Tuscaloosa Pays Tribute to Bill Battle: A Life Dedicated to Collegiate Athletics

Tuscaloosa Mourns the Loss of Bill Battle, Athletic Visionary

Tuscaloosa, Ala. – The sports community is in mourning following the passing of William “Bill” Raines Battle III at the age of 82. A respected figure in collegiate athletics, Battle died on November 28, 2024. His legacy includes significant contributions as a former director of athletics, a celebrated football coach, and the founder of the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC).

Early Life and Education

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Bill Battle was a notable athlete from a young age. He earned a football scholarship to The University of Alabama, where he played under the legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant from 1960 to 1962. Battle not only secured his place on the team but also became a three-year starter at end. He was part of Coach Bryant’s first national championship team in 1961 and earned a spot on the university’s All-Decade Team for the 1960s.

Completing his education, Battle graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in psychology in 1963. He furthered his academic pursuits by earning a master’s degree in education from The University of Oklahoma in 1964.

Coaching Career

Battle’s coaching career began as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma, under Bud Wilkinson, and continued with a stint as an assistant coach at the United States Military Academy during his military service. In 1966, he joined the University of Tennessee as an assistant coach and became the head coach by 1970. His time as head coach lasted for seven years, during which his teams achieved an impressive record of 59 wins, 22 losses, and 2 ties, earning victories in four out of five bowl games.

Founding the Collegiate Licensing Company

In 1981, Battle founded the Collegiate Licensing Company, which transformed the way colleges managed their branding and licensing efforts. Under his leadership as president and CEO until 2002, CLC played a vital role in the financial growth of college athletics. The company was acquired by IMG in 2007, solidifying Battle’s impact on the industry.

Tuscaloosa Tenure and Contributions

In 2013, Battle returned to Tuscaloosa to serve as the director of athletics at The University of Alabama for four years. During this period, the university celebrated three NCAA team national championships and numerous individual accolades. His work helped nurture talent and foster an environment of excellence within the athletic department.

After his tenure, Battle continued to contribute as a special assistant to university president Dr. Stuart R. Bell, focusing on initiatives that benefitted both the university and its athletic programs.

A Legacy Celebrated

Bill Battle’s contributions have earned him a place in various halls of fame, including the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from The University of Alabama in 2017. Friends and colleagues remember him as a leader whose vision reshaped college athletics.

Stuart R. Bell, the president of UA, praised Battle, stating, “His generosity and visionary leadership elevated our institution and enriched the lives of countless students and colleagues.”

Greg Byrne, the Alabama Director of Athletics, expressed deep sorrow over Battle’s passing, emphasizing the profound impact he had on the University and on college sports as a whole.

Nick Saban, the former Alabama head football coach, called Battle “first class in every way,” highlighting his integrity and commitment to excellence. Saban recalled that Battle’s leadership helped bring about significant success during his time as Athletic Director.

Conclusion

Bill Battle’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations. His contributions to the University of Alabama and collegiate athletics as a whole were immeasurable, and his influence will be felt for years to come. The community extends its condolences to his wife, Mary, and the entire Battle family during this difficult time.