great football stories too. Definitely recommend.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the book and the straightforward talk. Loved the
references to what was going on in that time period.

[Clint Priest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bear's autobiography. Has to get five stars. Roll Tide.

[Ben Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can't understand Alabama without reading this book.

[Ron Sitton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only goes through mid-'70s, but a good read about a legend. Arkansas could have had him twice ...