A former University of Tennessee football head coach has been honored.
The University of Alabama paid tribute to former UT head coach when it unveiled the Bill Battle Athletic Performance Center on Wednesday.
Battle played for the Crimson Tide and legendary head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant from 1960-62.
He later went on to become an assistant for Army between 1964-65.
After his time at West Point, Battle came to Knoxville where he coached ends for UT between 1966-69 under head coach Doug Dickey.
On Wednesday we had the honor of unveiling the Bill Battle Athletic Performance Center! Thank you to Coach Battle and the Battle family for everything you've done for Alabama!
đź“° https://t.co/hQO7w4qqID#RollTide #WhereLegendsAreMade pic.twitter.com/5eePOvIBdB
— Alabama Athletics (@UA_Athletics) January 21, 2021
After Dickey left Rocky Top to become head coach at Florida, Battle was promoted for his replacement. Battle remained UT’s head coach from 1970-76.
Battle never had a losing record, compiling a 59-22-2 mark while going 4-1 in bowl games.
He guided the Vols to an 11-1 record in 1970 and a 10-2 season in 1971.
After his coaching career, he founded The Collegiate Licensing Company.
He was later appointed athletics director at Alabama in 2013. He served in that capacity until 2017.
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