The Broyles Award represents college football's highest honor for assistant coaches, and this year's five finalists showcase the elite level of coaching across the sport. For the first time in the award's 30-year history, fans can vote to help determine the winner, casting their ballot once every 24 hours through January 26th.
While all five coordinators have built exceptional units this season, the numbers reveal clear distinctions when measuring pure defensive dominance. Here's how the 2025 Broyles Award finalists rank based on their defensive impact.
1. Matt Patricia - Defensive Coordinator, Ohio State
The Case: Matt Patricia has orchestrated the most statistically dominant defense in college football, leading the nation in virtually every major category that matters.
Team Record: 12-1
Key Statistics:
No. 1 in scoring defense (8.2 points per game)
No. 1 in total defense (213.5 yards per game)
No. 1 in fewest touchdowns allowed (10 total)
No. 2 in yards-per-play allowed (3.94)
No. 1 in red zone defense (66.67%)
No. 7 in third-down defense (29.19%)
Why He Ranks First: The breadth of Patricia's dominance separates him from the field. It's one thing to lead the nation in a single category—it's unprecedented to lead in scoring defense, total defense, and touchdowns allowed simultaneously. His defense held eight of 13 opponents to fewer than 10 points, including quality Big Ten competition.
Patricia's first-year success is particularly remarkable given the skepticism that surrounded his hire. Twenty years removed from college coaching, he adapted seamlessly while developing four First-Team All-Big Ten selections. The 8.2 points per game allowed represents historically elite performance in modern college football's high-scoring environment.
Impact Beyond Stats: Matt Patricia's scheme versatility and player development elevated Ohio State from a good defense to a generational unit. His NFL experience translated perfectly, bringing championship-caliber preparation and attention to detail that shows in situational performance.
2. Bryant Haines - Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach, Indiana
The Case: Haines engineered one of college football's greatest defensive turnarounds while leading Indiana to an undefeated regular season and the program's first College Football Playoff appearance.
Team Record: 13-0, Big Ten Champions, No. 1 CFP Seed
Key Statistics:
No. 1 in rushing defense (80.2 yards per game)
No. 2 in total defense (256.3 yards per game)
No. 2 in scoring defense (10.8 points per game)
Held eight of 13 opponents to fewer than 10 points
Set program records for fewest total yards and fewest rushing yards allowed in a season
Why He Ranks Second: In his first season with the Hoosiers, Haines built an elite defense that powered Indiana's historic campaign. The rush defense numbers are particularly impressive—80.2 yards per game allowed represents suffocating run stopping that forced opponents one-dimensional.
The undefeated regular season and No. 1 playoff seed demonstrate the impact of Haines' defense on Indiana's program transformation. His unit consistently delivered in crucial moments, holding opponents under 10 points in eight games just like Patricia's defense.
Context: Haines' defensive rankings are exceptional, ranking second nationally in both total and scoring defense. The gap between his 10.8 points per game and Patricia's 8.2 is significant—2.6 points per game represents roughly one additional touchdown allowed every four games.
3. Shiel Wood - Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers Coach, Texas Tech
The Case: Wood's defense powered Texas Tech to a program-record 12 wins and the Big 12 Championship, creating one of college football's most balanced teams.
Team Record: 12-1, Big 12 Champions
Key Statistics:
No. 1 in FBS with 31 takeaways
No. 1 in rush defense (68.5 yards per game)
No. 3 in scoring defense
Only team in top 5 in both scoring offense and scoring defense
On pace for program's lowest single-season defensive average since 1946
Why He Ranks Third: Wood's most impressive achievement is creating balance at Texas Tech—a program historically known for offensive fireworks rather than defensive dominance. Leading the nation with 31 takeaways shows an aggressive, opportunistic scheme that creates game-changing moments.
The 68.5 yards per game rushing defense is actually better than both Patricia and Haines in that specific category, showcasing elite run stopping. Wood's defense complemented the Red Raiders' offense perfectly, creating a complete team that won the Big 12.
Consideration: While the takeaway numbers and rush defense excel, Texas Tech ranks third nationally in scoring defense rather than first or second. The complete balance Wood created makes the Red Raiders dangerous, but pure defensive dominance metrics favor Patricia and Haines.
4. Mike Bobo - Offensive Coordinator/QBs, Georgia
The Case: Bobo is the only offensive coordinator among the finalists, successfully revamping Georgia's offense despite significant challenges including a first-year starting quarterback and offensive line injuries.
Team Record: 12-1, SEC Champions, No. 3 CFP Seed
Key Statistics:
No. 2 nationally in red zone touchdown efficiency (79%)
186 yards per game rushing (major improvement from previous season)
31.9 points per game (34th nationally in scoring offense)
45th nationally in total offense
Why He Ranks Fourth: Bobo's challenge differs from the defensive coordinators—he rebuilt Georgia's offensive identity mid-stride while navigating significant personnel turnover. The red zone efficiency is elite, converting nearly four out of every five trips into touchdowns.
The rushing improvement shows Bobo's ability to establish physical dominance despite offensive line injuries. Georgia's SEC Championship validates his offensive game planning against elite competition.
Context: Ranking fourth doesn't diminish Bobo's accomplishments, but the three defensive coordinators ahead of him produced top-three national units in their respective categories. Georgia's 34th ranking in scoring offense and 45th in total offense, while respectable, don't match the dominance of Patricia's, Haines', or Wood's defensive units.
5. Corey Hetherman - Defensive Coordinator, Miami (FL)
The Case: Hetherman made an immediate impact in his first season at Miami, significantly improving the Hurricanes' defensive performance and helping secure a College Football Playoff berth.
Team Record: College Football Playoff participant
Key Statistics:
Made the second-biggest improvement nationally in points allowed per drive (2025 vs. 2024)
Elite turnover margin
Previous success: No. 5 total defense, No. 9 scoring defense at Minnesota in 2024
Why He Ranks Fifth: Hetherman's impact on Miami's turnaround is significant, creating a defense capable of championship-level play. The improvement in points allowed per drive shows systematic enhancement rather than personnel luck.
His track record at Minnesota demonstrates consistent defensive excellence, and bringing that success to Miami in year one shows adaptability and coaching skill.
Consideration: While the improvement metrics are impressive, there's less comprehensive statistical data available compared to the other finalists. The Miami defense performed well, but doesn't lead the nation in any major category like the three defensive coordinators ranked above him.
Make Your Voice Heard
For the first time in Broyles Award history, fans have the opportunity to directly impact the outcome. The fan vote counts as one collective vote, weighted equally with the prestigious selection committee members.
Vote now for your choice and cast your ballot once every 24 hours through January 26th at 11 PM CST. Each vote also enters you for a chance to win two VIP passes to the February 12th ceremony in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
All five finalists represent coaching excellence at the highest level. But when measuring pure defensive dominance, the numbers favor Matt Patricia's historically elite performance—leading the nation in the categories that matter most while developing a unit that could define championship-caliber defense for years to come.
