There are some key figures that are responsible for making Alabama the college football juggernaut it is today. The Crimson Tide, before its glory days with Nick Saban, also had a few more greats with some other brilliant coaches. They put forward some of the best football that’s come from Alabama, ever. Today, Alabama football will be sorely missing one of its key pioneers.

Former defensive coordinator Bill ‘Brother’ Oliver has passed at 85, according to the latest reports. He was once the soul of Alabama’s defense, and has 5 national championship rings to his name. His 1992 defense is still regarded as one of the best to have ever graced the football field. Oliver was part of the 1961 National Championship winning team under the legendary Paul Bryant, which ceded just 25 points. He coached some important teams at his alma mater, before departing to stints at Auburn and Chattanooga in his later years. Oliver was one the nation’s best even, as former Crimson Tide AD told AL.com.

1992 was also the year Alabama got back to where it was during the Bryant era, winning a championship game after 13 years under Gene Stallions. That game, they forced a strong Miami team with a damage-inducing offense to stop short. The Hurricanes were also looking to be back-to-back champions that year. That defense was so strong, that the defending champions couldn’t make a single touchdown from it’s offensive side. Moreover, this was a team that had Heisman trophy winner Gino Toretta, who threw three interceptions. With Oliver’s guidance on the defense, the Crimson Tide crashed over the Hurricanes in a powerful 34-13 win.

At Alabama, Oliver’s five national championship rings vary in background. His first came in 1961, when he played defensive back under Bryant as HC. The next three came when he was an assistant coach under Bryant, in 1973, 1978, and 1979. His last was the 1992 win that came under Gene Stallions, who was at Alabama for just one year. Then, Oliver headed back to Auburn for his second stint, now as defensive coordinator. He held that position until 1998, after which he retired when Auburn hired Tommy Tuberville. Across his 32 years of coaching, he had shaped the Bama defense into one for the history books. His loss hit deep in the Crimson Tide community, who are sharing their condolences online.

Alabama community spread love and respect for Bill Oliver

The star power of Nick Saban has somewhat overshadowed the efforts put by his predecessors. But true Bama football fans would know how valuable Oliver was to the program. One such fan wrote, “RIP and RTR to one of the BEST to ever do it… Coach Bill Oliver… Had the opportunity to work with him on some TV stuff and man he was a great guy! The ’92 D will ALWAYS be the standard for ALL defenses anywhere! Bill, you are missed!” When it came to college football defenses, few have matched up to the sheer brilliance that Oliver brought through.

Another fan remembers some time they’d spent with Oliver off the field. The user wrote, “Hate to hear that. Enjoyed when I’d see him around town and get him telling old football stories. RIP.” Another also wrote, “Enjoyed [talking] with him. I would see him in town and at the grocery store in Alex City. Prayers to his family. RTR.” It seems that Oliver, despite his CFB greatness, was also a great figure to be around.

Oliver had also tried out high school football as HC. A fan recounted, “Prayers for Coach Oliver’s family. He coached at Marshall County High School (Guntersville) in the middle 60’s. One of the best[.]” It was after this stint that Oliver got his first experience at CFB coaching in 1966 at Auburn, under Ralph Jordan. So that means the Oliver was never rally off the field, as he got into the teaching shoes soon after his sophomre season win with Alabama in 1961. Alabama journalist Chad Harrison also remembered him fondly. “A greater gentleman I haven’t encountered. Was so generous with his time. RIP Coach.” 

Oliver’s contibution to Alabama football is commendable, because he truly built Alabama to be the heavyweight figure it claims to be in college football. His loss is big blow to ardent Alabama fans, who was involved in some of the best years for the progra. Here’s to veteran coach!