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15 Broyles Award semifinalists recognized as college football season comes to a close

On3-Social-Profile_GRAYby:On3 Staff Report•11/21/22
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Washington fans cheer from the stands during a Pac-12 game on Nov. 19, 2022. (Steph Chambers / Getty Images)

The Broyles Award semifinalists have been announced, with the annual award given to college football’s top assistant coach now down to just 15 names under consideration.

Highlighting the list are Tennessee offensive coordinator Alex Golesh, Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters.

The complete list of Broyles Award semifinalists is as follows:

Broyles Award Semifinalist 2022 Capsules

Florida State offensive coordinator Alex Atkins: Atkins has helped direct a Florida State offense that is firing on all cylinders behind quarterback Jordan Travis. The Seminoles currently rank No. 14 nationally in rushing offense, No. 16 in total offense, No. 15 in passing efficiency, No. 23 in scoring offense and No. 41 in passing offense.

Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken: Monken is in his third year directing the Georgia offense and it’s as potent as ever, led by the nation’s best set of tight ends. The Bulldogs currently rank No. 7 in total offense, No. 11 in scoring offense, No. 13 in passing offense, No. 24 in passing efficiency and No. 28 in rushing offense.

Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters: In just his second year as Illinois’ defensive coordinator, Walters has produced one of the stingiest units in the country. The Illini rank No. 1 nationally in passing efficiency defense, No. 2 in total defense, No. 3 in scoring defense and No. 7 in both rushing defense and passing defense.

Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker: Given how bad Iowa has been offensively it’s remarkable the Hawkeyes are in position to make a repeat appearance in the Big Ten title game; it’s a huge credit to Parker. He has the Iowa defense ranked No. 4 nationally in passing efficiency defense, No. 5 in scoring defense, No. 6 in both total defense and passing defense and tied for No. 17 in total defense.

LSU defensive coordinator Matt House: LSU’s defense has been stout this season, really taking a step forward in the last few weeks thanks to the emergence of star freshman linebacker Harold Perkins. The Tigers rank No. 22 nationally in passing efficiency defense, tied for No. 24 in scoring defense, No. 33 in total defense, No. 40 in passing defense and No. 44 in rushing defense.

Michigan defensive coordinator Jesse Minter: Michigan’s defense has been absolutely lights out under Michigan, ranking near the top of the nation nationally in just about every key category. The Wolverines are No. 1 in total defense, No. 2 in scoring defense, rushing defense and passing efficiency defense and No. 5 in passing defense.

North Carolina offensive coordinator Phil Longo: Until a week ago, North Carolina’s offense had powered the team to a 9-1 record despite a pretty porous defense. Longo has helped the development of star quarterback Drake Maye, who has helped the UNC offense rank No. 4 in passing efficiency, No. 6 in passing offense, No. 8 in total offense, No. 13 in scoring offense and No. 57 in rushing offense.

Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles: In his first year at Ohio State after leaving Oklahoma State, Knowles has made a seamless transition. He has the Buckeyes ranked No. 9 in total defense, No. 10 in scoring defense, No. 11 in passing defense, No. 15 in rushing defense and No. 28 in passing efficiency defense.

Oregon offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham: The Dillingham and Bo Nix connection is alive and well, this time in the Pacific Northwest. The duo has Oregon’s offense ranked No. 3 in total offense, No. 4 in scoring offense, No. 8 in passing efficiency, No. 12 in rushing offense and No. 18 in passing offense.

Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz: Diaz has done a really nice job for the Nittany Lions after coming over from Miami. He has the Penn State defense ranked No. 5 in passing efficiency defesne, No. 14 in scoring defense, No. 21 in rushing defense, No. 23 in total defense and No. 48 in passing defense.

South Carolina special teams coordinator Pete Lembo: Lembo has led one of the most electric special teams units in the county. South Carolina has blocked six kicks, tied for second-most nationally. The Gamecocks rank No. 4 nationally on kick returns, No. 5 on punt returns, No. 8 in punting, and No. 9 on both opponent punt returns and kick returns.

TCU offensive coordinator Garrett Riley: Riley has helped quarterback Max Duggan and running back Kendre Miller power TCU to an unbeaten season so far. The Horned Frogs rank No. 7 natitonally in passing efficiency, No. 8 in scoring offense, No. 11 in total offense, No. 19 in rushing offense and No. 25 in passing offense.

Tennessee offensive coordinator Alex Golesh: Tennessee has had one of the most prolific offenses in the country all year, keyed by veteran quarterback Hendon Hooker. The Volunteers lead the nation in total offense, scoring offense and passing efficiency, while ranking No. 2 nationally in passing offense and No. 35 in rushing offense.

Washington offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb: The Huskies are quietly 9-2 this season, in no small part thanks to the development of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The nation’s top passing offense is at Washington, while the Huskies check in at No. 5 in total offense, No. 7 in scoring offense and No. 23 in passing efficiency. How elite is the passing game? The rushing offense ranks just No. 85 in the country.

USC defensive line coach Shaun Nua: The lone non-coordinator on the list, Nua has helped the USC front seven produce 33 sacks this season, good for No. 10 nationally. Meanwhile, the Trojans have recorded 68 tackles for a loss (No. 47 nationally). USC also leads the nation in turnover margin.