AFCA ANNOUNCES 2023 ASSISTANT COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS
The American Football Coaches Association is proud to announce its 2023 Assistant Coach of the Year winners. One assistant coach from the five divisions of college football has been selected for their dedication to their teams and communities. A total of 98 nominees from Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III, and NAIA were nominated in 2023.
Each year, staff representatives from NCAA and NAIA football-playing schools are asked to nominate an assistant for consideration. From those nominations, the winners are selected by the AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year Committee.
The Assistant Coach of the Year award was first presented in 1997 and was created to honor assistant coaches who excel in community service, commitment to the student-athlete, on-field coaching success and AFCA professional organization involvement.
The 2023 honorees are as follows:
FBS – Phil Parker, Defensive Coordinator/Secondary Coach, University of Iowa
FCS – Christian Taylor, Offensive Coordinator, William & Mary
Division II – Edward Pointer, Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers, Virginia Union University
Division III – Ben Gibboney, Defensive Coordinator/Outside Linebackers, Carnegie Mellon University
NAIA – Justin Robinson, Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach, Marian University
“Once again, five outstanding assistant coaches have been selected for their dedication, not only to their teams, but to their communities,” said AFCA Executive Director Todd Berry. “Oftentimes, the head coach receives much of the credit for his team’s success, but any head coach is only as good as his assistants. Much of an assistant coach’s work is done behind the scenes. It is our pleasure to bring it to the forefront.”
The criterion for the award is not limited to on-field coaching ability or the success of the team and the players whom these assistant coaches work with. Service to the community through charitable work and other volunteer activities, participation in AFCA activities and events, participation in other professional organizations and impact on student-athletes are all considered in the selection process.
Assistant Coach of the Year Notes
132 assistant coaches from 99 different schools have been honored by the AFCA since the inception of the award in 1997 … Iowa and Virginia Union join Benedictine (Kan.), Morningside, Bethel (Minn.), Campbellsville, Carson-Newman and Hampton as schools with three winners each … Air Force, Carroll (Mont.), Central (Iowa), Clemson, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Kansas Wesleyan, Lindsey Wilson, Marian, Mount Union, Northwest Missouri State, Tabor, Wabash, Washington (Mo.) and Winona State all have two winners each.
Winners of the Assistant Coach of the Year Award will receive a plaque to commemorate their recognition. They will be honored at the AFCA Honors Luncheon, held Monday, January 8, during the 2024 AFCA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Winners
Football Bowl Subdivision
Phil Parker, Iowa: Parker has served as the defensive backs coach at the University of Iowa for 14 seasons and is in his 12th season as defensive coordinator, the longest tenured coach at that position in the nation … Long time AFCA member and annual convention attendee … Parker participated in the UI Dance Marathon, a student-organized event hosted annually that has raised millions of dollars for the Stead Family Children’s Hospital … Iowa’s defense under Parker is ranked 13th nationally in red-zone defense, sixth in passing efficiency defense, eighth in scoring defense, 22nd in passing yards allowed and 23rd in total defense … Since the 2009 season, the Hawkeyes have had 226 interceptions making them tied with Alabama for the most nationally in that span … Iowa has had a defender register a pick six in each of the last 16 consecutive seasons, that streak is the second longest active streak in the country.
Football Championship Subdivision
Christian Taylor, William & Mary: Taylor began his career with William & Mary, first as a quarterback, followed by being the tight ends coach in 2008 and quarterbacks coach in 2009 … Returned to William & Mary in 2020 … He has served on the AFCA FCS Assistant Coaches committee for the last two years … Taylor and his wife, Shay, are active contributors for New Haven Youth and Family Services … During his career, Taylor has two FCS semifinal playoff appearances, one FCS quarterfinal appearance, seven conference titles, and a Sugar Bowl championship … Has coached 10 All-Americans, four Walter Payton Award Finalists, and 24 All-Conference players with a First-Team All-Conference player every year during his coaching career.
Division II
Edward Pointer, Virginia Union: Pointer played linebacker for Virginia Union from 1994-97, then coached linebackers for VUU for the next six years … In 2018, Pointer returned for his third coaching stint with Virginia Union, where he has remained the last 6 years … He has served on the AFCA Technical Manual Committee since 2012 … He is the treasurer of HOME TEAM Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization with access to high quality sports programs … Under Pointer in 2023, VUU’s defense ranked third in the nation in total defense and No. 1 against the run … He has coached 24 All-CIAA players and two NFL players … His defense helped lead the way for Virginia Union to claim the 2023 CIAA Conference title, making that his fifth time to coach in a CIAA conference championship game (2000, ‘01, ‘03, ‘06, and 23).
Division III
Ben Gibboney, Carnegie Mellon: GIbboney began coaching for Carnegie Mellon in 2015 as the defensive backs coach and was moved up to defensive coordinator in 2020 … He is a new member of the AFCA and attended his first convention last January … Gibboney coordinated CMU’s “Be The Match/Get In The Game” Bone Marrow Foundation drive, which registered 119 donors … His defense has helped Carnegie Mellon win the President’s Athletic Conference title in 2021 and 2022 … In 2023, CMU ended with a 10-1 overall record and their defense being ranked in the top 10 nationally for total defense … Gibboney’s defense ranked No. 3 in the nation for fourth down conversions allowed, only allowing five out of 28 attempts.
NAIA
Justin Robinson, Marian University: Robinson is in his first year with Marian, serving as their defensive coordinator and defensive line coach … He is a member of the AFCA and has served on the Skills and Drills Committee … Robinson is very passionate about the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and plans to get more involved with the community … In his first season, Robinson’s defense helped Marian to a 9-2 overall record … The Marian defense was ranked No. 12 in the NAIA in 2023 … Throughout his career, Robinson has developed nine All-Conference defensive linemen.
KALEN DEBOER AND WILLIE SIMMONS HEADLINE THE 2023 AFCA REGIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR WINNERS
Washington’s Kalen DeBoer and Florida A&M’s Willie Simmons highlight today’s announcement of the American Football Coaches Association’s 2023 Regional Coach of the Year winners for FBS, FCS, Division II, Division III, and NAIA. These winners will be honored on Tuesday, January 9, during the 2024 AFCA Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.
The AFCA recognizes five regional Coach of the Year winners in each of the Association’s five divisions: Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III, and NAIA. The winners are selected by Active members of the Association who vote for coaches in their respective regions and divisions.
2023 AFCA Regional Coach of the Year Winners
Football Bowl Subdivision
Region 1: Mike Norvell, Florida State University
Region 2: Eliah Drinkwitz, University of Missouri
Region 3: David Braun, Northwestern University
Region 4: Jerry Kill, New Mexico State University
Region 5: Kalen DeBoer, University of Washington
Football Championship Subdivision
Region 1: Greg Gattuso, University at Albany
Region 2: Clay Hendrix, Furman University
Region 3: *Willie Simmons, Florida A&M University
Region 4: Todd Stepsis, Drake University
Region 5: Bobby Hauck, University of Montana
Division II
Region 1: Jim Clements, Kutztown University
Region 2: *Chennis Berry, Benedict College
Region 3: Josh Lamberson, University of Central Missouri
Region 4: Paul Simmons, Harding University
Region 5: Pete Sterbick, Colorado School of Mines
Division III
Region 1: Curt Fitzpatrick, SUNY Cortland
Region 2: Greg Chimera, Johns Hopkins University
Region 3: Jerheme Urban, Trinity (Tex.) University
Region 4: *Jason Couch, Alma College
Region 5: Chris Winter, Wartburg College
NAIA
Region 1: Doug Socha, Keiser University
Region 2: Mike Feminis, Saint Xavier University
Region 3: Chuck Hepola, Evangel University
Region 4: *Matt McCarty, Northwestern College
Region 5: Drew Maddox, Louisiana Christian University
*-2022 winner
DeBoer earned his fourth AFCA Regional Coach of the Year honor by guiding Washington to a 13-0 record, the Pac-12 Conference title, and the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff where they will face No. 3 Texas in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. In his nine years as a head coach at Sioux Falls, Fresno State and Washington, DeBoer has an overall record of 103-11. He won his first three regional honors at Sioux Falls in 2006, 2007 and 2009 after leading the Cougars to three NAIA national titles in five years as their head coach.
Simmons earned his second straight AFCA Regional honor by leading Florida A&M to a 11-1 record and the program’s first Southwestern Athletic Conference title. The Rattlers will play Howard in the Celebration Bowl on December 16. He has a record of 44-13 in his six years at Florida A&M and an overall record of 65-24 including his three seasons at Prairie View A&M. In 2019, Simmons guided the Rattlers to an HBCU National Championship with a 9-2 record.
AFCA National Coach of the Year: The AFCA will announce the 2023 National Coaches of the Year winners in FBS, FCS, Division II, Division III and NAIA on Tuesday, January 9th. The Regional winners in each division are finalists for National Coach of the Year.
Award History: The AFCA began recognizing district coaches of the year following the 1960 season. The awards were established the same year Eastman Kodak agreed to sponsor the AFCA Coach of the Year award. Prior to 1960, the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain had sponsored the program, which recognized one national Coach of the Year.
The AFCA first recognized eight district winners in each of two divisions: university and college. In 1972, a ninth district was added in each division. In 1983, the award was changed to recognize regional winners instead of district winners. The number of divisions was also increased from two to four and five regional winners were selected in each division. This resulted in a more equitable selection process and better represented the make-up of the membership. At the same time, the new system increased the number of honorees from 18 to 20. In 2006, the AFCA Division II Award was split into separate Division II and NAIA divisions, giving us the 25 winners we now recognize.
Multiple Winners: Multiple winners of AFCA Regional honors in the 2023 class are Jerry Kill (fifth: FCS 2003-04; FBS 2013-14), Kalen DeBoer (fourth: NAIA 2006-07, 2009), Willie Simmons (second: FCS 2022), Bobby Hauck (third: FCS 2006, 2009), Jim Clements (fourth: D3 2010, D2 2019, 2021), Chennis Berry (second: D2 2022), Jerheme Urban (second: D3 2021), Jason Couch (second: D3 2022), Doug Socha (second: NAIA 2019), Mike Feminis (second: NAIA 2009) and Matt McCarty (third: NAIA 2017, 2022).
First Time Winners: Fourteen coaches earned their first AFCA Regional Coach of the Year Award in 2023: Florida State’s Mike Norvell, Missouri’s Eliah Drinkwitz, Northwestern’s David Braun, UAlbany’s Greg Gattuso, Furman’s Clay Hendrix, Drake’s Todd Stepsis, Central Missouri’s Josh Lamberson, Harding’s Paul Simmons, Colorado School of Mines’ Pete Sterbick, Cortland’s Curt Fitzpatrick, Johns Hopkins’ Greg Chimera, Wartburg’s Chris Winter, Evangel’s Chuck Hepola and Louisiana Christian’s Drew Maddox.
Most Awards: Mount Union’s Larry Kehres (1986, 1990, 1992-93, 1996-97, 1999-02, 2006-12) has the most district/regional honors in AFCA history, with 17. Morningside’s Steve Ryan (2005, 2011-12, 2014-21) joins Penn State’s Joe Paterno (District 2: 1967-68, 1971-73, 1977-78, 1982; Region 1: 1985; Region 3: 1994, 2005) in second with 11 District/Regional Coach of the Year honors. Tied for third is Bloomsburg’s Danny Hale and Mary Hardin-Baylor’s Pete Fredenburg, each with 10 awards. Hale won his first three honors at West Chester and the rest at Bloomsburg (College Division I, Region 1 1986-88, 1994-95; Division II, Region 1, 2000-01, 2005-06, 2008). Fredenburg won his 10 in 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2012-14, 2016 and 2018. Eight coaches have won the award seven times: Tubby Raymond, Delaware; Jim Butterfield, Ithaca; Chris Oliver, Lindsey Wilson; Bo Schembechler, Miami (Ohio), Michigan; Bob Devaney, Nebraska; Tom Osborne, Nebraska; Mel Tjeerdsma, Northwest Missouri State; and Carmen Cozza, Yale. Seven coaches have won regional honors six times: Vince Dooley, Georgia; Brian Kelly, Grand Valley State, Cincinnati, Notre Dame; Roy Kidd, Eastern Kentucky; John McKay, USC; Jerry Moore, Appalachian State; Darrell Royal, Texas; and Mike Van Diest, Carroll (Mont.).
Most Winners by School: Mount Union-18 (Ken Wable-1, Larry Kehres-17); North Dakota State-16 (Darrell Mudra-1, Ron Erhardt-4, Jim Wacker-1, Don Morton-3, Earle Solomonson-1, Craig Bohl-2, Klieman-1, Entz-3); Nebraska-15 (Bob Devaney-7, Tom Osborne-7, Frank Solich-1); Penn State-12 (Rip Engle-1, Joe Paterno-11); Alabama-11 (Bear Bryant-4, Bill Curry-1, Gene Stallings-2, Mike Shula-1, Nick Saban-3); Mary Hardin-Baylor-11 (Pete Fredenburg-10, Larry Harmon-1); Morningside-11 (Steve Ryan-11); Texas-11 (Darrell Royal-6, Fred Akers-2, David McWilliams-1, Mack Brown-2); Ithaca-10 (Jim Butterfield-7, Mike Welch-2, Mike Toerper-1); Michigan-10 (Bump Elliott-2, Bo Schembechler-6, Lloyd Carr-1, Jim Harbaugh-1); USC-10 (John McKay-6, John Robinson-2, Pete Carroll-2); Wittenberg-10 (Bill Edwards-3, Dave Maurer-4, Ron Murphy-1, Joe Fincham-2); Arkansas-9 (Frank Broyles-4, Lou Holtz-1, Ken Hatfield-1, Houston Nutt-2, Sam Pittman-1); Bloomsburg-9 (George Landis-1, Danny Hale-7, Paul Darragh-1); Eastern Kentucky-9 (Roy Kidd-6, Danny Hope-1, Dean Hood-1, Walt Wells-1); New Hampshire-9 (Clarence Boston-1, Jim Root-1, Bill Bowes-3, Sean McDonnell-4).
Two Consecutive Years, Two Schools: Mike Houston (The Citadel, 2015 & James Madison, 2016) joined seven other coaches who have earned AFCA Regional Coach of the Year honors at two schools in consecutive years: Fred Akers (Wyoming, 1976 & Texas 1977), Dennis Franchione (Pittsburg State, 1989 & Texas State, 1990), Jim McElwain (Colorado State, 2014 & Florida, 2015), Hal Mumme (Valdosta State, 1996 & Kentucky, 1997), Dick Sheridan (Furman, 1985 & North Carolina State, 1986), Kevin Sumlin (Houston, 2011 & Texas A&M, 2012) and Joe Tiller (Wyoming, 1996 & Purdue, 1997).
Most Schools: South Carolina’s Lou Holtz is the only coach to earn AFCA Regional Coach of the Year honors at four different schools. Holtz earned the honor at North Carolina State (1972), Arkansas (1979), Notre Dame (1988) and South Carolina (2000). Jerry Kill (Southern Illinois, Minnesota, New Mexico State) became the eighth coach to win district or regional honors at three different schools in 2023. He joins Brian Kelly (Grand Valley State, Cincinnati, Notre Dame), Jerry Claiborne (Virginia Tech, Maryland, Kentucky), Darrell Mudra (North Dakota State, Western Illinois, Northern Iowa), Houston Nutt (Mississippi, Arkansas, Murray State), Mike Price (UTEP, Washington State, Weber State), Jim Sweeney (Montana State, Washington State, Fresno State) and Jim Wacker (North Dakota State, Texas State, TCU) on that list.
Consecutive Years: Morningside’s Steve Ryan jumps to first place with his eight straight NAIA Regional honors from 2014-21. Mount Union’s Larry Kehres is in second with seven consecutive years, winning in Division III from 2006-12. Jacksonville State’s John Grass, Northwest Missouri State’s Mel Tjeerdsma and Nebraska’s Bob Devaney are the only coaches to win district/regional honors in five consecutive years. Tjeerdsma earned the honor in Division II from 1996-2000. Devaney earned the honor in the AFCA’s old University Division (1962-66). Grass earned his five straight in FCS from 2014-18. Carroll’s Mike Van Diest, Trinity’s (Texas) Steve Mohr, North Dakota State’s Ron Erhardt and Kehres are the only men to win the award four years in a row. Van Diest earned the honor in NAIA from 2007-10, while Kehres won his four in a row from 1999-2002 in Division III. Erhardt earned district honors in the AFCA’s old College Division (1967-70) while Mohr earned the honor in Division III (1996-99). Seventeen coaches have earned district or regional honors three years in a row. Ithaca’s Jim Butterfield (1978-79-80 and 1984-85-86) earned the award in three consecutive years on two different occasions.
Jim Harbaugh & Matt McCarty Headline the 2022 AFCA Regional Coach of the Year Winners
Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh and Northwestern’s (Iowa) Matt McCarty highlight today’s announcement of the American Football Coaches Association’s 2022 Regional Coach of the Year winners for FBS, FCS, Division II, Division III, and NAIA. These winners will be honored on Monday, January 9, during the 2023 AFCA Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The AFCA recognizes five regional Coach of the Year winners in each of the Association’s five divisions: Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III, and NAIA. The winners are selected by Active members of the Association who vote for coaches in their respective regions and divisions.
Harbaugh earned his second AFCA Regional Coach of the Year honor by guiding Michigan to a 13-0 record, the Big Ten Conference title, and the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff where they will face No. 3 TCU in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. In his eight seasons at Michigan, Harbaugh has a record of 74-24 and two Big Ten titles. His overall record in 15 years as a collegiate head coach at San Diego, Stanford and Michigan is 132-51 with nine bowl appearances.
McCarty also earned his second AFCA Regional honor by leading Northwestern (Iowa) to a 12-1 record and the program’s second trip in three years to the NAIA National Championship game. He has an overall record of 55-11 in his seven years as head coach and has led the Red Raiders to six straight trips to the NAIA playoffs. McCarty won his first regional honor in 2017 by guiding Northwestern to a 10-2 record and the quarterfinals of the NAIA playoffs in his second year as head coach.
2022 AFCA Regional Coach of the Year Winners
Football Bowl Subdivision
Region 1: Willie Fritz, Tulane University
Region 2: Josh Heupel, University of Tennessee
Region 3: Jim Harbaugh, University of Michigan
Region 4: Sonny Dykes, TCU
Region 5: Jonathan Smith, Oregon State University
Football Championship Subdivision
Region 1: Bob Chesney, College of the Holy Cross
Region 2: Chris Hatcher, Samford University
Region 3: Willie Simmons, Florida A&M University
Region 4: John Stiegelmeier, South Dakota State University
Region 5: Troy Taylor, Sacramento State
Division II
Region 1: Ernie McCook, Shepherd University
Region 2: Chennis Berry, Benedict College
Region 3: Matt Mitchell, Grand Valley State University
Region 4: Todd Knight, Ouachita Baptist University
Region 5: Brandon Moore, Colorado School of Mines
Division III
Region 1: Mike Toerper, Ithaca College
Region 2: Ryan Larsen, Carnegie Mellon University
Region 3: Larry Harmon, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Region 4: Jason Couch, Alma College
Region 5: Steve Johnson, Bethel University (Minn.)
NAIA
Region 1: Mike Jasper, Bethel University (Tenn.)
Region 2: Jordan Langs, Indiana Wesleyan University
Region 3: Joe Woodley, Grand View University
Region 4: Matt McCarty, Northwestern College
Region 5: Troy Purcell, Carroll College (Mont.)
AFCA National Coach of the Year: The AFCA will announce the 2022 National Coaches of the Year winners in FBS, FCS, Division II, Division III and NAIA on Monday, January 9. The Regional winners in each division are finalists for National Coach of the Year.
Award History: The AFCA began recognizing district coaches of the year following the 1960 season. The awards were established the same year Eastman Kodak agreed to sponsor the AFCA Coach of the Year award. Prior to 1960, the Scripps-Howard newspaper chain had sponsored the program, which recognized one national Coach of the Year.
The AFCA first recognized eight district winners in each of two divisions: university and college. In 1972, a ninth district was added in each division. In 1983, the award was changed to recognize regional winners instead of district winners. The number of divisions was also increased from two to four and five regional winners were selected in each division. This resulted in a more equitable selection process and better represented the make-up of the membership. At the same time, the new system increased the number of honorees from 18 to 20. In 2006, the AFCA Division II Award was split into separate Division II and NAIA divisions, giving us the 25 winners we now recognize.
Multiple Winners: Multiple winners of AFCA Regional honors in the 2022 class are Willie Fritz (third: FCS 2011-12), Jim Harbaugh (second: 2010), Chris Hatcher (third: D2 2001-02), John Stiegelmeier (third: 2007, 2016), Todd Knight (fourth: 2014, 2018-19), Steve Johnson (third: 1996, 2013), Joe Woodley (second: 2020) and Matt McCarty (second: 2017).
First Time Winners: Seventeen coaches earned their first AFCA Regional Coach of the Year Award in 2022: Tennessee’s Josh Heupel, TCU’s Sonny Dykes, Oregon State’s Jonathan Smith, Holy Cross’ Bob Chesney, Florida A&M’s Willie Simmons, Sacramento State’s Troy Taylor, Shepherd’s Ernie McCook, Benedict’s Chennis Berry, Grand Valley State’s Matt Mitchell, Colorado Mines’ Brandon Moore, Ithaca’s Mike Toerper, Carnegie Mellon’s Ryan Larsen, Mary Hardin-Baylor’s Larry Harmon, Alma’s Jason Couch, Bethel’s (Tenn.) Mike Jasper, Indiana Wesleyan’s Jordan Langs, and Carroll’s (Mont.) Troy Purcell.
Most Awards: Mount Union’s Larry Kehres (1986, 1990, 1992-93, 1996-97, 1999-02, 2006-12) has the most district/regional honors in AFCA history, with 17. Morningside’s Steve Ryan (2005, 2011-12, 2014-21) joins Penn State’s Joe Paterno (District 2: 1967-68, 1971-73, 1977-78, 1982; Region 1: 1985; Region 3: 1994, 2005) in second with 11 District/Regional Coach of the Year honors. Tied for third is Bloomsburg’s Danny Hale and Mary Hardin-Baylor’s Pete Fredenburg, each with 10 awards. Hale won his first three honors at West Chester and the rest at Bloomsburg (College Division I, Region 1 1986-88, 1994-95; Division II, Region 1, 2000-01, 2005-06, 2008). Fredenburg won his 10 in 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2012-14, 2016 and 2018. Eight coaches have won the award seven times: Tubby Raymond, Delaware; Jim Butterfield, Ithaca; Chris Oliver, Lindsey Wilson; Bo Schembechler, Miami (Ohio), Michigan; Bob Devaney, Nebraska; Tom Osborne, Nebraska; Mel Tjeerdsma, Northwest Missouri State; and Carmen Cozza, Yale. Seven coaches have won Regional honors six times: Vince Dooley, Georgia; Brian Kelly, Grand Valley State, Cincinnati, Notre Dame; Roy Kidd, Eastern Kentucky; John McKay, USC; Jerry Moore, Appalachian State; Darrell Royal, Texas; and Mike Van Diest, Carroll (Mont.).
Most Winners by School: Mount Union-18 (Ken Wable-1, Larry Kehres-17); North Dakota State-16 (Darrell Mudra-1, Ron Erhardt-4, Jim Wacker-1, Don Morton-3, Earle Solomonson-1, Craig Bohl-2, Klieman-1, Entz-3); Nebraska-15 (Bob Devaney-7, Tom Osborne-7, Frank Solich-1); Penn State-12 (Rip Engle-1, Joe Paterno-11); Alabama-11 (Bear Bryant-4, Bill Curry-1, Gene Stallings-2, Mike Shula-1, Nick Saban-3); Mary Hardin-Baylor-11 (Pete Fredenburg-10, Larry Harmon-1); Morningside-11 (Steve Ryan-11); Texas-11 (Darrell Royal-6, Fred Akers-2, David McWilliams-1, Mack Brown-2); Ithaca-10 (Jim Butterfield-7, Mike Welch-2, Mike Toerper-1); Michigan-10 (Bump Elliott-2, Bo Schembechler-6, Lloyd Carr-1, Jim Harbaugh-1); USC-10 (John McKay-6, John Robinson-2, Pete Carroll-2); Wittenberg-10 (Bill Edwards-3, Dave Maurer-4, Ron Murphy-1, Joe Fincham-2); Arkansas-9 (Frank Broyles-4, Lou Holtz-1, Ken Hatfield-1, Houston Nutt-2, Sam Pittman-1); Bloomsburg-9 (George Landis-1, Danny Hale-7, Paul Darragh-1); Eastern Kentucky-9 (Roy Kidd-6, Danny Hope-1, Dean Hood-1, Walt Wells-1); New Hampshire-9 (Clarence Boston-1, Jim Root-1, Bill Bowes-3, Sean McDonnell-4).
Two Consecutive Years, Two Schools: Mike Houston (The Citadel, 2015 & James Madison, 2016) joined seven other coaches who have earned AFCA Regional Coach of the Year honors at two schools in consecutive years: Fred Akers (Wyoming, 1976 & Texas 1977), Dennis Franchione (Pittsburg State, 1989 & Texas State, 1990), Jim McElwain (Colorado State, 2014 & Florida, 2015), Hal Mumme (Valdosta State, 1996 & Kentucky, 1997), Dick Sheridan (Furman, 1985 & North Carolina State, 1986), Kevin Sumlin (Houston, 2011 & Texas A&M, 2012) and Joe Tiller (Wyoming, 1996 & Purdue, 1997).
Most Schools: South Carolina’s Lou Holtz is the only coach to earn AFCA Regional Coach of the Year honors at four different schools. Holtz earned the honor at North Carolina State (1972), Arkansas (1979), Notre Dame (1988) and South Carolina (2000). Brian Kelly (Grand Valley State, Cincinnati, Notre Dame) became the seventh coach to win district or regional honors at three different schools in 2012. He joins Jerry Claiborne (Virginia Tech, Maryland, Kentucky), Darrell Mudra (North Dakota State, Western Illinois, Northern Iowa), Houston Nutt (Mississippi, Arkansas, Murray State), Mike Price (UTEP, Washington State, Weber State), Jim Sweeney (Montana State, Washington State, Fresno State) and Jim Wacker (North Dakota State, Texas State, TCU) on that list.
Consecutive Years: Morningside’s Steve Ryan jumps to first place with his eight straight NAIA Regional honors from 2014-21. Mount Union’s Larry Kehres is in second with seven consecutive years, winning in Division III from 2006-12. Jacksonville State’s John Grass, Northwest Missouri State’s Mel Tjeerdsma and Nebraska’s Bob Devaney are the only coaches to win district/regional honors in five consecutive years. Tjeerdsma earned the honor in Division II from 1996-2000. Devaney earned the honor in the AFCA’s old University Division (1962-66). Grass earned his five straight in FCS from 2014-18. Carroll’s Mike Van Diest, Trinity’s (Texas) Steve Mohr, North Dakota State’s Ron Erhardt and Kehres are the only men to win the award four years in a row. Van Diest earned the honor in NAIA from 2007-10, while Kehres won his four in a row from 1999-2002 in Division III. Erhardt earned district honors in the AFCA’s old College Division (1967-70) while Mohr earned the honor in Division III (1996-99). Seventeen coaches have earned district or regional honors three years in a row. Ithaca’s Jim Butterfield (1978-79-80 and 1984-85-86) earned the award in three consecutive years on two different occasions.
AFCA Assistant Coaches of the Year
The American Football Coaches Association is proud to announce its 2022 Assistant Coach of the Year winners. One assistant coach from the five divisions of college football has been selected for their dedication to their teams and communities. A total of 42 nominees from Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III, and NAIA were nominated in 2022.
Each year, staff representatives from NCAA and NAIA football-playing schools are asked to nominate an assistant for consideration. From those nominations, the winners are selected by the AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year Committee.
The Assistant Coach of the Year award was first presented in 1997 and was created to honor assistant coaches who excel in community service, commitment to the student-athlete, on-field coaching success and AFCA professional organization involvement.
The 2022 honorees are as follows:
FBS– Mike Tressel, Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach, University of Cincinnati
FCS– Chris Kappas, Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach, Austin Peay State University
Division II– Nate Shreffler, Offensive Coordinator, Hillsdale College
Division III– Joe Gerbino, Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach, Utica University
NAIA– George Papageorgiou, Offensive Line Coach, Benedictine College
“Once again, five outstanding assistant coaches have been selected for their dedication, not only to their teams, but to their communities,” said AFCA Executive Director Todd Berry. “Oftentimes, the head coach receives much of the credit for his team’s success, but any head coach is only as good as his assistants. Much of an assistant coach’s work is done behind the scenes. It is our pleasure to bring it to the forefront.”
The criterion for the award is not limited to on-field coaching ability or the success of the team and the players whom these assistant coaches work with. Service to the community through charitable work and other volunteer activities, participation in AFCA activities and events, participation in other professional organizations and impact on student-athletes are all considered in the selection process.
Winners of the Assistant Coach of the Year Award will receive a plaque to commemorate their recognition. They will be honored at the AFCA Honors Luncheon, held Monday, January 9, during the 2023 AFCA Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The AFCA was founded in 1922 and currently has more than 11,000 members around the world, ranging from the high school level to the professional ranks. According to its constitution, the AFCA was formed, in part, to “maintain the highest possible standards in football and the coaching profession” and to “provide a forum for the discussion and study of all matters pertaining to football and coaching.”
The Winners
Football Bowl Subdivision
Mike Tressel, Cincinnati: Tressel is in his 25th year of college coaching with the last two coming at Cincinnati … long-time member of the AFCA who has served on several committees and spoke at the AFCA annual convention … Tressel participated in a community clean-up of Cincinnati in 2021 and encourages his players to give back to the community through mentorship and local elementary schools and reading programs … While as an assistant coach at Michigan State, Tressel participated in several juvenile diabetes fundraisers … His defense helped the Bearcats to their best season in school history in 2021, leading the nation in pass efficiency defense, fifth in scoring defense and No. 10 in total defense on a team that went 13-1 and finished in the Top 5 in the nation … In 2022, the Bearcats are 13th in pass efficiency defense and No. 24 in total defense.
Football Championship Subdivision
Chris Kappas, Austin Peay: Kappas is in his third season at Austin Peay and 15th season as a collegiate coach … Dedicated AFCA member who has spoken at the annual convention … Kappas in instrumental in helping the Austin Peay football team break the Team GPA record for four straight semesters … Helps leads the defense in several community service projects around Clarksville, including building shelves for Habitat for Humanity or preparing and passing out food at Loaves and Fishes, a local shelter that feeds the needy … In his three seasons at Austin Peay, Kappas turned the defense into one of the best in the Ohio Valley Conference, going No. 1 in total and scoring defense in 2021, then repeated those honors in the ASUN Conference in 2022.
Division II
Nate Shreffler, Hillsdale: Shreffler completed his 22nd season at Hillsdale … Established and coordinates a volunteer program with Hillsdale players and a local elementary school where student-athletes help teachers and help students in reading and math since 2010 … Established a new program in 2019 with fourth grade boys at a local elementary school called “Guys with Ties” where around 30 boys and 10 student-athletes meet with Shreffler at lunch and talk about things such as integrity, leadership, kindness, gratitude, manners and being a good sport … Also organizes and runs the annual Lift-A-Thon, which has raised over $450,000 since Shreffler took over … Volunteers for the Hillsdale College Youth Football Camp where proceeds of the event are donated to the Jason Foundation to help bring awareness to youth suicide … Also volunteers for Victory Day at Hillsdale, which is an event for special needs children that gives them a full game day experience of playing football, cheering, or marching in the band … Has coached 21 first or second team all-conference linemen, three All-Americans and one NFL draft pick.
Division III
Joe Gerbino, Utica: Gerbino has been the Utica offensive coordinator since 2017 … Been an AFCA member since 2015 … Has spoken at several football clinics and works several football camps each summer … Organizes the “accountability program” at Utica, which is a competition to encourage community service, campus involvement and academic success … Also volunteers for America’s Greatest Heart Run-Walk, North Utica Rotary, Upstate Cerebral Palsy, Believe 271, The House of Good Shepherd, Thea Bowman House, campus clean-ups, elementary school reading programs, Real Men Wear Pink for the American Cancer Society and The Bridge Program … Leader of an offense that helped guide Utica to their first 10-win season in program history and the program’s first-ever NCAA playoff victory … Utica offense was No. 2 in the Empire 8 in total offense at 386.8 yards per game.
NAIA
George Papageorgiou, Benedictine (Kan.): Papageorgiou has been on the Benedictine (Kan.) staff since 2000 … Long-time AFCA member … volunteers for numerous activities on campus and in the Atchison, Kansas community … Helped mentor five of the Ravens’ all-time leading rushers … Named Heart of America Athletic Conference North Division Assistant Coach of the Year in 2018 … His offensive line has aided in some of the top offensive production squads in program history.
AFCA Assistant Coach of the Year Finalists for 2022
Football Bowl Subdivision
Sean Saturnio, Army West Point
Mike Tressel, Cincinnati
Derrick Jackson, Northern Illinois
Football Championship Subdivision
Chris Kappas, Austin Peay
Milton Patterson, Florida A&M
Ryan Clanton, Northern Iowa
Mark Hendrickson, Western Illinois
Division II
Lucas Melo, Davenport
Dominic Anderson, Fayetteville State
Nate Shreffler, Hillsdale
Kevin May, Seton Hill
Division III
Brandon Beech, Catholic
Kole Heckendorf, St. John’s (Minn.)
Joe Gerbino, Utica
Assistant Coach of the Year Notes
127 assistant coaches from 97 different schools have been honored by the AFCA since the inception of the award in 1997 … Benedictine (Kan.) joins Morningside, Bethel (Minn.), Campbellsville, Carson-Newman and Hampton as schools with three winners each … Air Force, Carroll (Mont.), Central (Iowa), Clemson, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Kansas Wesleyan, Lindsey Wilson, Mount Union, Northwest Missouri State, Tabor, Virginia Union, Wabash, Washington (Mo.) and Winona State all have two winners each.
