Jan. 26th, 1983... the day God decided he could use a football coach

[gatorunvrsty]

Today is the 25th anniversary of the day "Bear" took his last head-coaching position. The man accomplished much in his life, and made contributions to this game we love, that few others can claim. He is widely regarded as the finest coach in the history of college football, and is single-handedly responsible for the recognition the SEC enjoys today... he started the aura of invincibility and passion for football in the South. I guess this is a good time to reflect and give thanks to the pioneer.:thumpsup:

Add your facts and stories as you see fit.

[Chief Broom]

After the The Bear and Bama got beat by a athletically superior, multi-racial USC team, Bryant decided it was time to integrate his team. This decision was huge in moving integration forward in the south. His decision forced a lot of white bigots to rethink their belief that they where superior in every way to their black neighbors.

This situation was repeated with many variations throughout the country. I know that in the case of my hometown that during the first year of integration, our legendary HS coach decided to play the best players regardless of race. Initially there was some anger and outrage from a few of the white booster club members. However, when they won yet another state title with an outstanding black RB, the controversy ended and there were relatively few problems with integration.

[gatorunvrsty]

After the The Bear and Bama got beat by a athletically superior, multi-racial USC team, Bryant decided it was time to integrate his team. This decision was huge in moving integration forward in the south. His decision forced a lot of white bigots to rethink their belief that they where superior in every way to their black neighbors.

This situation was repeated with many variations throughout the country. I know that in the case of my hometown that during the first year of integration, our legendary HS coach decided to play the best players regardless of race. Initially there was some anger and outrage from a few of the white booster club members. However, when they won yet another state title with an outstanding black RB, the controversy ended and there were relatively few problems with integration.

Agreed; and he'd have done it a lot sooner had it not been for George Wallace. It's difficult to do battle with the Gov'nor when you are essentially a state employee as the coach of the state university.:thumpsup:

[D^3]

SLB made GU post this thread......



:lol:

[gatorunvrsty]

SLB made GU post this thread......



:lol:

Actually, I told slb today was the anniversary of Bryant's passing... it hadn't occurred to her.

[D^3]

Actually, I told slb today was the anniversary of Bryant's passing... it hadn't occurred to her.


:blink: Shame on her....

[Bishop]

Agreed; and he'd have done it a lot sooner had it not been for George Wallace. It's difficult to do battle with the Gov'nor when you are essentially a state employee as the coach of the state university.:thumpsup:

Thank you Forrest Gump:thumpsup:

[BAMAPERRY]

Actually, when people reference that 1970 Bama/USC game they, for some reason, fail to mention that that same Bama team went to the LA Coliseum the next year and in the season opener beat Number One USC. I wonder why?

[AUChamps]

Actually, when people reference that 1970 Bama/USC game they, for some reason, fail to mention that that same Bama team went to the LA Coliseum the next year and in the season opener beat Number One USC. I wonder why?
'Bama couldn't beat Sam Bam Cunningham, so that's why Bear came up with the Wishbone and kept it a tight secret until that opening game against USCw the next year.

[sheluvsbama]

Actually, when people reference that 1970 Bama/USC game they, for some reason, fail to mention that that same Bama team went to the LA Coliseum the next year and in the season opener beat Number One USC. I wonder why?

I don't know why they fail to mention that. We had just installed the famed Wishbone offense, were running it as an experiment, and it turned out to be everything it promised. We turned the corner that night. :happy:

[sheluvsbama]

SLB made GU post this thread......



:lol:

Actually I was watching it on ESPN Classics, and getting pretty choked up, as Bama fans often do when we are faced with our history and love for Coach Bryant. GU started this thread and never even told me he was doing it! I am happy that he did, though!:wub:

[timNem]

You have to give credit to Wallace Wade too, at least as far being a pioneer for southern football. Southern football was considered a joke until Wade's Bama team traveled by train to the Rose Bowl and upset #1 washington.

[sheluvsbama]

You have to give credit to Wallace Wade too, at least as far being a pioneer for southern football. Southern football was considered a joke until Wade's Bama team traveled by train to the Rose Bowl and upset #1 washington.

ROLL TIDE! "Remember the Rose Bowls we're winnin'!"

[the Paradox]

bACK IN THE LATE 70'S/EARLY 80'S, star linebacker and Nashville native EJ Junior approached his position coach about wearing a "do" rag during the game. The said coach told Junior that he would have to talk to Coach Bryant about this request. The conversation was short and sweet. EJ told Bryant about his desire to wear the head wear during the game later that day. Bryant responded with by telling his All Conference LB that that was fine, that he could wear either his helmet OR the rag during the game. Junior decided to ditch the style points and play the game.

RTR

[DEHIII]

Concerning the 1970 and 1971 USC games.

Bryant set up the game to show Alabama what an integrated team looked like and how it could beat Alabama. The game did NOT make Bryant integrate. Freshman could not play varsity. Wilburn Jackson was already on the team, he just couldn't play. I believe the game was to show the rest of the state what could happen.

Also as BP mentioned we went out to USC the next year and won with the wishbone. We got the wishbone from Darrel Royal of Texas. I believe we won the game 17-10. Bryant (maybe joking, maybe not) said he called of Royal's plays in the 1st half and his own plays the 2nd half. The score at halftime was 17-0. BTW, the wishbone was put in during fall camp, not during spring camp.

[azamugg]

there is definitely more civility here btn the Barners and the Bammers...........AND I LIKE IT!!

not one Barner has tried to dispute the fact that the Bear is coming back and soon

[Tider27]

Coach who? Never heard of him...





















Ok I couldn't let that joke go by. RIP Coach Bryant, thank you for all you've done for our University.

[BamaFan425]

ROLL TIDE! "Remember the Rose Bowls we're winnin'!"

Remember the Rose Bowl! We'll win then!* ;)

[GatorBait15]

I have a Gym teacher at my school that played on one of the Bears National championship teams! he was a linemen I don't know his 1st name but his last name is pope...

[bulldawg]

Bear Bryant was a great coach and a true legend in Alabama. Much like Dooley and Spurrier were in their schools.

[GatorBait15]

I can't believe how long it's been since the SS days! I remember the day he left like it was yesterday and I was only 10 I think haha!