University of Wisconsin defensive coordinator, Jim Leonard has been nominated for the Broyles Award. This honor is given to the top assistant coach in Division 1 football. News of coach Leonard’s nomination was released earlier this week. In addition, 58 other coaches were nominated.
Defense by the Numbers
Jim Leonard is in his sixth year as a coach for the Badgers. Five of the six years he has been the defensive coordinator. According to the Broyles Award website, Leonard was a finalist in 2017. However, he did not take home the honor. The Badgers have the top defense in the nation under Leonard. Certainly, given the current ranking of the Badgers’ defense, it’s hard to imagine Leonard not being one of the 5 finalists. Check out their statistical rankings.
- Total Defense: 214.6 YPG (1st in the nation)
- Rushing Defense: 49.6 YPG (1st in the nation)
- Passing Defense: 165 YPG (5th in the nation)
- Scoring Defense: 17 PPG (8th in the nation)
- 3rd down defense: 25.5% (2nd in the nation)
Wisconsin’s History with the Award
In addition to Jim Leonard, current head coach, Paul Chryst was a finalist in 2010 and 2011. However, he did not bring home the award. A Wisconsin coach has never won the award in its 26-years of existence.
The Broyles Award is named after Frank Broyles a coach and athletic director from the University of Arkansas. The all bronze statue depicts Broyles kneeling and Wilson Matthews, an assistant coach standing behind him. This prestigious award will be presented to the winner on December 7th.
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