Louisville defensive coordinator Ron English has been voted as a semifinalist for the 2023 Broyles Award, it was announced Monday. The award is presented annually to the top assistant coach in college football.
English is one of 15 assistants across Division I to be selected as a semifinalist for the award, as well as one of two from the ACC, joining Florida State defensive coordinator Adam Fuller. Five finalists will be announced next week, with the winner being announced on Tuesday, Dec. 5.
In his first year back in Louisville after joining head coach Jeff Brohm from Purdue, the Cardinals have been excellent on the defensive side of the ball. Their 18.4 points per game allowed is 17th in all of the FBS, while their 317.0 yards allowed per game comes in at 21st nationally.
Louisville has also flourished when it comes to the front seven and in situational football. Their 98.0 rushing yards allowed per game is 12th in the FBS, while their 2.55 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss both come in at 34th nationally. The Cardinals are also 11th nationally in third down defensive percentage at 29.5 percent, and second in red zone defensive scoring percentage at 66.7 percent.
English joined Brohm's staff at Purdue staff in 2021, after stints at Florida, Mississippi State, San Jose State and Eastern Michigan, the latter of which where he was the head coach from 2009 to 2013. He also spent the 2008 season as the defensive coordinator for Louisville under then-head coach Steve Kragthorpe.
Louisville will be back in action this weekend, hosting Kentucky for their final game at the regular season. Kickoff against the Wildcats is set for Saturday, Nov. 25 at 12:00 p.m. EST.
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