Four Big Ten Assistants Named Semifinalists for Broyles Award

Four Big Ten coordinators have been named semifinalists for the Broyles Award. Three of those are defensive coordinators, with Michigan's Sherrone Moore being the lone offensive coordinator.

The Broyles Award has announced its list of semifinalists for the 2023 college football season. Four Big Ten assistant coaches remain in the running for the prestigious honor.

Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker, Michigan offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz were among 15 semi-finalists for the Broyles Award. 

The award is presented to the most outstanding assistant coach in college football.

Members of the Broyles Award selection committee will trim the list down to five finalists before naming a winner. Here's a quick look at the four Big Ten names:

Phil Parker, Defensive Coordinator, Iowa

Iowa has thrived this season because of Parker's defensive expertise. The Hawkeyes own a 9-2 record and have secured a second Big Ten West title in three seasons. Iowa has surrendered just 12.4 points per game this season and ranks third nationally in scoring defense. The Hawkeyes also rank seventh into total defense, 10th in pass defense and 20th in run defense this year.

Sherrone Moore, Offensive Coordinator, Michigan

Moore's offense has been virtually unstoppable this season. The Wolverines have scored 30-plus points in 10 of their 11 games this season. Michigan's offense ranks first in the Big Ten, averaging 38.3 points per game, which also ranks 11th nationally. Moore has centered his offense around running back Blake Corum, who has rushed for 888 yards and 20 touchdowns. Plus, Moore has taken over as the interim head coach during Jim Harbaugh's three-game suspension.

Jim Knowles, Defensive Coordinator, Ohio State

Ohio State's defense is among the best in the country under Knowles. The Buckeyes are allowing just 9.3 points per game this season, an average that ranks second nationally. Knowles' defense also ranks first nationally against the pass and third in total defense. Ohio State has held seven of its first 11 opponents to 10 points or fewer this year.

Manny Diaz, Defensive Coordinator, Penn State

Although Penn State failed to take down Ohio State and Michigan this year, Diaz's defense deserves a ton of credit. The Nittany Lions have racked up 41 sacks on the year, ranking second nationally in the category. Penn State also leads the country in turnover margin (plus-18) and has recorded 24 takeaways this year, which is the second-highest total in the nation.

2023 Broyles Award Semifinalists

• Tommy Rees: Offensive Coordinator, Alabama
• Adam Fuller: Defensive Coordinator, Florida State
• Mike Bobo: Offensive Coordinator, Georgia
• Phil Parker: Defensive Coordinator, Iowa
• Bryant Haines: Defensive Coordinator, James Madison
• Ron English: Defensive Coordinator, Louisville
• Mike Denbrock: Offensive Coordinator, LSU
• Sherrone Moore: Offensive Coordinator, Michigan
• Kevin Peoples: Defensive Line, Missouri
• Jim Knowles: Defensive Coordinator, Ohio State
• Will Stein: Offensive Coordinator, Oregon
• Manny Diaz: Defensive Coordinator, Penn State
• Pete Kwiatkowski: Defensive Coordinator, Texas
• D'Anton Lynn: Defensive Coordinator, UCLA
• Ryan Grubb: Offensive Coordinator, Washington

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