Gene Stallings

When the Alabama Athletic Director Hootie Ingram hired Gene Stallings on Jan. 11, 1990 to become Alabama's head coach it was "his own character and accomplishments which earned him the job," Ingram said. Despite all the awards and victories Stallings has collected during his 38 years of coaching, it's the man behind those accolades that receives first mention from those who have been close to him for several years. This was a great reunion for Stallings, who was assistant coach under Alabama's legendary Paul "Bear" Bryant in 1962.

Recently retired as the Tide's head coach, Stallings has compiled an on-the-field record of 60-13-1. He has won a national and SEC championship, three straight SEC Western Division titles (1992, '93, '94), two SEC Coach of the Year Awards (1992, '94) and was also named the Paul Bryant/FWAA Coach of the Year in 1992. Sure, these results are nothing short of spectacular, but the Paris, Texas native would prefer higher praise for his efforts which take place when the gridiron equipment is put away and the stadium lights go out.

Gene Stallings' love for football is much deeper than records and titles. His satisfaction comes from seeing the players achieve success in all phases of life. And this passion is also carried over to the children in Alabama and the rest of the country. This is evident by the countless hours that he and his wife Ruth Ann have given to several community charities.

As coach of the powerhouse Crimson Tide, Gene Stallings encountered many difficulties and accomplishments on the field. However, his off the field record is what should be noted. After his son John Mark was diagnosed with Down syndrome and a severe heart defect in 1962, Stallings was not sure if his new son would survive his first birthday. During an era when children with disabilities were institutionalized because they were "different," the Stallings family was committed to keeping and raising their child as a part of the family, no matter what the cost. The hard work and commitment paid off for the Stallings family. Johnny is now living out a fully productive life with family and friends. Whether talking with the players in the locker room or cheering from the sidelines, Johnny has played a role in all of the teams Stallings has coached, including Texas A&M, the Dallas Cowboys, the St. Louis and Phoenix Cardinals, and Alabama. The Crimson Tide fans have been especially receptive of Stallings special son.