TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WHNT) — Former Director of Athletics and student-athlete at the University of Alabama has passed away, according to the university.

William “Bill” Raines Battle III was the former director of athletics at Alabama, a former student-athlete at the university, a collegiate football coach and founder of Collegiate Licensing Company.

According to the University of Alabama Athletics on Thursday, Battle passed away at the age of 82.

Battle attended the University of Alabama on a football scholarship and was a three-year starter from 1960 to 1962. Battle played under the legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

In 1961, Battle was part of Coach Bryant’s first national championship team and was named UA’s All-Decade Team for the 1960s as a first-team tight end and second-team defensive end.

The university said Battle earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and minored in psychology in 1963 and earned his master’s degree in education at the University of Oklahoma in 1964.

Battle didn’t just earn his degrees, but he served as a graduate assistant at OU under Bud Wilkinson. He was an assistant coach at the United States Military Academy while also serving a two-year military tour in 1964-65.

Following his service, Battle transitioned to be an assistant coach for four years at the University of Tennessee starting in 1966. Battle was named head coach at Tennessee in 1970 and during his seven-year tenure, his teams went 59-22-2 and won four out of five bowl games.

Battle founded the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) in 1981 and served as president and CEO until 2002.

The athletic department said in 2013, Battle made his return to Tuscaloosa where he was the athletic director for four years where he oversaw several winning titles.

“During his [Battle’s] tenure, Alabama produced three NCAA team national championships, 10 SEC team championships in five different sports,15 NCAA individual champions, 43 Academic All-Americans, including six Academic All-Americans of the Year and 16 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship awardees,” the university said.

Once he finished his time as athletic director, Battle continued his time at UA as special assistant to the University of Alabama president where he helped Dr. Stuart R. Bell with initiatives to benefit the athletic department.

His accolades include;

• Battle is a member of several halls of fame including the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (1981)
• The National Collegiate Licensing Association Hall of Fame (2000)
• The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association Hall of Fame (2008)
• The National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators Hall of Fame (2010)
• The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame (2011)
• The Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame (2016)
• The Alabama Business Hall of Fame (2017)

In addition to this, Battle was awarded by the National Football Foundation, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and was the recipient of the 2005 Paul W. Bryant Alumni Athlete Award.

Several big names from the university as well as the SEC Commissioner, former head coach Nick Saban and son of Paul “Bear” Bryant provided quotes about Battle.

“Bill Battle’s legacy at The University of Alabama is profound and enduring. His generosity and visionary leadership elevated our institution and enriched the lives of countless students and colleagues. His dedication to excellence and steadfast devotion to UA will inspire generations to come. We are forever grateful for his friendship and his lasting impact on our community.”

Stuart R. Bell, UA President

“Coach Battle was a great player and top prospect in the South when he came to Alabama at a time when the program was down. He started for Papa for three years including a national championship. He created the licensing industry that The University and schools nationwide still benefit from today. He was a major donor to The University. When we needed him again, he left retirement to help us as Athletic Director.”

Paul Bryant Jr., Lifelong friend of Coach Battle and son of Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant

“It’s difficult to put into words just how much Coach Battle means to The University of Alabama and college athletics, as a whole. He excelled in so many areas and was a true visionary. Beyond his accomplishments, he was an incredible man, and I am forever grateful for the friendship we built over the years. We will miss him tremendously and are praying for Mary, Pat, Mike, Shannon, Kayla and the entire Battle family.”

Greg Byrne, Alabama Director of Athletics

“Bill Battle was first class in every way. He represented The University of Alabama with tremendous character and integrity. He was an outstanding football player at Alabama, a successful collegiate head coach and visionary who revolutionized the business of college 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. Terry and I are saddened by his passing and our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Mary and their entire family. He will be deeply missed.”

Nick Saban, Former Alabama head football coach

“I am grateful for the privilege to have known and worked with Bill Battle. 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. In the SEC, we share in the sorrow of Bill’s passing but are thankful for his impact and friendship.”

Greg, Sankey, Southeastern Conference Commissioner

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