Tuscaloosa Mourns the Loss of Bill Battle, Athletic Visionary
Tuscaloosa, Ala. – The sports community is in mourning following the passing of William “Bill” Raines Battle III at the age of 82. A respected figure in collegiate athletics, Battle died on November 28, 2024. His legacy includes significant contributions as a former director of athletics, a celebrated football coach, and the founder of the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC).
Early Life and Education
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Bill Battle was a notable athlete from a young age. He earned a football scholarship to The University of Alabama, where he played under the legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant from 1960 to 1962. Battle not only secured his place on the team but also became a three-year starter at end. He was part of Coach Bryant’s first national championship team in 1961 and earned a spot on the university’s All-Decade Team for the 1960s.
Completing his education, Battle graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a minor in psychology in 1963. He furthered his academic pursuits by earning a master’s degree in education from The University of Oklahoma in 1964.
Coaching Career
Battle’s coaching career began as a graduate assistant at Oklahoma, under Bud Wilkinson, and continued with a stint as an assistant coach at the United States Military Academy during his military service. In 1966, he joined the University of Tennessee as an assistant coach and became the head coach by 1970. His time as head coach lasted for seven years, during which his teams achieved an impressive record of 59 wins, 22 losses, and 2 ties, earning victories in four out of five bowl games.
Founding the Collegiate Licensing Company
In 1981, Battle founded the Collegiate Licensing Company, which transformed the way colleges managed their branding and licensing efforts. Under his leadership as president and CEO until 2002, CLC played a vital role in the financial growth of college athletics. The company was acquired by IMG in 2007, solidifying Battle’s impact on the industry.
Tuscaloosa Tenure and Contributions
In 2013, Battle returned to Tuscaloosa to serve as the director of athletics at The University of Alabama for four years. During this period, the university celebrated three NCAA team national championships and numerous individual accolades. His work helped nurture talent and foster an environment of excellence within the athletic department.
After his tenure, Battle continued to contribute as a special assistant to university president Dr. Stuart R. Bell, focusing on initiatives that benefitted both the university and its athletic programs.
A Legacy Celebrated
Bill Battle’s contributions have earned him a place in various halls of fame, including the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from The University of Alabama in 2017. Friends and colleagues remember him as a leader whose vision reshaped college athletics.
Stuart R. Bell, the president of UA, praised Battle, stating, “His generosity and visionary leadership elevated our institution and enriched the lives of countless students and colleagues.”
Greg Byrne, the Alabama Director of Athletics, expressed deep sorrow over Battle’s passing, emphasizing the profound impact he had on the University and on college sports as a whole.
Nick Saban, the former Alabama head football coach, called Battle “first class in every way,” highlighting his integrity and commitment to excellence. Saban recalled that Battle’s leadership helped bring about significant success during his time as Athletic Director.
Conclusion
Bill Battle’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations. His contributions to the University of Alabama and collegiate athletics as a whole were immeasurable, and his influence will be felt for years to come. The community extends its condolences to his wife, Mary, and the entire Battle family during this difficult time.
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
