Al Golden has spent much of the last two seasons not getting anywhere near the respect he deserves. It appears that thing are finally starting to course correct in 2024.
Last year, as he has this year, has put together a defense that is one of the best in the country. It is in fact so good that it’s clear people around the country are surprised when it gives up any points at all.
On Tuesday, the idea that he’s one of the best assistant coaches in the country crystallized as Golden was named to the list of 15 finalists for the Frank Broyles Award. That honor goes to the best assistant coach in the country. Golden didn’t get this far among finalists a year ago, but he’s there now.
Notre Dame football defensive coordinator Al Golden gets honored
Now that he’s on the list of final 15, he’s among this group:
- ARIZONA STATE – Marcus Arroyo, Offensive Coordinator
- ARMY WEST POINT – Nate Woody, Defensive Coordinator
- BOISE STATE – Dirk Koetter, Offensive Coordinator
- COLORADO – Robert Livingston, Defensive Coordinator/Safeties
- INDIANA – Bryant Haines, Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
- MIAMI (FL) – Shannon Dawson, Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks
- OHIO STATE – Jim Knowles, Defensive Coordinator
- OREGON – Tosh Lupoi, Defensive Coordinator
- PENN STATE – Tom Allen, Defensive Coordinator
- SMU – Scott Symons, Defensive Coordinator
- SOUTH CAROLINA – Clayton White, Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers
- TENNESSEE – Tim Banks, Defensive Coordinator
- TEXAS – Pete Kwiatkowski, Defensive Coordinator and Outside Linebackers
- VANDERBILT – Tim Beck, Offensive Coordinator
Intestingly enough, Notre Dame Football and Al Golden haven’t faced off against any of the other finalists this season, though that could change once the playoffs get underway.