KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) -- Former University of Tennessee Coach William "Bill" Battle III died on Thanksgiving morning at the age of 82, according to the university.
From his time at Tennessee, Battle is known for leading the Vols to five bowl games and three top-10 poll finishes between 1970 and 1976.
Tennessee Football announced Battle's death on social media platform X.
"On this Thanksgiving, we mourn the passing of former head coach Bill Battle. Battle served as HC of the Vols from 1970-76, compiling a 59-22-2 record, three top 10 final rankings and 5 straight bowls," the team wrote.
He started his term at UT as an assistant to Hall fo Fame coach Doug Dickey in 1966 and assumed the role of head coach four years later when Dickey left for Florida. At the time, Battle was the youngest coach, according to the university.
Through his time as head coach, Battle led to Vols to 55 victories, including five bowl wins. His year-by-year record was:
- 1970; 11-1 (4-1 SEC); Sugar Bowl def. Air Force
- 1971; 10-2 (4-2 SEC); Liberty Bowl def. Arkansas
- 1972; 10-2 (4-2 SEC); Bluebonnet Bowl def. LSU
- 1973; 8-4 (3-3 SEC); Gator Bowl lost to Texas Tech
- 1974; 7-3-2 (2-3-1 SEC); Liberty Bowl def. Maryland
- 1975; 7-5 (3-3 SEC)
- 1976; 6-5 (2-4 SEC)
"When Coach Battle took over for Coach Dickey, he was a tremendous leader for us. We did not miss a beat, and we continued to have outstanding teams. He was supportive to us as players. He adopted us as his school and was always loyal to us. Coach Battle was a fantastic businessman and an even better person. We shared a great friendship," former Tennessee head coach, Director of Athletics Phillip Fulmer said.