Coach Jackie Sherrill Earns Bear Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award
October 20, 2026 | Football
STARKVILLE โ Former Mississippi State football coach Jackie Sherrill has been selected to receive the 2027 Paul "Bear" Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award, the American Heart Association announced Tuesday.
The award recognizes individuals for outstanding career accomplishments both on and off the field. Sherrill compiled a 180-120-4 record over 27 seasons as a head coach, concluding his career with a historic run in Starkville.
Arriving at Mississippi State in 1991, Sherrill engineered one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Southeastern Conference history. He guided the Bulldogs to six bowl appearances, an SEC Western Division title in 1998, and a top-15 national finish in 1999. His 75 victories stand as the most by any head coach in program history.
A former player under Bryant at Alabama, Sherrill's coaching tree and impact span decades. The award will be formally presented on Wednesday, January 27, in Houston, Texas.
"Receiving an award that bears Coach Bryant's name is truly special," said Sherrill. "Coach Bryant shaped my life as a player, a coach and a person. I've always believed that success is measured by the people you help develop and the relationships you build along the way. I'm deeply honored and humbled by this recognition."
For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU football on X, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateFB."
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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The award recognizes individuals for outstanding career accomplishments both on and off the field. Sherrill compiled a 180-120-4 record over 27 seasons as a head coach, concluding his career with a historic run in Starkville.
Arriving at Mississippi State in 1991, Sherrill engineered one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Southeastern Conference history. He guided the Bulldogs to six bowl appearances, an SEC Western Division title in 1998, and a top-15 national finish in 1999. His 75 victories stand as the most by any head coach in program history.
A former player under Bryant at Alabama, Sherrill's coaching tree and impact span decades. The award will be formally presented on Wednesday, January 27, in Houston, Texas.
"Receiving an award that bears Coach Bryant's name is truly special," said Sherrill. "Coach Bryant shaped my life as a player, a coach and a person. I've always believed that success is measured by the people you help develop and the relationships you build along the way. I'm deeply honored and humbled by this recognition."
For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU football on X, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateFB."
###
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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Monday, October 19
Monday, October 19
Monday, October 19
Monday, October 19