Bill Battle III, who was athletic director at his alma mater, Alabama, where he played for Paul “Bear” Bryant's first national championship team, then later coached the Tennessee Volunteers and founded the Collegiate Licensing Company,

An Alabama legend has died. William "Bill" Battle served as Alabama athletic director from 2013-2017 and played football for the Crimson Tide from 1960-1962. He was 82.

Former Tennessee football coach and Alabama athletic director Bill Battle died Thursday morning at the age of 82.

Battle, who made a lasting impact both on and off the field, played for Alabama's storied football program from 1960 to 1962 under legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. Battle was part of the team that won Bryant's first national championship in 1961.

Former Tennessee football head coach Bill Battle passed away at the age of 82, the University of Alabama announced. He served as Tennessee’s head coach from 1970-76, compiling a 59–22–2 record in seven seasons. Battle defeated Bear Bryant and Alabama in his first Third Saturday in October meeting as Tennessee’s head coach in 1970.

Bill Battle, who was a former Alabama football player and athletic director died Thursday at the age of 82. Battle attended Alabama on a football scholarship and was a three-year starter under Paul “Bear” Bryant from 1960-62.

Bill Battle, a former athletic director at Alabama and coach at Tennessee has passed away at 82 years old. Alabama announced that news on Thursday morning: Former Alabama administrator and student-athlete, coach and licensing pioneer Bill Battle passes away at 82

Bill Battle, a former football coach at Tennessee, has died. The University of Alabama, where he played football and later would serve as athletic director, made the announcement Thursday. He was 82. Battle was the coach of the Vols from 1970-76, going 59-22-2 with five bowl appearances in seven seasons.