TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Bill Battle was the athletic director at his alma mater, Alabama, played on Paul “Bear” Bryant's first national championship team, went on to coach the Tennessee Volunteers and founded the University Licensing Company. The third generation passed away. He was 82 years old.
The state of Alabama released a statement Thursday saying Battle had died. No details were provided.
“It's hard to describe in words how much this Coaches Battle means to the University of Alabama and the entire college athletics community,” Athletic Director Greg Byrne said. “He excelled in so many areas and was a true visionary.”
Battle, a Birmingham native, was a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide from 1960 to 1962, helping Bryant win his first national title in 1961.
Battle began his coaching career at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a master's degree in education in 1964 while working under Bud Wilkinson. He served as an Army assistant during a two-year military tour in 1964-1965.
He moved to Tennessee in 1966 and served as an assistant coach for four years. When Doug Dickey took the same job at Florida in 1970, the 28-year-old Battle became the youngest head coach at the time. The Volantes finished with a record of 59 wins, 22 losses, and 2 draws, winning four out of five bowl games.
In 1972, Battle named Condridge Holloway the starting quarterback for the Vols, making him the first black player to start at that position on a Southeastern Conference team. That same season, Tennessee played its first night game at Neyland Stadium against Penn State.
In 1981, Battle founded Collegiate Licensing Company and served as president and CEO until 2002. The company was acquired by IMG in 2007.
Battle was appointed athletic director at the University of Alabama in 2013 and served in that role for four years. The Crimson Tide won three national championships during his tenure, and he later served as special assistant to the president.
Former University of Alabama coach Nick Saban called Battle “top-notch” and said he represented the university with “great character and integrity.” Saban praised Battle for revolutionizing the business of college athletics.
“I got to know him best when he returned to coach Alabama's athletics department, where his vision and leadership led to a national championship in 2015. He was a driving force behind the Crimson Tide's success,” Saban said.
Battle has been inducted into several halls of fame. He was also honored by the National Football Foundation, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, and received the 2005 Paul W. Bryant Alumni Athlete Award.
“Bill was an innovative leader who had a distinguished career as a coach, businessman and athletics director, who loved his family and was committed to the special opportunities presented through intercollegiate athletics,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. Ta.
