Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning has been named one of five finalists for the Broyles Award, given annually to the nation’s top assistant coach.
Georgia’s defense has been historically good this year. It has allowed just 83 points through 12 games. That’s 6.9 points allowed per game, which is No. 1 in the nation.
It is also No. 1 in total defense, allowing just 229.7 yards per game to opposing offenses.
Joining Lanning as a finalist for the award are Josh Gattis from Michigan, Jeff Grimes from Baylor, Jim Knowles from Oklahoma State, and Warren Ruggiero from Wake Forest.
— BROYLES AWARD (@BroylesAward) November 29, 2021
Lanning, 35, has been at Georgia since 2018, when he started as outside linebackers coach.
In 2019 he took over as defensive coordinator and has put together some incredible defenses, including a 2020 defense that allowed only 72 rushing yards per game and a 2019 unit that allowed only two rushing touchdown all season.
In his three seasons as Georgia defensive coordinator, Lanning’s run defenses have ranked:
2019: No. 1, allowing 74 rushing YPG
2020: No. 1, allowing 72 rushing YPG
2021: No. 3, allowing 78 rushing YPG
It’s crazy to think that is actually Georgia’s worst rushing defense, statistically, since Lanning became defensive coordinator.
The winner of the 2021 Broyles Award will be announced on Dec. 7.