TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– The return of Jeremy Pruitt to Alabama has been smooth for him, as well as the players and coaches on Nick Saban’s staff. Pruitt, who serves as the Tide’s defensive coordinator, was one of five finalists named to the Broyles Award, according to the Frank and Barbara Broyles Foundation on Monday.
The award honors the nation’s best assistant coach.
Behind Pruitt, Alabama ranks first nationally in scoring defense (11.4 ppg), run defense (68.7 ypg), total defense (247 ypg) and defensive touchdowns (nine). It’s tied for fourth in the nation in sacks (41), while not allowing a touchdown in four games—dating back to the fourth quarter against Texas A&M on Oct. 22.
Joining Pruitt as finalists for the Broyles Award are Brent Venables (Clemson), Jim Leavitt (Colorado), Don Brown (Michigan) and Matt Canada (Pittsburgh). The winner of this year’s award will be revealed on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at the Marriott Hotel in Little Rock, Ark.
Pruitt becomes a finalist for the second time, since being recognized in 2013 as Florida State’s defensive coordinator. Former Tide assistant Kirby Smart is the lone coach to win the award, which he obtain in 2009.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
