TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Bill Battle, a former player and athletic director at the University of Alabama, has died at the age of 82, the university confirmed.
Battle, who made a lasting impact both on and off the field, played for Alabama's storied football program from 1960 to 1962 under legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. Battle was part of the team that won Bryant's first national championship in 1961.
After graduating, Battle began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Oklahoma, working under coach Bud Wilkinson. He later served as an assistant coach at the United States Military Academy during 1964 and 1965. In 1970, Battle became the head coach at the University of Tennessee after spending four years as an assistant coach in Knoxville.
He led the Volunteers for six seasons, building a strong reputation as a talented coach.
In 2013, Battle returned to Alabama, this time as the university’s athletic director. He held the position for four years, overseeing significant improvements to Alabama's athletics program. After retiring as athletic director, Battle continued to serve the university in a role as special assistant to President Dr. Stuart R. Bell.
Dr. Bell expressed deep admiration for Battle, saying, "Bill Battle’s legacy at The University of Alabama is profound and enduring. His generosity and visionary leadership elevated our institution and enriched the lives of countless students and colleagues. His dedication to excellence and steadfast devotion to UA will inspire generations to come. We are forever grateful for his friendship and his lasting impact on our community."
Battle was also a distinguished member of several halls of fame, including the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 1981, and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, where he was honored in 2011.
Former Alabama head coach Nick Saban praised Battle’s leadership, saying, “Bill Battle was first class in every way. He was an outstanding football player at Alabama, a successful collegiate head coach and visionary who revolutionized the business of college athletics. I got to know him best when he returned to direct the Alabama athletics department where his vision and leadership were driving factors in the Crimson Tide’s success that resulted in our 2015 national championship.”
