Louisville, KY – University of Louisville’s defensive coordinator, Ron English, has earned recognition as one of the 15 semifinalists for the prestigious 2023 Broyles Award. The award, presented by the Frank & Barbara Broyles Foundation, honors college football’s top assistant coaches. The announcement was made on Monday, highlighting English’s significant contributions to the Cardinals’ exceptional season.
English, leading the defensive charge for Louisville for the second time, has played a crucial role in guiding the Cardinals to an impressive 10-1 overall record and a notable 7-1 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The team’s recent 38-31 victory over Miami secured their spot in the ACC title game, where they will face No. 4 Florida State on December 2 in Charlotte, N.C.
Under English’s guidance, the Louisville defense has emerged as one of the best in the nation. Heading into the regular-season finale against Kentucky, the Cardinals boast a top 25 defense, allowing an average of just 317.0 yards per game. Their defensive prowess is evident in holding six opponents to less than 300 yards of total offense this season, with opponents averaging just 5.2 yards per play.
The scoring defense led by English has been particularly stingy, allowing only 18.4 points per game. Louisville has impressively limited six opponents to 20 or fewer points and achieved two shutouts. Notably, the Cardinals blanked Duke, then ranked No. 20, with a commanding 23-0 victory at L&N Stadium. They also showcased defensive dominance against Virginia Tech, allowing only three points in a convincing 34-3 win.
When it comes to defending against the run, English’s unit has proven equally formidable, ranking 12th in the nation and second in the ACC, allowing a mere 98.0 yards per game.
As the regular season approaches its conclusion, the Cardinals, guided by Ron English, are set to face intra-state rival Kentucky at Noon on Saturday at L&N Stadium. English’s recognition as a semifinalist for the 2023 Broyles Award reflects his outstanding coaching contributions, making him a key figure in Louisville’s formidable football program.
Broyles Award Sem-Finalists
ALABAMA – Tommy Rees, Offensive Coordinator/QB
FLORIDA STATE – Adam Fuller, Defensive Coordinator
GEORGIA – Mike Bobo, Offensive Coordinator/QB
IOWA – Phil Parker, Defensive Coordinator/Secondaries
JAMES MADISON – Bryant Haines, Defensive Coordinator/LB
LOUISVILLE – Ron English, Defensive Coordinator
LSU – Mike Denbrock, Offensive Coordinator/TE
MICHIGAN – Sherrone Moore, Offensive Coordinator/OL
MISSOURI – Kevin Peoples, Defensive Line/Edge
OHIO STATE – Jim Knowles, Defensive Coordinator/LB
OREGON – Will Stein, Offensive Coordinator
PENN STATE – Manny Diaz, Defensive Coordinator/LB
TEXAS – Pete Kwiatkowski, Defensive Coordinator/OLB
UCLA – D’Anton Lynn, Defensive Coordinator
WASHINGTON – Ryan Grubb, Offensive Coordinator/QB
A selection committee of distinguished former head coaches, broadcasters, and a committee representing the Football Writers Association of America narrowed the list of nominees to 15 semi-finalists. Five finalists will be selected from this list. Then an overall winner will be named.
The 2022 Broyles Award winner was Garrett Riley, who was the offensive coordinator at the TCU. Riley is now the offensive coordinator at Clemson University. Previous winners are not eligible to be nominated for the Broyles Award until the completion of three seasons.
The Broyles Award is presented by Oaklawn, Hot Springs, Arkansas. Proceeds from the 2023 Broyles Award support the mission of the Broyles Foundation: to provide a game plan through education, support, and resources to Alzheimer’s caregivers. The Broyles Foundation can be followed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
