COLUMBIA, Mo. - Missouri defensive coordinator Dave Steckel was named one of five finalists Monday for the 2014 Frank Broyles Award, given to the top assistant coach in college football.
Missouri's defense has been key to the team's success in Southeastern Conference play. Missouri is the only SEC team not to allow a conference opponent to gain 400 yards of total offense this season.
Steckel is in his 14th season as a Missouri coach and his sixth as defensive coordinator. He is also the linebackers coach and an associate head coach.
"Very, very well deserving," head coach Gary Pinkel said of Steckel. "He's a heck of a coach, and it's neat to see him getting that kind of recognition for what he deserves. I'm really, really happy for him."
The other finalists are Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, Ohio State offensive coordinator Tom Herman, Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost and TCU co-offensive coordinator Doug Meacham.
"Hopefully the defense wins," Pinkel said.