HOUNDSTOOTH, PIGSKIN & TRADITION | ALABAMA’S PAUL “BEAR” BRYANT

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Paul “Bear” Bryant (left) with baseball’s legendary A’s owner, Charles O. Finley or “Charley O” (right).

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From the desk of Contributing Editor, Eli M Getson–

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The other day I was watching the Philadelphia Eagles play an entertaining one against the New York Giants.  When NBC did the inevitable sideline shot of Eagles coach Andy Reid, I could not help but notice that he was clad in an all black nylon get-up emblazoned with Eagles’ logo that made him look like an NFL version of “Big Pussy” from The Sopranos.  This “NFL Licensed Apparel meets Sergio Tacchini track suit look” is pretty comical on such a big dude, and it made we wonder– why is it that coaches are not required to wear a coat and tie on the sidelines anymore for the sake of decorum?  It may help the guy who is in the midst of a 4-12 season keep his job–  or at least help him look more in control.  The sidelines have become another place where “Casual Friday” has spread its insidious reach.

Whatever happened to the tradition of the team coach actually getting dressed like a grown man?  It makes me long for the last guy who dressed with some style and respect–  like he was going to church. Maybe it’s because for him the sidelines were his church– Paul “Bear” Bryant.

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Legendary coach, Paul “Bear” Bryant in a familiar pose– leaning against the goalpost.

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With the Crimson Tide vying for the National title in the Rose Bowl on January 7th, it’s only fitting we pay homage to Paul “Bear” Bryant– a player and coach, synonymous with Alabama football.  He also did more for houndstooth than anyone short of the Scotsman who invented the pattern.  Bryant played “the other end” to NFL Hall-of-Famer, fellow Arkansan, and lifelong friend, Don Hutson on Alabama’s 1934 National championship team– and was second team all SEC that year.  After graduating in 1936, Bryant began his coaching career which finally led him back to Alabama in 1958.  “Bear” Bryant said about his return to Alabama– “Momma called.  And when Momma calls, you just have to come runnin’.” By 1961 Bryant had his first National title, and would lead the Tide to five more in ’64, ’65, ’73, ’78, ‘and ’79. Along the way he would coach such greats as Lee Roy Jordan, Joe Namath, Kenny Stabler, Ozzie Newsome, Slyvester Croom, and Dwight Stephenson.

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The Legendary University of Alabama player and coach– Paul “Bear” Bryant”.

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I’ve always loved the bold, plaid sportcoat look, probably because so few wear them anymore– and no one did this with more flair then the Bryant.  I used to relish tuning into Keith Jackson calling an Alabama game and seeing “Bear” Bryant, game plan rolled up in his hand, leaning against the goal post while the teams went through their pre-game warm up, resplendent in his houndstooth hat and an epic plaid sport coat, usually with a coordinating sweater vest to boot.  There’s something reassuring about ritual and tradition– and I suspect it made most of the Tide faithful feel that they were destined to win on many a Saturday afternoon when they saw “Bear” Bryant with his trademark uniform on.  I know when the Crimson Tide line up in a few days in the Rose Bowl for the National title game, there will be a lot of ‘Bama fans sporting houndstooth for luck.  I hope a few go all out with the houndstooth hat, bold plaid sportcoat, tie, and sweater vest.  My respect for Nick Saban would go through the roof if he coached the title game dressed like the Bear.  We’re talking about Alabama tradition and legacy after all– and Bear Bryant’s legacy was the best there ever was.

–Eli M. Getson

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Paul “Bear” Bryant in his signature houndstooth hat– known as a “Bear Bryant” to Alabama fans.

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Bear Bryant in his signature houndstooth hat.  He owned several over the years of varying boldness.

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Joe Namath and Paul “Bear” Bryant.  Probably the most famous coach–quarterback relationship in history was the one between Bear Bryant and Joe Namath. On the surface, they seemed to be total opposites— Bryant growing up dirt poor in an Arkansas town so small it wasn’t on the map, while Namath, the son of immigrant parents, grew up in a Pennsylvania steel mill town.  Bryant was the full-time authoritarian, while Namath was supremely rebellious.  Yet, they clicked, or at least they learned to.  More HERE

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