The Broyles Award announced its five finalists Tuesday for college football’s top assistant coach, introducing a groundbreaking element that will let fans directly influence the outcome for the first time in the award’s three-decade history.
Ohio State’s Matt Patricia, Indiana’s Bryant Haines, Georgia’s Mike Bobo, Miami’s Corey Hetherman, and Texas Tech’s Shiel Wood represent the final candidates for an honor that has recognized coaching excellence since 1996. The winner will be announced February 12th at a ceremony in Hot Springs, Arkansas, marking the award’s 30th anniversary.
A Historic Change to the Selection Process
For 29 years, a selection committee has exclusively determined the Broyles Award winner. This year breaks that tradition with the introduction of fan voting, giving supporters a genuine voice in recognizing coaching excellence.
Fans can vote once every 24 hours from December 9th (Noon CST) through January 26th (11 PM CST). The collective fan vote will count equally alongside individual selection committee members, meaning public participation genuinely impacts the outcome rather than serving as a symbolic gesture.
Each vote also enters participants for a chance to win two VIP passes to the February ceremony, adding incentive to daily participation throughout the nearly seven-week voting window.
Breaking Down the Finalists
The five coordinators represent different paths to coaching excellence, from first-year transformations to sustained dominance with elite programs.
Bryant Haines (Indiana) led the Hoosiers to their first undefeated regular season and College Football Playoff appearance in his debut season as defensive coordinator. Indiana’s defense ranks second nationally in total defense (256.3 yards per game) and scoring defense (10.8 points per game) while leading the country in rushing defense (80.2 yards per game). The 13-0 regular season earned Indiana a Big Ten Championship and the No. 1 playoff seed.
Matt Patricia (Ohio State) returned to college football after two decades in the NFL to build the nation’s most statistically dominant defense. The Buckeyes lead the country in scoring defense (8.2 points per game), total defense (213.5 yards per game), and fewest touchdowns allowed (10). Patricia’s unit held eight of 13 opponents to fewer than 10 points while producing seven All-Big Ten selections.
Shiel Wood (Texas Tech) transformed the Red Raiders’ defensive identity, leading them to a program-record 12 wins and the Big 12 Championship. Texas Tech leads the nation with 31 takeaways and ranks first in rush defense (68.5 yards per game). The Red Raiders became the only team in the country ranking top-five in both scoring offense and scoring defense, creating comprehensive balance rarely achieved at this level.
Mike Bobo (Georgia) is the only offensive coordinator among the finalists, successfully revamping the Bulldogs’ attack despite significant challenges. With a first-year starting quarterback and offensive line injuries, Bobo’s offense ranks second nationally in red zone touchdown efficiency (79%) while improving rushing production to 186 yards per game. Georgia won the SEC Championship with a 12-1 record and earned the No. 3 playoff seed.
Corey Hetherman (Miami) made an immediate impact in his first season as the Hurricanes’ defensive coordinator. Miami posted the second-biggest improvement nationally in points allowed per drive, creating the defensive foundation that helped secure a College Football Playoff berth. His previous success at Minnesota, where his defense ranked fifth nationally in total defense, demonstrated consistent excellence that translated to a new program.
What Makes This Year Special
The combination of elite finalists and fan participation creates unique intrigue around this year’s award. Each coordinator can claim specific achievements that separate them from the field:
Haines and Patricia both held eight opponents to fewer than 10 points while ranking first or second nationally in major defensive categories. Wood leads the nation in takeaways while creating unprecedented balance at Texas Tech. Bobo revamped an elite program’s offensive identity amid significant challenges. Hetherman transformed Miami’s defense in year one while bringing a track record of sustained success.
The fan vote adds another dimension to debates that typically occur only within coaching circles and selection committees. Supporters of each program can now actively participate in recognizing their coordinator’s excellence rather than passively awaiting the committee’s decision.
The Frank Broyles Legacy
The award honors Frank Broyles, who was a backfield coach at Baylor and Florida before becoming head coach at Missouri in 1957. He later led Arkansas to seven Southwest Conference championships and the 1964 national championship before entering the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
Broyles entered the Arkansas Athletics Hall of Honor in the same year the award bearing his name was established. The 30th anniversary ceremony in his native Arkansas will celebrate both his legacy and the current generation of coaching excellence he would have appreciated.
Make Your Voice Heard
The voting window remains open through January 26th, giving fans nearly seven weeks to cast daily ballots. The extended timeline ensures maximum participation while allowing coordinators to strengthen their cases through playoff performances.
Vote for your choice here and participate in this historic first for the Broyles Award.
With five elite coordinators, historic fan participation, and the award’s 30th anniversary converging, the 2025 Broyles Award represents a milestone moment for recognizing coaching excellence in college football. The winner will be determined by a combination of expert evaluation and public support—a fitting evolution for an award celebrating the coaches who shape the sport’s future.
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