TicketsDec. 1, 2009
CINCINNATI - University of Cincinnati offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Jeff Quinn was named one of five finalists for the 2009 Broyles Award, which recognizes the top football assistant coach in the nation.
"It's a tremendous honor," Quinn said. "Most importantly, I want to thank my family, but also all of my players, and all the coaches that have influenced my life and career. This is a prestigious group of coaches that are right up there with the best in the country. It says a lot about the University of Cincinnati and what we've been able to accomplish."
None of the finalists has lost a game this season. The others are: Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, Boise State offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin, Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong, and Texas Christian defensive coordinator Dick Bumpas.
Quinn, in his third year at UC, has helped guide the University of Cincinnati to a school-record 11-0 start and the No. 5 ranking in the country. UC has clinched a share of its second-straight BIG EAST Championship and is still in the BCS National Championship Game picture.
UC leads the nation in passing efficiency (171.9), despite losing starting quarterback and one-time Heisman Trophy candidate Tony Pike for four games due to an arm injury. The Beracats lead the BIG EAST and rank fourth nationally in total offense, averaging 473 yards per game. UC also leads the league in passing offense (322.0), and scoring offense (39.4).
Pike returned last weekend against Illinois and three for 399 yards and a school-record six touchdowns. Wideout Mardy Gilyard became the first UC player to record 1,000-or more receiving yards in two-straight seasons.
During Pike's absence, Zach Collaros led UC to a 4-0 record, going 83-of-106 (78.3%) for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. During that span he had a QB rating of 199.03 and threw one interception. He also rushed for 193 yards and two touchdowns.
Behind Quinn's offensive line, the Bearcats have topped the 100-yard plateau in six of the last seven games and eight out of 11 games overall. UC has topped 200-yards rushing on three occasions and is approaching the school record for points and touchdowns.
The winner will be announced Dec. 8 in Little Rock. The Broyles Award is named for former Arkansas coach Frank Broyles. More than 25 of his assistants became head coaches. They include Joe Gibbs, Jimmy Johnson and Johnny Majors.