The Coach of the Year winner is selected each year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association and announced live at the awards dinner. The award recognizes excellence in coaching both on and off the field while raising funds to fight heart disease and stroke for the American Heart Association.

 “This is a huge honor for the Penn State program and the kids that stuck with us, [along with] the coaches and staff. I’ve only done this for one year and what this says to me is that we have a fantastic coaching staff,” said O’Brien.

Named the Nittany Lions’ 15^th head football coach in early 2012, O’Brien quickly and effectively established the foundation for the new era of Penn State Football during his initial eight months on the job.  Penn State capped its remarkable season with a 24-21 overtime victory over eventual Big Ten Champion Wisconsin on an emotional Senior Day, with 31 committed and dedicated seniors introduced before the game.

O’Brien’s eight wins were the most by a first-year Penn State coach in the 126 years of the program and led to a plethora of accolades for his leadership, coaching acumen and commitment under unprecedented conditions.

The engaging, detail-oriented and intense O’Brien spent 14 years coaching college football at Brown, Georgia Tech, Maryland and Duke before spending five highly-successful years as part of the NFL New England Patriots’ staff.

The finalists competing with O’Brien for the Coach of the Year Award included: James Franklin of Vanderbilt, Urban Meyer of The Ohio State, David Shaw of Stanford, Bill Snyder of Kansas State and Kevin Sumlin of Texas A&M.

The 27^th annual event also recognized LaVell Edwards, former Brigham Young University coach and 7^th all time winningest coach in Division I football history.  Recent Lifetime Achievement recipients include Hayden Fry, Tom Osborne, Barry Switzer, Bo Schembechler and Bobby Bowden. 

Funds raised benefit research, community education and outreach programs of the American Heart Association. For more information, contact 713-610-5000 or visit www.bryantawards.com.

American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases – America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit www.heart.org.

 Marathon Oil Corporation

Marathon Oil is an independent international energy company. Based in Houston, Texas, Marathon Oil had net proved reserves at the end of 2011 of 1.8 billion barrels of oil equivalent in North America, Europe and Africa. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at http://www.marathonoil.com.

The National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association is the largest national association that focuses on the crafts of both sportscasting and sportswriting. The association, with its headquarters in Salisbury, N.C., honors the National Sportscaster of the Year and the National Sportswriter of the Year.

HOUSTON (6 p.m. on Dec. 18, 2012) – The American Heart Association, an organization devoted to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke, announced today the 2012 Coach of the Year finalists for the Marathon Oil Corporation Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards.  The 2012 Coach of the Year finalists are James Franklin, Vanderbilt; Urban Meyer, Ohio State; Bill O’Brien, Penn State; David Shaw, Stanford; Bill Snyder, Kansas State University and Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M.

The 27^th annual event slated to take place on Thursday, January 17 in Houston, Texas, will bring together the nation’s top performing college coaches and sports enthusiasts to raise funds for heart disease in the name of Paul “Bear” Bryant.  Marathon Oil Corporation is again generously supporting the American Heart Association and serving as the title sponsor of the event.

January’s event will also recognize former Brigham Young University Head Football Coach LaVell Edwards, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes excellence in coaching on and off the field during a career, allowing recipients to take their place in history alongside legends such as Paul “Bear” Bryant.  Recent Lifetime Achievement recipients include Barry Switzer, Vince Dooley, Bobby Bowden and Hayden Fry.

Joining the evening’s line up as keynote speaker will be University of Alabama’s Director of Athletics Mal Moore.  During a coaching career that spans 31 years, Moore spent 22 of those at Alabama with stops at Montana State, Notre Dame and the NFL’s St. Louis and Phoenix Cardinals. At Alabama, Moore started as Coach Bryant’s graduate assistant in 1964, and then was defensive backfield coach for six seasons beginning in 1965.

For the second consecutive year, Becky and Dave Roberts will chair the event. “Becky and I are thrilled to be a part of this annual fundraiser for the American Heart Association, and can’t wait to get these coaches in the same room for a good cause,” said Roberts.  “The Bryant Awards provide a unique opportunity for college coaches to be evaluated based on their entire year – including the Bowl games.  Since the Coach of the Year award is announced live at the event, it’s still very much anyone’s game.”

Funds raised benefit research, community education and outreach programs of the American Heart Association. For more information and to purchase tickets or a table to the event contact 713-610-5000 or visit www.bryantawards.com.

 About American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases – America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit www.heart.org.

 About Marathon Oil Corporation

Marathon Oil is an independent international energy company. Based in Houston, Texas, Marathon Oil had net proved reserves at the end of 2011 of 1.8 billion barrels of oil equivalent in North America, Europe and Africa. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at http://www.marathonoil.com.

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HOUSTON (Nov. 15, 2012) – American Heart Association and The Paul Bear Bryant Awards’ Title Sponsor Marathon Oil Corporation today announced the full watch list for the coveted Coach of the Year Honor, which will be revealed at the 27^th annual event on Jan. 17, 2013 in Houston. Coaches topping the watch list for the 2013 Paul Bear Bryant Coach of the Year Award include (alphabetical order):

• David Cutcliffe, Duke
• Sonny Dykes, Louisiana Tech
• Jimbo Fisher, Florida State
• Brian Kelly, Notre Dame
• Chip Kelly, Oregon
• Urban Meyer, Ohio State
• Will Muschamp, Florida
• Bill O’Brien, Penn State
• Chris Petersen, Boise State
• Mark Richt, Georgia
• Mike Riley, Oregon State
• Nick Saban, Alabama
• David Shaw, Stanford
• Bill Snyder, Kansas State
• Steve Spurrier, South Carolina
• Charlie Strong, Louisville
• Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M
• William “Dabo” Swinney, Clemson

In early December, a finalists’ list comprised of five to ten coaches will be announced. Finalists will attend an awards dinner on Jan. 17, 2012 in Houston, Texas at the HYATT Regency Hotel Downtown, where the winner will be announced live. The Bryant Coach of the Year Award is the only college coaching honor voted on after all of the bowl games are concluded.

January’s event will also recognize former Brigham Young University coach and 7^th all-time winningest coach in Division I football history LaVell Edwards, who will receive the Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes excellence in coaching on and off the field during a career, allowing recipients to take their place in history alongside legends such as Paul “Bear” Bryant.  Recent Lifetime Achievement recipients include Barry Switzer, Glenn “Bo” Schembechler, and Bobby Bowden.

 The Bryant Awards honor excellence in coaching while raising funds to fight heart disease and stroke, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. Bryant himself suffered a heart attack prior to his death in 1983. Funds raised benefit research, community education and outreach programs of the AHA. For more information, or to purchase tickets or a table for the event, contact Kristin Rodriguez at 713-610-5026 or visit www.bryantawards.com

About American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases – America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit www.heart.org.

 About Marathon Oil Corporation

Marathon Oil Corporation is an international energy company engaged in exploration and production, oil sands mining and integrated gas. At the end of 2010, Marathon Oil had net proved reserves of more than 1.6 billion barrels. Based in Houston, Texas, the Company has proved reserves in North America, the North Sea and Africa. For more information, visit the Company’s website at http://www.marathonoil.com.

Edwards’ extraordinary life and contributions to college football will be acknowledged during the awards dinner which benefits the American Heart Association and recognizes excellence in coaching on and off the field during a career, allowing recipients to take their place in history alongside legends such as Paul “Bear” Bryant.  Recent Lifetime Achievement recipients include Hayden Fry, Tom Osborne, Barry Switzer, Bo Schembechler and Bobby Bowden.

Considered a legend in the football profession, retired LaVell Edwards is a man of many hats.  After 29 years as head coach of the BYU football team, he ranked third among active coaches and seven in the all-time wins list, with a record of 257 wins, 101 losses and 3 ties.  Under his direction, BYU won a national championship, 19 conference championships, a Heisman Trophy, 2 Outland Trophies, 4 Davey O’Brien Awards, and appeared in 21 bowl games.  He has twice been honored as the national coach of the year, has received many conference and district accolades, and has been feted by a myriad of state and national organizations, not just for his accomplishments on the field, but for the integrity and class he added to the profession.

The Marathon Oil Corporation Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards honor excellence in coaching while raising funds to fight heart disease and stroke.  Bryant suffered a heart attack prior to his death in 1983. Funds raised benefit heart disease and stroke research, community education and outreach programs of the American Heart Association. For more information on the Bryant Awards, or to purchase tickets or a table for the event, visit www.bryantawards.com or call 713-610-5000. 

About American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases – America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit www.heart.org.

About Marathon Oil Corporation

Marathon Oil is an independent international energy company. Based in Houston, Texas, Marathon Oil had net proved reserves at the end of 2011 of 1.8 billion barrels of oil equivalent in North America, Europe and Africa. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at http://www.marathonoil.com.

2011 PAUL “BEAR” BRYANT COACH OF THE YEAR

HOUSTON (Jan. 19, 2012) – Mike Gundy of Oklahoma State takes the Coach of the Year title at the Marathon Oil Corporation Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards, which raises funds annually for the American Heart Association.

The Coach of the Year winner is selected each year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association and announced live at the awards dinner. The award recognizes excellence in coaching both on and off the field while raising funds to fight heart disease and stroke.

“We have a tradition in college football where the name of Paul “Bear” Bryant is synonymous with winners. To even be here is a huge accomplishment for our players and staff and I want to give credit to them. This really means a lot,” said Gundy.

A decorated Oklahoma high school athlete and one of the most successful quarterbacks in OSU history, Gundy is still the youngest coach in the Big 12 Conference, but has validated his selection in a big way.  Oklahoma State has reached the Associated Press top 10 in four consecutive seasons and has not only set a school record for first-team all-league selections, but also for first-team academic all-conference selections.  In the seven years since his hiring he has established Oklahoma State as not only a program on the rise, but a program that has arrived.

Under Mike Gundy, the Oklahoma State Cowboys claimed the Big 12 crown for 2011.  He led the Cowboys to an impressive 12-1 record with a win in the BCS Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.   This is the second year in a row that Gundy has put the Cowboys at the top of the Big 12.  The Cowboys are 22-3 over the last two seasons and OSU has the Big 12’s best conference record since 2009 at 20-5. During that same time frame OSU has been one of the country’s best road teams with a 13-2 record.

The finalists competing with Gundy for the Coach of the Year Award include: Art Briles, Baylor University; Brady Hoke, University of Michigan; Les Miles, Louisiana State University; David Shaw, Stanford University; Bill Snyder, Kansas State University; Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M University (2011 – University of Houston); and Dabo Swinney, Clemson University.

The 26th annual event also recognized former University of Iowa Head Football Coach Hayden Fry as the Lifetime Achievement recipient. Recent Lifetime Achievement recipients include Barry Switzer, Glenn “Bo” Schembechler, and Bobby Bowden.

Funds raised benefit research, community education and outreach programs of the American Heart Association. For more information, contact 713-610-5000 or visit www.bryantawards.com.

American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases – America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit www.heart.org.

Marathon Oil Corporation

Marathon Oil Corporation is an international energy company engaged in exploration and production, oil sands mining and integrated gas. At the end of 2010, Marathon Oil had net proved reserves of more than 1.6 billion barrels. Based in Houston, Texas, the Company has proved reserves in North America, the North Sea and Africa. For more information, visit the Company’s website at http://www.marathonoil.com.

The National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association is the largest national association that focuses on the crafts of both sportscasting and sportswriting. The association, with its headquarters in Salisbury, N.C., honors the National Sportscaster of the Year and the National Sportswriter of the Year.

One coach will receive prestigious award for excellence on Thursday, January 19, 2012.

HOUSTON (Dec. 14, 2011) – The American Heart Association, an organization devoted to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke, announced today the 2011 Coach of the Year finalists for the Marathon Oil Corporation Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards.  The 2011 Coach of the Year finalists are:

• Bret Bielema – University of Wisconsin
• Art Briles – Baylor University
• Mike Gundy – Oklahoma State University
• Brady Hoke – University of Michigan
• Les Miles – Louisiana State University
• David Shaw – Stanford University
• Bill Snyder – Kansas State University
• Kevin Sumlin – Texas A&M University (2011 – University of Houston)
• Dabo Swinney – Clemson University

The 26th annual event slated to take place on Thursday, January 19 in Houston, Texas will bring together the nation’s top performing college coaches and sports enthusiasts to raise funds for heart disease in the name of Paul “Bear” Bryant.  Marathon Oil Corporation once again is the title sponsor of the event with Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Dave Roberts and wife Becky serving as event chairs.

“Becky and I are thrilled to be a part of this annual fundraiser for the American Heart Association, and can’t wait to get these coaches in the same room for a good cause,” said Roberts.  “The Bryant Awards provide a unique opportunity for college coaches to be evaluated based on their entire year – including the Bowl games.  Since the Coach of the Year award is announced live at the event, it’s still very much anyone’s game.”

January’s event will also recognize former University of Iowa Head Football Coach Hayden Fry, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes excellence in coaching on and off the field during a career, allowing recipients to take their place in history alongside legends such as Paul “Bear” Bryant.  Recent Lifetime Achievement recipients include Barry Switzer, Glenn “Bo” Schembechler, and Bobby Bowden. Bowden will present Fry with the award at the event.

Funds raised benefit research, community education and outreach programs of the American Heart Association. For more information and to purchase tickets or a table to the event contact 713-610-5000 or visit www.bryantawards.com.

About American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases – America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit www.heart.org.

 About Marathon Oil Corporation

Marathon Oil Corporation is an international energy company engaged in exploration and production, oil sands mining and integrated gas. At the end of 2010, Marathon Oil had net proved reserves of more than 1.6 billion barrels. Based in Houston, Texas, the Company has proved reserves in North America, the North Sea and Africa. For more information, visit the Company’s website at http://www.marathonoil.com.

HOUSTON (August 29, 2011) – American Heart Association announced today former Iowa coach and 10^th all time winningest coach in Division I football history Hayden Fry will be named recipient of the 2012 Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award.

Fry’s extraordinary life and contributions to college football will be acknowledged at the Marathon Oil Corporation Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards dinner on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012 in Houston, Texas. The annual awards program recognizes excellence in coaching on and off the field during a career, allowing recipients to take their place in history alongside legends such as Paul “Bear” Bryant.  Recent Lifetime Achievement recipients include Lou Holtz, Barry Switzer, Glenn “Bo” Schembechler, and Bobby Bowden. 

Fry coached for 36 years with his longest and most successful tenure coming with the Iowa Hawkeyes. In 20 years, Fry led Iowa to over 140 victories, three Rose Bowl appearances, three Big Ten titles, and 14 bowl games. He is credited for transforming a longtime losing program into a perennial contender. He also played a major role in the integration of college football. While at Southern Methodist University, Fry made Jerry LeVias the first African American to sign a football scholarship in the Southwest Conference. Fry also coached at the University of North Texas, compiling a 40-23-3 record in six seasons.

Fry retired in 1998 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003. Even after his retirement, Fry’s fingerprints remain on college football. There are numerous current Division I head coaches that got their start under Fry’s tutelage at Iowa, including Bob and Mike Stoops, Bret Bielema, Jim Leavitt, Bo Pelini, and current Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz.

The Marathon Oil Corporation Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards honor excellence in coaching while raising funds to fight heart disease and stroke.  Bryant himself suffered a heart attack prior to his death in 1983. Funds raised benefit research, community education and outreach programs of the Association. For more information on the Bryant Awards, or to purchase tickets or a table for the event, visit www.bryantawards.com or call 713-610-5000.

About American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases – America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit www.heart.org.

 About Marathon Oil Corporation

Marathon Oil Corporation is an international energy company engaged in exploration and production, oil sands mining and integrated gas. At the end of 2010, Marathon Oil had net proved reserves of more than 1.6 billion barrels. Based in Houston, Texas, the Company has proved reserves in North America, the North Sea and Africa. For more information, visit the Company’s website at http://www.marathonoil.com.

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