Smart, Chizik among finalists for Broyles Award

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and former Auburn head coach Gene Chizik -- now North Carolina's defensive coordinator -- are two of the five finalists for the Broyles Award, given annually to a top assistant coach in college football.

The Rotary Club of Little Rock on Monday announced five finalists; two previous winners are among the group.

Other finalists include Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables, Oklahoma offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley and Baylor offensive coordinator Kendal Briles.

Smart won the award at Alabama in 2009. Chizik won in 2004 while at Auburn.

Georgia Southern running backs coach Dell McGee (former Carver High coach) and Florida State defensive coordinator Charles Kelly (former Central High assistant) were among the 34 nominees named last week.

The award is named for former Arkansas coach Frank Broyles, who had a history of training assistant coaches who went on to stellar careers leading their own programs.

This story was originally published November 30, 2015 at 6:32 PM with the headline "Smart, Chizik among finalists for Broyles Award ."