Walter Ray Perkins (born December 6, 1941) is an American football coach and former player….who played as a wide receiver for the University of Alabama in college and the Baltimore Colts in the NFL. He later worked as a football coach for 28 years, including stints as the head coach for the New York Giants, The University of Alabama, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Arkansas State University.
Perkins accepted the immeasurable task of succeeding Bear Bryant as the head coach at his alma mater, the University of Alabama, when Bryant retired….where he coached the Crimson Tide for four years from 1983 to 1986….compiling a record of 32–15–1….and winning three bowl games….however, a 5 – 6 in 1984 became the school’s first losing season since 1957…..which was the year before Bryant’s tenure began…. and that created controversy from unsatisfied boosters and alumni at Alabama….so, when a lucrative contract offer from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came to Coach Perkins desk….he decided to leave Alabama for a second chance in the NFL after the 1986 Alabama season.
