Al Golden, former defensive coordinator for the University of Notre Dame, topped a field of five finalists for the 2024 Broyles Award, recognizing the nation’s top assistant college football coach. The award was presented Feb. 13 at Oaklawn Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Golden’s smothering defense ranked among the top 10 in the FBS on the strength of ranking No. 1 in team passing efficiency, No. 3 in scoring; No. 6 in fourth-down conversion percentage, No. 7 in third-down conversion percentage, No. 7 in first downs allowed, No. 9 in red-zone defense and No. 9 in total defense. The Irish also led the country in turnovers gained, per Inside ND Sports.
Notre Dame limited opponents to 125 or fewer passing yards in seven games during its run to the College Football Playoffs, the most among FBS programs in the regular season. The Irish also allowed 250 or fewer yards of offense in six games.
Now defensive coordinator with the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals, Golden joins defensive coordinator Bob Diaco (2012) as the only two Broyles Award winners from Notre Dame and joins three other previous finalists: defensive coordinator Kent Baer (2002), offensive coordinator Chip Long (2018) and defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman (2020).
Rounding out the finalists were:
ARIZONA STATE – Marcus Arroyo, Offensive Coordinator
INDIANA UNIVERSITY – Bryant Haines, Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers
TENNESSEE – Tim Banks, Defensive Coordinator
TEXAS – Pete Kwiatkowski, Defensive Coordinator and Outside Linebackers
A selection committee of distinguished former head coaches, broadcasters and a committee representing the Football Writers Association of America narrowed the list of 15 semi-finalists to the field of five in December.
The Broyles Award is presented by Oaklawn, Hot Springs, Arkansas which also hosted the event. Proceeds from the 2024 Broyles Award support the mission of the Frank & Barbara Broyles Foundation to provide a game plan through education, support, and resources to Alzheimer’s caregivers.
The Broyles Foundation can be followed on Facebook, X and Instagram. Learn more about the 2024 Broyles Award here.
Photo credit: Broyles Award Facebook
About the Broyles Award
The Broyles Award was created in 1996 recognizing Coach Frank Broyles’ legacy of selecting and developing great assistants during his hall of fame career as head coach at Arkansas. You can follow the Broyles Award on Facebook, X and Instagram.
About the National College Football Awards Association
The Broyles Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses the most prestigious awards in college football. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA and its 25 awards now boast over 800 recipients, dating to 1935. Visit ncfaa.org to learn more about the association.
About the Football Writers Association of America
The Football Writers Association of America, founded in 1941, consists of 1,300 men and women who cover college football. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards and its annual All-American team. For more information about the FWAA and its award programs, contact Steve Richardson at tiger@fwaa.com.
About Oaklawn
Located in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, Oaklawn is one of the premiere Thoroughbred racetracks in the country since 1904, best known as home of the Arkansas Derby. Oaklawn holds live racing from Dec 8, 2023 to May 4, 2024 and simulcast racing throughout the year.
