Tim Polasek Named To Coach Of The Year Watch List
The North Dakota State University head coach joins 27 other college football leaders on the award watch list.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Football
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North Dakota State University head football coach Tim Polasek has been named to the 2026 Paul Bear Bryant National Coach of the Year watch list. The list features 28 coaches recognized for their contributions to the sport.
Why it matters
The Paul Bear Bryant National Coach of the Year Award honors college football coaches who demonstrate grit, integrity, and a winning approach. It is presented annually by the American Heart Association.
A total of 28 college football coaches were named to the annual watch list by the committee. The award selection process evaluates coaches based on their grit and integrity throughout the season.
The players
Tim Polasek
He serves as the head football coach at North Dakota State University.
American Heart Association
This non-profit organization funds cardiovascular medical research and educates consumers on healthy living.
The details
Tim Polasek, who leads the North Dakota State University football program, was selected for the watch list alongside 27 other coaches. The award serves as a memorial to Paul Bear Bryant, who died from a heart attack in 1983.
Timeline
1983: Paul Bear Bryant died from a heart attack.
October 21, 2026: Tim Polasek was named to the award watch list.
January 27, 2027: The Coach of the Year award presentation will take place.
Season Trajectory
This selection tracks with the broader progression of the college football season toward final postseason recognition. It highlights the coaches currently meeting the award criteria as programs approach the final stretch of play.
The recognition places North Dakota State University football in the national spotlight as the season progresses. It marks a significant milestone for the coaching staff's standing in current college football rankings.
The takeaway
The watch list highlights the growing emphasis on leadership traits like integrity within the collegiate game. Readers can follow the selection process to see which coaches maintain this standard throughout the remainder of the season.
What happens next
The winner of the Paul Bear Bryant National Coach of the Year Award will be announced at the presentation ceremony on January 27, 2027.
Further reading
For more updates on the season, visit the Football section.
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