Bill Oliver, a beloved Alabama native and key figure in Crimson Tide football history, has died at the age of 85. Known for his sharp defensive mind, Oliver was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.
His death was first reported by Kirk McNair. Oliver contributed to two national championships at Alabama—first as a player in 1961, and later as a defensive backs coach in 1992. Following the latter, head coach Gene Stallings promoted him to defensive coordinator.
Oliver also served as head coach at Chattanooga from 1980 to 1983 and briefly led Auburn as interim head coach in 1998. In addition to football, he played baseball for Alabama and began his coaching career with the Crimson Tide in 1971.
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