University of Louisville defensive coordinator Ron English has been named as one of the 15 semifinalists for the 2023 Broyles Award, which recognizes the top assistant coaches in college football, according to the Frank & Barbara Broyles Foundation. This is the second time that English has led the defense at Louisville. Under his guidance, the Cardinals have achieved a 10-1 overall record and a 7-1 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference, securing second place in the league. The team’s impressive performance has earned them a spot in the ACC title game, where they will face No. 4 Florida State on December 2 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
English’s defense has played a crucial role in Louisville’s success this season, ranking among the best in the country. The team currently boasts a top 25 defense, allowing an average of just 317.0 yards per game. They have held six opponents to under 300 yards of total offense and have limited opponents to just 5.2 yards per play. The Cardinals’ scoring defense has been particularly impressive, allowing only 18.4 points per game. They have held six opponents to 20 or fewer points and have recorded two shutouts. Notably, they shut out Duke 23-0 when the Blue Devils were ranked No. 20, and limited Virginia Tech to just three points in a 34-3 victory.
In terms of defending the run, English’s defense has excelled, ranking second in the ACC and 12th in the country, allowing a mere 98.0 yards per game. The Cardinals will conclude their regular season on Saturday when they face in-state rival Kentucky.
The Broyles Award semifinalists were selected by a committee of distinguished former head coaches, broadcasters, and representatives from the Football Writers Association of America. From this list, five finalists will be chosen, followed by the announcement of an overall winner. The reigning 2022 Broyles Award recipient is Garrett Riley, who served as the offensive coordinator at TCU and now holds the same position at Clemson University. It is worth noting that previous winners are ineligible for nomination until three seasons have passed.
The Broyles Award is sponsored by Oaklawn, Hot Springs, Arkansas, and the proceeds from the 2023 event will support the mission of the Broyles Foundation, which aims to provide education, support, and resources to caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. The Broyles Foundation can be followed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
