Swinney named to national coach of the year watch list

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ATLANTA (October 31, 2014) - Officials from the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl have released the first watch list for the 2014 Dodd Trophy. The list includes 13 of the nation’s top coaches in college football.

Recognizing the head coach of a team which enjoys a successful football season while also stressing the importance of academic excellence and character, The Dodd Trophy award celebrates the total football program.

The head coaches on the watch list represent programs with the highest ideals of leadership, scholarship and integrity on and off the field - the cornerstones of both legendary coach Bobby Dodd’s coaching philosophies. The 13 coaches named to the watch list represent programs with winning records, the nation’s top APR scores and graduation rates, and a strong commitment to community service.

The first 2014 Dodd Trophy watch list includes:

COACH			SCHOOL  	CONFERENCE	 


David Cutcliffe		Duke		ACC	2013 Winner


Mark Dantonio		Michigan State	Big Ten	 


Brian Kelly		Notre Dame	Independent	 


Gus Malzahn		Auburn		SEC	 


Urban Meyer		Ohio State	Big Ten	 


Jim Mora		UCLA		Pac 12	 


Dan Mullen		Mississippi St	SEC	 


Mark Richt		Georgia		SEC	 


Nick Saban		Alabama		SEC	 


Bill Snyder		Kansas State	Big 12	1998, 2012 Winner


Bob Stoops		Oklahoma	Big 12	2003 Winner


Dabo Swinney		Clemson		ACC	2011 Winner


Kyle Whittingham	Utah 		Pac 12	 

As the season continues, the watch list will be narrowed and released again in November.

A panel consisting of all previous winners, national media pundits, a member of the Dodd family and one College Football Hall of Fame member will identify the final list of potential recipients at the conclusion of the 2014 season. The winner of The Dodd Trophy will be announced in Atlanta during Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl week.

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