Former Mississippi State football coach Jackie Sherrill has been selected to receive the 2027 Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award recognizes individuals for outstanding career accomplishments both on and off the field. Sherrill compiled a 180-120-4 record over 27 seasons as a head coach, concluding his career with a historic run in Starkville.
Arriving at Mississippi State in 1991, Sherrill engineered arguably one of the most noteworthy turnarounds in SEC history. He guided the Bulldogs to six bowl appearances, an SEC Western Division title in 1998, and a top-15 national finish in 1999. His 75 victories stand as the most by any head coach in program history.
Sherrill also has a personal connection to Bryant. He played for the legendary coach at Alabama from 1962-65, helping the Crimson Tide win two national championships. He later served as a graduate assistant under Bryant before embarking on a coaching career that would help shape college football for more than three decades.
“Receiving an award that bears Coach Bryant’s name is truly special,” Sherrill said. “Coach Bryant shaped my life as a player, a coach, and a person. I’ve always believed that success is measured by the people you help develop and the relationships you build along the way. I’m deeply honored and humbled by this recognition.”
In addition to leading Mississippi State’s football program, Sherrill had head coaching gigs at Washington State, Pittsburgh, and Texas A&M. He will be formally presented with the Bear Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award in Texas on Jan. 27.
