Venables, Smart among 34 nominees for Broyles Award

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables and Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart are among the 34 nominees for this year's

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables and Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart are among the 34 nominees for this year's Broyles Award, which is given annually to the top college football assistant coach.

Venables was a Broyles Award finalist in 2006 Oklahoma, and he's led a defense that's fifth in the country in total defense this year for top-ranked Clemson.

Smart won the award in 2009, and the second-ranked Crimson Tide are third nationally this season in total defense - allowing 265 yards per game.

The five finalists will be announced on Nov. 30, and the winner will be named on Dec. 8.

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Former Ohio State offensive coordinator and current Houston head coach Tom Herman won the award last year.

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Broyles Award: www.broylesaward.com