Coach: The Life of Paul "Bear" Bryant

This is the third straight coaching biography that I read (following on the footsteps of an Urban Meyer biography and a Bill Walsh biography). This was far and away the best of the three biographies. I was quickly absorbed in the life of Bear Bryant and enjoyed the fair account of his life (both the good and the bad). Fortunately, the book does not get bogged down in a game by game analysis as does David Harris' biography of Bill Walsh. Rather, it provides a sweeping look at the man himself in the context of his overall profession. A very good read!

All told, "Coach: The Life of Paul 'Bear' Bryant" is probably the best in-depth analysis of Bryant as not only a coach but as a man. Although "The Last Coach", a new Bryant biography, may eventually take this particular book's place in that regard, this is nonetheless the standard text for those seeking an in-depth look at Paul "Bear" Bryant. Most Bryant biographies lack depth and real analysis, and mostly just repeat common knowledge such as "Mama called", etc. However, this particular book thoroughly analyzes and details Bryant as he grew up in the Moro Bottoms of rural Arkansas, and what were the influences that shaped his life. It has a great section regarding Bryant as a player, and the writing on Bryant as a coach is particularly good, dealing with Bryant's views on the psychology, philosophy and strategy of the game. Moreover, the sections of the book regarding the Bryant / Butts scandal, and the Holt / Granning incident are all particularly good. I would recommend this to anyone looking to read about Bryant.

Mr. Dunnvant admits from the beginning that, like many Alabamians, he grew up in awe of Paul Bryant. But he has succeeded in writing a fair, balanced portrayal of a complicated man. Bryant's failings are not glossed over, nor are they treated with sensationalism. A solid biography and a good read for college football fans.

This book makes you think you knew Coach Bryant, or at least makes you wish you had. It is entertaining, as well as informative, for college football fans of all ages. For Alabama Fans it is a must. Thank you, Keith for bringing Coach Bryant's life to those of us who missed seeing him while he was alive.

This book describes the life and times of one of the most influential men in America over the last 40 years. Just as everyone knows where they were when Kennedy was shot, generations of southerners, more succintly Alabamians, knew exactly where they were when the Bear went home. That is just how much influence he had in shaping a culture over almost 4 decades. This book does shows just how Bryant could take a boy from any walk of life and not just make him a winner on the field, but a champion and a man off of it. His struggles growing up, his struggles while coaching, the way he would sacrifice for any of his boys, all made him the leader he was and to a degree, still is. The shadow he casts in the state of Alabama is not only accepted, but revered and Keith Dunnavant does an outstanding job of showing just how and why this is so. No, the "Bear" is not and never will be truly gone as long as there is someone to wear the crimson and gray.