Alabama football head coach Nick Saban was named a finalist for the George Munger Award, which goes to college football’s coach of the year. The Maxwell Football Club announced the five finalists on Wednesday.
Besides Saban, David Braun of Northwestern, Kalen DeBour of Washington, Mike Norvell of Florida State and Steve Sarkisian of Texas, were named finalists. DeBour and Sarkisian faced off Monday in the College Football Playoff’s Sugar Bowl semifinal, with the Huskies coming out on top and earning a trip to the national title game.
Norvell’s Florida State team went undefeated through the regular season and ACC championship game before controversially finishing behind Alabama in the final CFP rankings. After significant roster opt-outs, the Seminoles were blown out by Georgia in the Orange Bowl.