Troy Calhoun Named to Paul Bear Bryant Watch List
Air Force coach Troy Calhoun joins 27 other college football leaders on the 2026 watch list.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Football
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Air Force Academy head coach Troy Calhoun has been named to the 2026 Paul Bear Bryant National Coach of the Year watch list. The list features 28 college football coaches recognized for their contributions to the sport.
Why it matters
The annual award honors the legacy of coach Paul Bear Bryant while raising essential funds for the American Heart Association. The selection process highlights coaches who demonstrate grit and integrity throughout the season.
A total of 28 coaches appear on the 2026 watch list for the award. This year marks the 41st annual edition of the ceremony.
The players
Troy Calhoun
He is the current head coach of the Air Force Academy football team.
Bruce Arians
He was named the recipient of the Heart of a Champion Award.
Jackie Sherrill
He was named the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The details
The watch list is determined by voting from the National Sports Media Association and the Paul Bear Bryant Awards Executive Leadership Team. The program also honors figures like Bruce Arians, who received the Heart of a Champion Award, and Jackie Sherrill, who earned the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Timeline
1983: Paul Bear Bryant died.
October 21, 2026: Troy Calhoun was named to the watch list.
January 27, 2027: The awards ceremony will take place in Houston.
Season Trajectory
The annual awards ceremony continues a tradition established following the death of Paul Bear Bryant in 1983. This program sustains his influence on the sport by recognizing modern leadership qualities.
The watch list narrowing process provides a look at the coaches leading the most prominent programs this season. Fans can monitor these specific leaders as the candidates for the final award selection are further vetted.
The takeaway
The recognition highlights the importance of integrity and grit in modern collegiate coaching. Readers interested in leadership development may follow the upcoming ceremony to see which coaching philosophy is honored this year.
What happens next
The 2027 Paul Bear Bryant Awards ceremony is scheduled to be held on January 27, 2027, in Houston and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
Further reading
For more on collegiate athletics and coaching honors, visit the Football section.
More information
For more information on the selection process or the ceremony, visit the Paul Bear Bryant Awards website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by American Heart Association.
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