TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Bill Battle III, who was athletic director at his alma mater, Alabama, where he played for Paul "Bear" Bryant's first national championship team, then later coached the Tennessee Volunteers and founded the Collegiate Licensing Company, has died. He was 82.
Alabama released a statement Thursday saying that Battle had died. No details were provided.
"It's difficult to put into words just how much Coach Battle means to The University of Alabama and college athletics, as a whole," athletic director Greg Byrne said. "He excelled in so many areas and was a true visionary.