Finalists Announced for American Heart Association's Paul 'Bear' Bryant College Football Coach of the ...(opportunity to play the Cotton Bowl Clas...),Health

Chris Petersen, Boise State University - As the 2006 Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year winner, Petersen has taken the Broncos to an undefeated record of 12-0 this year in his third season as head coach. Along with the No. 9 position in the national rankings, he brings the sixth Western Athletic Conference championship to Boise State in seven years. Petersen takes the Broncos to the Poinsettia Bowl on Dec. 23, their seventh straight trip to a bowl game. He has also been named the Western Athletic Conference's Coach of the Year by The Sporting News.

Nick Saban, University of Alabama - In his second year as Alabama head coach, Saban has led the Crimson Tide to a 12-1 record this past season and the 2008 SEC Western Division Championship. Alabama will also be making its second-ever BCS Bowl appearance this season in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2. In taking the Tide to 12 wins this season, Saban set the school record for the highest increase in wins for the first two seasons of an Alabama coach. Saban has been named the SEC Coach of the Year and a finalist in the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year award.

Bob Stoops, University of Oklahoma - Stoops has become the first coach in Big 12 history to win three consecutive conference titles. Under his direction, Oklahoma has captured six Big 12 titles in nine years and the 42nd conference championship in Sooner history. In his 10th year with the Sooners, Stoops has led his team to a 12-1 overall record and a 7-1 record in the Big 12 Conference. With the No. 1 BCS ranking, Oklahoma will now have the chance to win another national title on Jan. 8.

Kyle Whittingham, University
'/>"/>