LITTLE ROCK — Brian Early, the defensive line coach at Arkansas State, is among 56 assistant coaches nominated for the Broyles Award, which is named for former Arkansas coach and athletic director Frank Broyles. A number of Broyles' assistants became head coaches.
Offensive coordinators from Alabama and Clemson and defensive coordinators from Georgia and Notre Dame were also among the nominees.
Georgia, Alabama, Notre Dame and Clemson top this week's College Football Playoff ratings and Associated Press poll.
Under offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, Alabama averages 477 yards and 41 points per game. Clemson's Tony Elliott directs an offense averaging 443 yards and 33 points per game.
At Georgia, Mel Tucker's defense gives up fewer than 12 points a game. Notre Dame's Mike Elko runs a defense giving up fewer than 18.
The entire list is at the Broyles Award website. The winner will be announced Dec. 5.