Alabama Head Coaches on Bill Battle
1/19/2017 5:47:00 PM | General
Nick Saban, head football coach
"Bill Battle has done an outstanding job leading our athletics department over the last four years. I think we can all appreciate the way he has represented Alabama in a first-class manner while setting the table for all of our sports to be successful. From a football standpoint, we've been able to compete at a championship level while also graduating our student-athletes, and that is all made possible by the foundation set by Bill and our administration. I know he will continue to be a great asset to our university in his new role as Special Assistant to the President and we wish Bill and Mary all the best."
Avery Johnson, head men's basketball coach
"Coach Battle has meant a tremendous amount to my family and me. He was the guy that introduced me to The University of Alabama and I'll be forever grateful. He's a man of great integrity and honor, he's classy, he's fun to be around but at the same time, we were always pulling in the same direction. It was such a joy to work with him and walk side-by-side with him to not only help with our basketball program, but in making all of the sports here on campus first class championship programs. I never felt that Coach Battle was giving any one program favoritism and really gave everyone the same amount of attention. I think his tenure was a huge success after taking over for a legend in Coach Mal Moore."
Kristy Curry, head women's basketball coach
"Coach Battle will always hold a special place in my heart. I am honored to be his first hire at The University of Alabama and cannot thank him enough for giving me this opportunity. His love and passion for the Crimson Tide is contagious, and he genuinely and sincerely cares so much about the coaches, the staff and, most importantly, the student-athletes. It's all about people with him and how he can assist in putting them in a position to be successful in life after sport. Coach Battle is a man of great integrity, and his word is gold. He and Mary will certainly be missed, but we wish them both the best."
Patrick Murphy, head softball coach
"All of us associated with the softball program absolutely loved having Mr. Battle as our leader the past four years. Our players and staff knew it was going to be a great day when we saw Mr. Battle in the bullpen prior to a game or practice. He was the ultimate southern gentleman and a great role model for me."
Dana Duckworth, head gymnastics coach
"I will forever be grateful for the opportunity that Bill Battle gave me to be the head coach of my alma mater. He's been a mentor, he's been a friend and he's been an inspiration. An incredible businessman, he has been approachable, wise and you can't help but see the love he has for The University of Alabama."
Dennis Pursley, head swimming & diving coach
"Bill Battle has been a great leader for the athletics department, furthering and expanding Mal Moore's legacy of excellence in all facets of the department. Coach Battle really picked up on that vision and crystalized the department's mission and, of course, his accomplishments speak for themselves. He's been a very strong leader and he's instilled a strong vision in the coaches and staff of this department. He's someone who keeps his focus on what this is really all about, which is the development of the student-athlete, and that's something he's kept all of us focused on as well. When you have someone that's a really good fit and a strong leader, you're sorry to see them go. The good news is that he will still be involved in some capacity and I'm sure we'll continue to benefit from his vision and expertise. We all wish Coach Battle and his wife, Mary, all the best as they move into this next chapter of their lives."
Jay Seawell, head men's golf coach
"I would like to thank Coach Battle for his support of me, my family and our golf program. I am very proud that we gave him his first SEC and NCAA titles as Athletic Director. His leadership and passion for the Crimson Tide will be missed."
George Husack, head men's tennis coach
"Coach Battle has been an invaluable asset to our department at a time when we needed it most. He established a standard of excellence immediately and it radiated throughout the offices and facilities. He took the time to get to know the coaches, staff and athletes, both at and away from the court as being at Alabama meant more to him than simply competing and winning. I'm grateful for the support he not only gave to my program and me, but also to my wife and children. He led with drive, integrity and compassion. I'm happy and excited for his next chapter in life as he has certainly earned the opportunity to spend more time with Miss Mary and his family. I applaud his decision to lead us and provide the opportunity for someone else take over the reins."
Jenny Mainz, head women's tennis coach
"I was saddened to hear the news of Coach Battle's retirement but certainly respect his decision. Coach Battle was enthusiastic about taking the baton from Coach Moore and led us with character, integrity and class. I will never forget Coach Battle's first meeting with the athletic department. He said he remembered three important things his Dad taught him growing up. One, anything worth doing is worth doing right the first time. Two, if you can't pay cash for it, then don't buy it. And, three, nothing good happens after midnight. He was the perfect successor to Coach Moore. I'm blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Coach Battle."
Larry Davis, head rowing coach
"Bill Battle has had a huge impact in the four years he's been here. He's an administrator that is very easy to work with, and I'm sorry that he won't be leading our department anymore. I wish him well."
Greg Goff, head baseball coach
"I'm just so appreciative of Coach Battle and what he's done for me in giving me the opportunity to come here and be the baseball coach at Alabama. He's one of the reasons I came here, because of his integrity and how he's led this athletic department in four great years. The attraction of his wisdom, his integrity, and the man that he is are really why I decided to come to Alabama and be his head baseball coach."
Mic Potter, head women's golf coach
"It has been a monumental pleasure to work with Coach Battle. Women's golf has continued to be successful with his support of our program and his cultivation of the Joy McCann Culverhouse Endowment will leave a mark on women's golf at Alabama in perpetuity. His support of our athletes personally, athletically and academically is something that will stay with them for years to come."
Ed Allen, head volleyball coach
"I was disappointed to hear about the retirement of Coach Battle, but I have always respected Coach and I support whatever decision he makes. Coach Battle did a phenomenal job of filling Coach Moore's shoes, as he led us with the class and character Alabama is known for. I am appreciative of everything that Coach Battle has done, and he will be greatly missed here at the Capstone."
Dan Waters, head track & field/cross country coach
"I really appreciated Bill's intellect and understanding of the issues affecting not only track and field and cross country, but all of our sports. He immersed himself in the entire department and made a difference for us. He leaves what will be a long-lasting legacy from his time as a student-athlete and administrator that bridged Alabama Athletics from Bear Bryant to Nick Saban. It was rewarding to work with him."
Wes Hart, head soccer coach
"I am grateful for the two years I spent here with Coach Battle. He's an incredible person and leader. He will be missed dearly."
