Oklahoma State University Athletics
Knowles a Semifinalist for 2021 Broyles Award
November 23, 2021 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles is one of 15 semifinalists for the 2021 Broyles Award, it was announced Tuesday by the Frank & Barbara Broyles Foundation.
The Broyles Award was created in 1996 and honors college football's top assistant coach each season.
Knowles, now in his fourth year at Oklahoma State, has put together a résumé for the award that stacks up against any coach in the country.
Under Knowles, the OSU defense has performed at a historic level all season. The Cowboys are among the top five teams in the FBS in sacks (No. 1), tackles for loss (No. 1), third-down defense (No. 1), scoring defense (No. 2), total defense (No. 3), rushing defense (No. 4), first downs defense (No. 4) and more. They lead the Big 12 in each of those categories and several others.
In his four seasons as the Cowboy defensive coordinator, OSU has progressively improved its defensive numbers each year in points per game, yards per game, first downs per game, yards per play, passing efficiency, passing yards per game, yards per pass, rushing yards per game and yards per rush.
Most of OSU's 2021 averages haven't been seen in Stillwater since the 1980s, and OSU's 85.8 rushing yards per game allowed this season would set a school record if the season ended today.
A 43-member selection committee of distinguished former head coaches, broadcasters, and a committee representing the FWAA narrowed the list of 59 nominees to 15 semifinalists. Five finalists will be selected from the list of semifinalists then an overall winner.
Knowles is one of two semifinalists from the Big 12, joined by Baylor offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes.
The 2021 Broyles Award Semifinalists:
Arkansas – Cody Kennedy, Offensive Line
Baylor University – Jeff Grimes, Offensive Coordinator / TEs
Cincinnati – Mike Denbrock, Offensive Coordinator / TEs
Houston – Doug Belk, Assoc. Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator / Safeties
Ohio State University – Kevin Wilson, Offensive Coordinator
Oklahoma State – Jim Knowles, Defensive Coordinator
Ole Miss – Jeff Lebby, Offensive Coordinator / QBs
Pittsburgh – Mark Whipple, Offensive Coordinator / QBs
Texas A&M – Mike Elko, Defensive Coordinator / Safeties
University of Georgia – Dan Lanning, Fain & Billy Slaughter Defensive Coordinator / OLBs
University of Iowa – Phil Parker, Defensive Coordinator / Def. Backs
University of Michigan – Josh Gattis, Offensive Coordinator / WRs
UTSA – Jess Loepp, Co-Defensive Coordinator
Wake Forest – Warren Ruggiero, Offensive Coordinator / QBs
Wisconsin - Jim Leanhard, Defensive Coordinator / Safeties
The Broyles Award was created in 1996 and honors college football's top assistant coach each season.
Knowles, now in his fourth year at Oklahoma State, has put together a résumé for the award that stacks up against any coach in the country.
Under Knowles, the OSU defense has performed at a historic level all season. The Cowboys are among the top five teams in the FBS in sacks (No. 1), tackles for loss (No. 1), third-down defense (No. 1), scoring defense (No. 2), total defense (No. 3), rushing defense (No. 4), first downs defense (No. 4) and more. They lead the Big 12 in each of those categories and several others.
In his four seasons as the Cowboy defensive coordinator, OSU has progressively improved its defensive numbers each year in points per game, yards per game, first downs per game, yards per play, passing efficiency, passing yards per game, yards per pass, rushing yards per game and yards per rush.
Most of OSU's 2021 averages haven't been seen in Stillwater since the 1980s, and OSU's 85.8 rushing yards per game allowed this season would set a school record if the season ended today.
A 43-member selection committee of distinguished former head coaches, broadcasters, and a committee representing the FWAA narrowed the list of 59 nominees to 15 semifinalists. Five finalists will be selected from the list of semifinalists then an overall winner.
Knowles is one of two semifinalists from the Big 12, joined by Baylor offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes.
The 2021 Broyles Award Semifinalists:
Arkansas – Cody Kennedy, Offensive Line
Baylor University – Jeff Grimes, Offensive Coordinator / TEs
Cincinnati – Mike Denbrock, Offensive Coordinator / TEs
Houston – Doug Belk, Assoc. Head Coach / Defensive Coordinator / Safeties
Ohio State University – Kevin Wilson, Offensive Coordinator
Oklahoma State – Jim Knowles, Defensive Coordinator
Ole Miss – Jeff Lebby, Offensive Coordinator / QBs
Pittsburgh – Mark Whipple, Offensive Coordinator / QBs
Texas A&M – Mike Elko, Defensive Coordinator / Safeties
University of Georgia – Dan Lanning, Fain & Billy Slaughter Defensive Coordinator / OLBs
University of Iowa – Phil Parker, Defensive Coordinator / Def. Backs
University of Michigan – Josh Gattis, Offensive Coordinator / WRs
UTSA – Jess Loepp, Co-Defensive Coordinator
Wake Forest – Warren Ruggiero, Offensive Coordinator / QBs
Wisconsin - Jim Leanhard, Defensive Coordinator / Safeties
Down Goes #1! Cowgirl Softball Update - Inside OSU Athletics with Kenny Gajewski
Friday, April 24
Oklahoma State SHUTS OUT #4 Texas | Condensed Game Highlights 4-22-26
Thursday, April 23
Audi Crooks is a Cowgirl 🔥 #okstate #collegebasketball #wbb
Monday, April 20
Oklahoma State WINS series over Arizona | Condensed Game Highlights 4-19-26
Sunday, April 19
