Little Rock, Ark. (EETV) - Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele was named one of the five finalists for the 2017 Broyles Award, Monday. This award is given to the most outstanding assistant coach in college football.
In his second season at Auburn Steele has taken charge of a defense that ranks number 9 in scoring defense (16.4 points per game) as well as number 11 in total defense (303.3 yards per game).
"With what he is doing right now with our defense, I think he deserves the award," Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn stated after Saturday's win over previously ranked No.1 Alabama.
This is the first time Steele has been a finalist for this award. Former offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee was a finalist in 2013, and Malzahn won the award in 2010 when he was Auburn's offensive coordinator.
The other finalists accompanying Steele include Clemson co-offensive coordinator Tony Elliott, UCF offensive coordinator Troy Walters, Oklahoma offensive coordinator Bill Bedenbaugh, and Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard.
The Broyles Award winner will be announced on Tuesday, Dec. 5 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
