Former Alabama Football Coach Dead At 85 On Monday

Bill Oliver, a former national champion as a player and coach at Alabama, died Monday morning at age 85.

Kirk McNair, a former Alabama sports information director and longtime reporter, reported Oliver's passing on Facebook. McNair said Oliver was dealing with numerous health issues over his final months, and AL.com confirmed his death through the university.

Known as "Brother," Oliver won a 1961 national title in his senior year as a Crimson Tide defensive back. They allowed 22 points during an 11-0 season under Paul "Bear" Bryant.

After coaching high school football, Oliver landed a job as Auburn's defensive backs coach in 1966. Five years later, he switched sides in the rivalry and returned to his alma mater.

Oliver once again contributed to elite Alabama defenses as a defensive backs coach. The program won eight SEC championships and three national titles during his first stint from 1971 to 1979.

During his final season, the Crimson Tide went 12-0 and allowed 58 total points. That success landed him a new job as Chattanooga's head coach.

Chattanooga went 29-14-1 in Oliver's four seasons, collecting at least seven victories each year. He worked as a defensive coordinator for the USFL's Memphis Showboats before spending four seasons at Clemson.

Oliver returned to Tuscaloosa and won another national championship in 1992. The Crimson Tide promoted him to defensive coordinator and ranked eighth in points allowed each of the next two seasons.