Alabama Crimson Tide

Assistants at Clemson, 'Bama, Oklahoma up for Broyles Award

Published Nov. 30, 2015 1:52 p.m. ET

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) Offensive and defensive coordinators from top-ranked Clemson, No. 2 Alabama and No. 3 Oklahoma are among finalists for the Broyles Award, given annually to a top assistant coach in college football.

The Rotary Club of Little Rock on Monday announced five finalists; two previous winners are among the group.

Finalists include Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and Oklahoma offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley. Others are defensive coordinator Gene Chizik of eighth-ranked North Carolina and offensive coordinator Kendal Briles of No. 12 Baylor.

Smart won the award at Alabama in 2009. Chizik won in 2004 while at Auburn.

The award is named for former Arkansas coach Frank Broyles, who had a history of training assistant coaches who went on to stellar careers leading their own programs.