Players remember Bear Bryant 30 years after death

Alabama head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant looks on during an NCAA college football game in 1980.

Photo by Associated Press /Chattanooga Times Free Press.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Former players and assistant coaches are remembering Paul “Bear” Bryant on the 30th anniversary of his death.

Bryant led the University of Alabama’s football program to 323 wins and six national championships before his death on Jan. 26, 1983. The legendary coach’s name has been invoked often as the Crimson Tide again won a national title this month under coach Nick Saban.

The Tuscaloosa News reports Steadman Shealy, the quarterback for Bryant’s first national championship team in 1979, said Bryant taught him lessons that he’s used beyond the football field and have helped him be a better husband and father.

Gene Stallings, an assistant coach under Bryant, says that Bryant was successful because he was a master at motivating his players.