TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Invoice Battle III, who was athletic director at his alma mater, Alabama, the place he performed for Paul “Bear” Bryant’s first nationwide championship staff, then later coached the Tennessee Volunteers and based the Collegiate Licensing Firm, has died. He was 82.
Alabama launched a press release Thursday saying that Battle had died. No particulars have been offered.
“It’s difficult to put into words just how much Coach Battle means to The University of Alabama and college athletics, as a whole,” athletic director Greg Byrne stated. “He excelled in so many areas and was a true visionary.”
Born in Birmingham, Battle was a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide between 1960 and 1962 and helped Bryant win his first nationwide title in 1961.
Battle began his teaching profession at Oklahoma, the place he earned a grasp’s diploma in schooling in 1964 whereas working beneath Bud Wilkinson. He was an assistant at Military throughout a two-year army tour in 1964-65.
He moved to Tennessee in 1966 and was an assistant coach for 4 years. When Doug Dickey left for a similar job at Florida in 1970, the 28-year-old Battle grew to become the youngest head coach on the time. Battle went 59-22-2 with the Volunteers, profitable 4 of 5 bowl video games.
In 1972, Battle named Condredge Holloway the Vols’ beginning quarterback, making him the primary Black participant to start out at that place for a Southeastern Convention staff. Tennessee performed its first evening sport at Neyland Stadium that very same season towards Penn State.
In 1981, Battle based the Collegiate Licensing Firm and was president and CEO till 2002. The corporate was purchased by IMG in 2007.
Battle took over as athletic director at Alabama in 2013, spending 4 years on the job. The Crimson Tide gained three nationwide championships throughout his tenure, and he later served as particular assistant to the college president.
Former Alabama coach Nick Saban referred to as Battle “first class” and stated he represented the college with “tremendous character and integrity.” Saban praised Battle for revolutionizing the enterprise of school 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,” Saban stated.
Battle is a member of a number of halls of fame. He additionally was honored by the Nationwide Soccer Basis, acquired a lifetime achievement award from the Tennessee Sports activities Corridor of Fame and was a recipient of the 2005 Paul W. Bryant Alumni Athlete Award.
“Bill was an innovative leader who had a distinguished career as a coach, businessman, and athletics director, who loved his family and was committed to the special opportunities presented through intercollegiate athletics,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey stated.
