The Bear is a 1984 biopic starring Gary Busey and Jon-Erik Hexum. The film was written by Michael Kane, directed by Richard C. Sarafian, and produced by James A. Hearn and Larry G. Spangler. The Bear follows the life of Paul "Bear" Bryant , head coach of the University of Alabama football team, who died in 1983. Jon-Erik Hexum, who played Pat Trammell, also stars in the film.