Former Tennessee coach, Alabama AD Bill Battle hospitalized with COVID-19
By SDS Staff
Published:
Former Alabama athletic director and Tennessee head football coach Bill Battle has been hospitalized at UAB with COVID-19.
The Crimson Tide issued a statement from Battle Friday night.
“I appreciate the prayers and well-wishes from so many, and want to let you know that I’m stable and resting comfortably. I’ve got great doctors and nurses at UAB looking after me and expect to make a full recovery. Time and patience are important in the meantime,” Battle said in a statement.
Battle was Alabama’s athletic director from 2013-17 and took over for the late Mal Moore. During his tenure as athletic director, Alabama produced 3 national championships and 10 SEC championships. He also battled cancer.
He played for Bear Bryant from 1960-62 as an end. Following his playing career, Battle went into coaching. He got his assistant coaching start at Army (1964-65) and next became an assistant at Tennessee (1966-69). The Volunteers then hired Battle for their head job in 1970 where he coached until 1976. He finished with a 59-22-2 overall record. His first 3 seasons in Knoxville, Battle compiled an impressive record of 31-5.
Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.
