Phil Snow a Nominee for the 2014 Broyles Award

PHILADELPHIA - The Rotary Club of Little Rock today announced the nominees for the 2014 Broyles Award, including Temple University defensive coordinator Phil Snow.

The 2014 Broyles Award winner will be announced on Tuesday, December 9th at 11:30 a.m. at the Marriott Hotel in Little Rock, AR. The Broyles Award is presented by The Rotary Club of Little Rock and Delta Dental.

In just his second season at Temple, Snow has transformed a defense that allowed 358 points, 5,691 yards, 24 TD passes, 13 takeaways, and just 3 interceptions a year ago. Those numbers were among the worst in college football and led the Owls to a 2-10 record.

In just one season, Temple's defense has transformed into one of the best in the nation – ranking 15^th in scoring defense allowing under 20 points per game (19.3) after allowing 29.8 a year ago. Not only have they allowed fewer points, but they have also scored six touchdowns (four fumble recoveries and two interception returns) trailing only Washington's seven.

Aiding in the transformation of TU's defense has been its penchant for takeaways. Temple is among the Top 5 in the NCAA this season with 28, including 18 fumble recoveries which is second to Florida International's 19.

The most dramatic improvement in Temple's defense has come in the passing game where the unit has shaved over 100 yards per game from a year ago. This year, the unit has allowed just 191.8 yards per game after allowing 298.6 a year ago. They have allowed just 8 scoring passes thus far after 24 one season ago. Generating a pass rush has helped the cause – Temple has 22 sacks through 10 games after just 19 in 2013.

"This will be one of the most challenging years ever for our selection committee to choose the top 5 finalists and winner, so many assistant coaches did outstanding work this year," David Bazzel, Broyles Award executive director.

In all, 40 college football assistant coaches have been nominated for the 2014 award. They include the following 13 offensive coordinators: Alabama - Lane Kiffin (Alabama), Dwayne Ledford (Appalachian State), Walt Bell (Arkansas State), Mike Sanford (Boise State), Dave Baldwin (Colorado State), Lincoln Riley (East Carolina), Doug Ruse (Georgia Southern), Dave Warner (Michigan State), Tom Herman (Ohio State), Scott Frost (Oregon), Doug Meacham (TCU), Noel Mazzone (UCLA), Kirk Ciarrocca (Western Michigan). The following 22 defensive coordinators: Jeff Casteel (Arizona), Robb Smith (Arkansas), Don Brown (Boston College), Nick Howell (Brigham Young), Brent Venables (Clemson), Josh Conklin (FIU), Manny Diaz (Louisiana Tech), Todd Grantham (Louisville), Mark D'Onofrio (Miami), Greg Mattison (Michigan), Tracy Claeys (Minnesota), Geoff Collins (Mississippi State), Dave Steckel (Missouri), Dave Wommack (Ole Miss), Bob Shoop (Penn State), Lance Anderson (Stanford), Phil Snow (Temple), Kalani Sitake (Utah), Todd Orlando (Utah State), Neal Neathery (UTSA), Tony Gibson (West Virginia), Dave Aranda (Wisconsin). And five position coaches: John Latina, run game coordinator/OL (Duke), Marquase Lovings, running backs (Louisiana), James Shibest, special teams coordinator/tight ends (Memphis), Desmond Kitchings, running backs/recruiting coordinator (NC State), Brent Key, offensive line coach/recruiting coordinator (UCF)

The Broyles Award honors the top assistant college football coach in America and was established in 1996 to honor legendary Arkansas Head Coach Frank Broyles. Coach Broyles had a track record of producing some of the most successful assistant coaches in college football history. The winner of the 2013 Broyles Award was Pat Narduzzi, Michigan State.

The Broyles Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA) which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. The 21 awards boast 678 years of tradition-selection excellence. Visit www.NCFAA.org to learn more. For more information, visit www.BroylesAward.com or search for Broyles Award on Facebook and Twitter.

Temple University Athletics

Phil Snow a Nominee for the 2014 Broyles Award

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