Dec. 10, 2009
ATLANTA – Georgia Tech’s Paul Johnson was named today as one of 10 finalists for the Liberty Mutual National Coach of the Year.
The award, in its fourth year, heralds college football coaches who demonstrate sportsmanship, integrity and responsibility on and off the field. The winning coach receives $50,000 for the charity of his choice and a $20,000 grant to donate to the school’s alumni association for student scholarships and activities. Winners will be announced January 6th, prior to the BCS Championship Game.
Alabama’s Nick Saban won the award last season.
Johnson, who was named ACC Coach of the Year earlier this month, has led ninth-ranked Georgia Tech to an 11-2 record and the ACC championship. In his two seasons on The Flats, Johnson has compiled a record of 20-6. Georgia Tech will play 10th-ranked Iowa in the Jan. 5 FedEx Orange Bowl.
Other finalists include Mack Brown (Texas), Pete Carroll (USC), Al Golden (Temple), Kirk Ferentz (Iowa), Brian Kelly (Cincinnati), Joe Paterno (Penn State), Gary Patterson (TCU), Saban and Dabo Swinney (Clemson).
Between Dec. 15-29, fans can visit www.CoachoftheYear.com to vote. Fan votes count 20 percent of a coach’s final score.
To ensure candidates are evaluated fairly and measured against the specific values of responsibility and integrity, selection committees of College Football Hall of Fame players and coaches – including Archie Manning, Lou Holtz, Vince Dooley, Ronnie Lott and Jerry Rice – and the national college football media will cast votes for the winners. Hall of Fame and media votes account for 55 percent and 25 percent, respectively.
