Potential playoff coaches highlight list of Broyles nominees

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) Coaches from Alabama, Clemson, Michigan and Ohio State are among the 40 nominees for the Broyles Award, given annually to the nation's

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) Coaches from Alabama, Clemson, Michigan and Ohio State are among the 40 nominees for the Broyles Award, given annually to the nation's top assistant.

The Frank & Barbara Broyles Foundation said Wednesday the nominees include Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown and Ohio State special teams coordinator Kerry Coombs.

The four have helped lead their teams to the top of the College Football Playoff rankings. Michigan and Alabama lead the country in scoring defense, while Ohio State and Clemson are near the top in total defense.

Broyles is a former Arkansas coach who saw many assistants build successful careers at the professional and college level.

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Lincoln Riley of Oklahoma won last year. This year's winner will be announced Dec. 6.

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Broyles Award: www.broylesaward.com

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