ATLANTA – University of Missouri head coach Eliah Drinkwitz was named to the midseason watch list for the 2024 Dodd Trophy, according to an announcement Thursday by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc.
This year’s list includes 20 of the nation’s top college football coaches representing all Power Four conferences, as well as the AAC and an independent.
Managed by Peach Bowl, Inc. and presented by PNC Bank, The Dodd Trophy, college football’s most coveted national coaching award, celebrates the head coach of a team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity – the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd’s coaching philosophy. The watch list was created through a selection process by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc., taking into consideration each program’s graduation rate, Graduation Success Rate (GSR), commitment to service and charity in the community, on-field success thus far for the 2024 season and Academic Progress Rate (APR).
Drinkwitz has guided the Tigers to a 5-1 overall record and 1-1 start to SEC play. Missouri is ranked No. 19 in this week’s Associated Press poll and No. 16 in the USA Today Coaches Poll.
“The 2024 season has already been filled with historic upsets, thrilling comebacks and outstanding performances from coaches and players alike,” said Jim Terry, chairman of the Boddy Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation. “The coaches named to our list have begun to set themselves apart, but their successes go beyond results on the field and extend to the communities they serve and through their commitment to academic excellence.”
A panel consisting of previous winners, national media, a member of the Dodd family and a College Football Hall of Fame member will identify the final list of potential recipients at the conclusion of the 2023 season. The winner of the 2024 Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank will be announced in Atlanta during the week of the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
The 2024 Dodd Trophy Midseason Watch List
Coach School (conference) AP Ranking
Bret Bielema Illinois (Big Ten) 22
Matt Campbell Iowa State (Big 12) 9
Mario Cristobal Miami [FL] (ACC) 6
Ryan Day Ohio State (Big Ten) 4
Eliah Drinkwitz Mizzou (SEC) 19
James Franklin Penn State (Big Ten) 3
Marcus Freeman Notre Dame (Independent) 12
Josh Heupel Tennessee (SEC) 11
Brian Kelly LSU (SEC) 8
Lane Kiffin Ole Miss (SEC) 18
Chris Klieman Kansas State (Big 12) 17
Dan Lanning Oregon (Big Ten) 2
Rhett Lashlee SMU (ACC) 21
Jeff Monken Army (AAC) 23
Pat Narduzzi Pittsburgh (ACC) 20
Brian Newberry Navy (AAC) 25
Steve Sarkisian Texas (SEC) 1
Kalani Sitake BYU (Big 12) 13
Kirby Smart Georgia (SEC) 5
Dabo Swinney Clemson (ACC) 10
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