TUSCALOOSA (PNN)--Alabama Athletic Director Mal Moore today denied reports that former coach Paul "Bear" Bryant has been contacted about returning to coaching the Crimson Tide.
Despite repeated denials from family members and representatives of the estate of the late coach, fans are mounting a strong push for his return, and media reports place the likelihood of him taking the job as slightly less than that of Miami Dolphin coach Nick Saban, who has himself issued repeated denials that he is interested in the job.
Bryant is seen as a strong alternative to other coaches who have been named as being targets of the coaching search such as Jim Grobe of Wake Forest and Paul Johnson of the US Naval Academy, each of who has also issued denials of being interested in the position at Alabama.
Fans note that Bryant, residing in Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, AL since 1983, has all the desirable characteristics one expects in a leader of a program with such a long and proud tradition, and are confident that his current lack of interest could be swayed with only a small amount of effort on the part of the University.
Posted by Terry Oglesby at December 12, 2006 10:17 AMThat was entirely uncalled for. Uncalled for but likely true.
I tried to start the rumor that they were talking to Shula since they are looking for a big time coach who has some time on his hands, a connection to UA and at least a passing acquaintance with the Bear. My UA friends don't see the humor.
Posted by: Larry Anderson at December 12, 2006 10:54 AMWhat I don't understand is why Terry Bowden's name isn't in the mix.
Posted by: Terry Oglesby at December 12, 2006 11:23 AM