HOUSTON, September 8, 2026 — Western Michigan University head football coach Lance Taylor has been named Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Week following the Broncos’ controversial loss at No. 16 Michigan.
After the Broncos had seemingly captured a 12-7 win on an overthrown Hail Mary as time expired, the play was reviewed, and one second was placed on the game clock, giving Michigan the opportunity for one final Hail Mary, which the Wolverines converted.
A member of the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians, Taylor was three-year letterwinner at the University of Alabama from 1999-2002, and a second-generation member of the Crimson Tide. His father, James, was a member of three Southeastern Conference championship teams for coach Bear Bryant, including the 1973 UPI national championship team.
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.
After allowing a Wolverines touchdown on the opening drive of the game, Kelly Dieter booted three straight field goals – from 52, 45, and 39 yards, to give WMU a 9-7 lead with 10:25 to play. Dieter booted his fourth – a 33-yarder with 35 seconds to play, setting the margin at 12-7 before the controversial final play.
Between the opening drive and the Hail Mary, Western Michigan’s defense stood tall, holding Michigan to just 122 yards of total offense during that stretch.
The Mid-American Conference has submitted formal appeals to both the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and the College Football Playoff, challenging the replay protocol that was used on Saturday in Ann Arbor. According to a statement issued by the MAC on Tuesday, the conference “is requesting that those bodies recognize Western Michigan as the actual winner of the game for purposes of their respective rankings, evaluations, and selection deliberations, and take such other corrective action as may be within their authority.”
Each week through the remainder of the season, the Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards will recognize a coach for leading their team to an exceptional victory. The Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of the Week is chosen by a committee of national college football media members. Taylor is the second winner of the season, following the opening-week selection of Memphis’ Charles Huff.
Fans can follow the lead up to January’s annual Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards Ceremony at facebook.com/bryantawards, x.com/bryantawards or Instagram.com/bryantawards or the hashtag #BryantAwards. To attend the exclusive, VIP experience visit bryantawards.org.
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