Division 2 Coordinator of the Year

Finalists:

(vote at bottom)

Scott Preston – Arkansas Tech (Offensive Coordinator)

Arkansas Tech enjoyed one of the best seasons in school history, finishing 9-3 (following back to back 5-5 seasons) and capturing a first-round D2 playoff win.  Under Scott Preston’s leadership, Tech quarterback Nick Graziano threw for 38 touchdowns while helping Tech finish 5th nationally in scoring offense.  Preston, who coaches the quarterbacks and wide receivers as well, helped his offense convert an amazing 59.6% of third-down opportunities.  Graziano is one of three finalists for the Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded to the D2 Player of the Year. One opposing coach told us, “They run a lot of plays…get a lot of plays started to let their wide outs make plays.  The screen package is solid.  It was really tough on us.  Coach Preston is doing a really nice job.”   Arkansas Tech finished 2nd in the Gulf South Conference, losing twice to North Alabama and once to West Alabama.

Bob Crocker – Nebraska-Kearney (Defensive Coordinator)

Under the leadership of defensive coordinator Bob Crocker, the Lopers finished undefeated in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and advanced to the 2nd round of the D2 playoffs. A late interception in 2-minute defense lifted the Lopers to victory over Nebraska-Omaha for the first time in six seasons early in the year.  Defensively, UNK finished in the top 25 nationally in six different defensive categories.  One coach that nominated Crocker told FootballScoop, “They will use their 3 down front and 4-2-5 package.  I’m not sure we really ever got into a rhythm against them.  Several different zone blitzes…and they hit our quarterback.  They hit him more than anyone else we played.”  Nebraska-Kearney finished 11-2 and 9-0 in conference play.  Crocker also serves as the secondary coach at UNK.

Joe Lorig – Central Washington (Defensive Coordinator)

Against the nation’s toughest schedule according to NCAA statistics, Joe Lorig’s defense finished 1st nationally in scoring defense and 4th nationally in total defense.  Most impressively, opponents scored just 11 touchdowns in 33 red zone opportunities.  Central Washington completed an undefeated regular season before losing in the quarterfinals of the D2 playoffs to perennial power Northwest Missouri State by a score of 21-20.  Under Lorig’s tutelage, Central Washington allowed just 11.9 points per game and 58 yards rushing per game.  The Wildcats were champions of the Great Northwest Conference.  Lorig also serves as the defensive backs coach / assistant head coach.

* A panel of current and former coaches along with past recipients of the awards will evaluate the finalists will select the winners. Votes will be considered; however the Panel has final decision over the awards.