ARLINGTON, Texas, October 1, 2025 — The American Heart Association’s Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards will host a special fan-focused event, the “Red River Reunion,” on Friday, October 10, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Texas Live! in Arlington, Texas. Admission is free and open to the public.
The event will feature legendary college football coaches Mack Brown and Barry Switzer, who together shaped the history of one of the sport’s greatest rivalries, the Red River Showdown between the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma. Additional special guests will join the celebration.
Popular college football podcasts “Oklahoma Breakdown” and “On3’s Inside Texas” will also be on hand, giving fans exclusive live access to insights and stories from both sides of the rivalry.
The Red River Reunion will celebrate the enduring spirit of competition and tradition while spotlighting the mission of the American Heart Association and its Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards program, which honors college football coaches for excellence both on and off the field, while raising life-saving funds to fight cardiovascular disease.
The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, presents the Bear Bryant Awards annually to celebrate excellence in coaching, to honor Coach Bryant’s legacy and to raise awareness and critical funds for its mission. The coaching legend died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement.
About the Coaches
Mack Brown
Mack Brown built his reputation as one of college football’s most respected coaches during a career that spanned more than four decades. Best known for his tenure at the University of Texas (1998–2013), Brown led the Longhorns to a national championship in 2005, a thrilling Rose Bowl victory over USC that is widely considered one of the greatest games in the history of the sport. Under his leadership, Texas won two Big 12 championships, produced a Heisman Trophy winner in Ricky Williams, and developed countless NFL players. Brown also served as head coach at North Carolina (two separate stints), Tulane, and Appalachian State, earning more than 270 career victories and a place in the College Football Hall of Fame (2018 class). Known for his charisma, leadership, and advocacy for student-athletes, Brown remains a beloved ambassador for the game.
Barry Switzer
Barry Switzer is synonymous with the glory years of Oklahoma football. As head coach of the Sooners from 1973 to 1988, Switzer compiled a staggering 157–29–4 record, winning three national championships (1974, 1975, 1985) and 12 Big Eight Conference titles. His innovative wishbone offense helped redefine college football in the 1970s and 1980s, producing explosive results and some of the sport’s most iconic teams. Switzer later became one of only three head coaches to win championships at both the college and professional levels, guiding the Dallas Cowboys to a Super Bowl XXX victory in 1996. A larger-than-life figure, Switzer’s legacy is defined not only by his on-field success but also by his enduring connection with Oklahoma fans and his role as one of the game’s most colorful personalities.
###