ATLANTA – Northwestern's Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach was named a finalist for the 2020 Dodd Trophy, officials from the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl have announced Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020. Finalists include five of the nation's top coaches in college football who embody the award's three pillars of scholarship, leadership and integrity, both on and off the field.
DODD TROPHY WEBSITE
Considering The Dodd Trophy represents more than just a coach's performance on the field, a coach in his first year, who has not had a full season to establish his own impact on APR and the local community, is not eligible to win.
This year's finalists represent three Power Five conferences (ACC, Big 12, Big Ten), as well as the American Athletic Conference. These coaches have combined for a 39-7 record so far this season, and have collectively won 491 games and four FBS conference championships throughout their careers.
This represents Pat Fitzgerald's third selection as a finalist (2017 and 2018).
"This has been an unprecedented year, but these five coaches have found a way to overcome numerous challenges by leading their teams to successful seasons," said Jim Terry, chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation. "Each of these coaches have left a significant mark on their respective programs, both on and off the field, and truly embody the guiding principles that this award stand for."
The 2020 Dodd Trophy Finalists:
|
Coach |
School |
Conference |
CFP Ranking: |
Record |
APR Score: |
|
Tom Allen |
Indiana |
Big Ten |
11 |
6-1 |
969 |
|
Matt Campbell |
Iowa State |
Big 12 |
10 |
8-3 |
979 |
|
Luke Fickell |
Cincinnati |
AAC |
8 |
9-0 |
990 |
|
Northwestern |
Big Ten |
14 |
6-2 |
995 |
|
|
Brian Kelly |
Notre Dame |
ACC |
4 |
10-1 |
970 |