1965 Alabama Crimson Tide National Champions 10K Gold Howard Schnellenberger Coach’s Ring
Outstanding and extremely rare 1965 Alabama Crimson Tide National Championship 10K gold coach’s ring, attributed to legendary coach Howard Leslie Schnellenberger.
The 1965 Crimson Tide, led by legendary head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, finished the season 9-1-1, captured the SEC Championship and defeated Nebraska 39-28 in the Orange Bowl. Alabama was crowned the 1965 AP National Champion, marking the program’s third national championship in five seasons.
This impressive original championship ring was manufactured by John Roberts in 10K gold and features a genuine diamond prominently set in the center. The ring is a size 13 and weighs 25.4 grams. The interior is stamped “JOHN ROBERTS,” “JR” and “10K” and is engraved “H.L.S.”, matching the initials of Alabama assistant coach Howard Leslie Schnellenberger.
Schnellenberger served under Bear Bryant at Alabama from 1961 through 1965 and was part of an extraordinary run that produced three National Championships in five seasons: 1961, 1964 and 1965. He also played an important role in recruiting future Alabama stars Joe Namath and Ken Stabler.
Following the 1965 championship season, Schnellenberger moved to the NFL, joining the Los Angeles Rams coaching staff in 1966 under George Allen. The Rams quickly became contenders, including an 11-1-2 season and Coastal Division Championship in 1967.
Schnellenberger later joined Don Shula's Miami Dolphins, eventually becoming the team's offensive coordinator. He helped develop an offense featuring Hall of Fame talent such as Bob Griese and Paul Warfield and was the offensive coordinator of the legendary 1972 Miami Dolphins, who went 17-0 and won Super Bowl VII, remaining the only team in NFL history to complete an undefeated and untied season including the playoffs. He remained on Shula's staff as Miami captured back-to-back Super Bowl championships in Super Bowls VII and VIII. Schnellenberger later became head coach of the Baltimore Colts.
His success continued in the college ranks. Most notably, Schnellenberger transformed the University of Miami into a national power and led the Hurricanes to the 1983 National Championship, defeating previously unbeaten Nebraska 31-30 in the Orange Bowl. He later served as head coach at Louisville, Oklahoma and Florida Atlantic, finishing his college coaching career with a perfect 6-0 bowl record.
The face of the ring features “ALABAMA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS” surrounding the 1965 championship design, with 1961 and 1964 incorporated beneath the center diamond, commemorating Alabama's remarkable three National Championships during Schnellenberger's five seasons on Bryant's staff. The detailed shanks feature Alabama imagery and references to the Crimson Tide's championship history.
Size: 13
Weight: 25.4 grams
Metal: 10K Gold
Stone: Genuine Diamond
Manufacturer: John Roberts
Markings: JOHN ROBERTS, JR, 10K
Interior Engraving: H.L.S.
Condition: Very nice condition for its age with signs of wear consistent with an original 1965 championship ring.
An exceptional piece of Alabama, Bear Bryant and Howard Schnellenberger history, connecting one ring to a coach who was part of championship teams at the highest levels of both college and professional football.
