Fresno State Athletics
Tedford announced as a finalist for the Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award
12/19/2018 10:00:00 AM | Football
Fresno State football head coach Jeff Tedford has been named one of seven finalists for the 2018 Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award. The winner will be announced in Houston on Jan. 9.
HOUSTON - The American Heart Association (AHA), the world's leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives, announced on Wednesday that Fresno State head coach Jeff Tedford has been named one of seven finalists for the 2018 Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Award, sponsored by Marathon Oil Corporation.
The winner will be announced live on Jan. 9, 2019 during the awards dinner and ceremony at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston.
The 2018 award finalists are:
Now in its 33rd year, the Coach of the Year Award recognizes the country's top college football coach for their contributions both on and off the field. The award is the only college coaching honor selected after all bowl games are concluded and is voted on by the National Sports Media Association.
Behind the scenes, the award is much bigger than a season's success. It is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on heart disease and stroke – the nation's no. 1 and no. 5 health threats. Since the adoption of the name, the Bryant Awards has raised over $9.8 Million for the American Heart Association, funding research, education and advocacy efforts and saving countless lives. "Bear" always talked about being bigger than something other than himself. The Bryant Awards offer an opportunity to do just that — to join the American Heart Association in the fight against heart disease and stroke and help save lives.
Once again, sports aficionados can enjoy the Bryant Awards live on FOX College Sports – available through most cable providers.
Fans can take part in the online silent auction benefiting the AHA. Items are available for bidding online now at https://BearBryantAuction2019.ggo.bid. Notable auction packages include: a 15-day Grand European River Cruise for two; tickets to the Master's Tuesday Practice Round in Augusta, Georgia for four; a suite at the Toyota Center to see the Houston Rockets take on the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, March 22, 2019; and autographed sports memorabilia from the Houston Astros, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and more.
Marathon Oil Corporation has served as the presenting sponsor of the Bryant Awards for the past ten years, underscoring the Company's commitment to health and wellness. The Company strives to partner with local organizations to recognize and advance important public health initiatives in the communities where it operates.
Lee Tillman, Marathon Oil president and CEO, says the finalists are each remarkable. "These distinguished coaches are leaders on and off the field, and we're honored to welcome them to this elite group," Tillman said. "They represent Paul "Bear" Bryant's belief in excellence and support the Bryant family's commitment to the American Heart Association's mission of building a world of longer, healthier lives."
To purchase tickets to the Bryant Awards, contact 832-918-4009 or visit www.bryantawards.org.
The 2018 Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year finalists (alphabetical):
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Bill Clark, UAB:Â After the school's two-year hiatus from football, Clark's Blazers posted an 8-4 record during the 2017 regular season and followed that up with the Conference USA title in 2018 paced by undefeated seasons at Legion Field both years. Clark has built a roster from scratch and has recorded the most victories in a UAB season. The Blazers (11-3), 11th nationally in total defense, defeated Northern Illinois, 37-13 in the Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl on Tuesday.
Josh Heupel, UCF:Â In his first season as a head coach in Orlando, Heupel has fashioned a 12-0 record and has continued what Scott Frost started before leaving for Nebraska. The Knights have the longest winning streak in the FBS at 25 games and will meet LSU in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl after winning the American Athletic Conference title. The former Oklahoma quarterback, who was previously offensive coordinator at Missouri, has the Knights ranked No. 8 in the College Football Playoff's final rankings.
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Brian Kelly, Notre Dame:Â One of four coaches on the list who has led his team to an unbeaten record (12-0) in 2018. After posting a 4-8 record in 2016, Notre Dame has now won 22 of its last 25 games and will face Clemson in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl in one College Football Playoff semifinal.
Jeff Monken, Army: Riding a eight-game winning streak, Army finished the regular season at 10-2. The triple-option Black Knights, the nation's No. 2 rushing team (296.3 ypg), will play in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl against Houston on Dec. 22.
Nick Saban, Alabama:Â The Crimson Tide has been the dominant team of the 2018 season and enters the College Football Playoff as the top seed. The Southeastern Conference champions (13-0) will seek to repeat as national champions and start that quest in the Capital One Orange Bowl against Oklahoma.
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Dabo Swinney, Clemson:Â Swinney has the Tigers in the College Football Playoff for the fourth straight year with a fourth straight Atlantic Coast Conference championship and a 13-0 record. The Tigers will face Notre Dame in one semifinal the Goodyear Cotton Bowl on Dec. 29 in their first appearance in the Texas-based bowl since 1940. The Tigers are the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff.
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Jeff Tedford, Fresno State:Â In his second season at his alma mater, Tedford took the Bulldogs (12-2) to the Mountain West Conference championship with a 19-16 overtime victory at Boise State. That victory, which avenged a previous loss to the Broncos this season, earned Tedford's team a berth in the Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl against Arizona State on Dec. 15 as the Bulldogs defeated the Sun Devils, 31-20 giving the 2018 Bulldogs a program-record 12th win.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA- USA1.
About Marathon Oil Corporation
Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO) is an independent exploration and production company based in Houston. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.marathonoil.com.
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160
Â
Follow us on:
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateFB
Instagram:Â Fresno_State_Football
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
The winner will be announced live on Jan. 9, 2019 during the awards dinner and ceremony at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston.
The 2018 award finalists are:
- Bill Clark – University of Alabama-Birmingham
- Josh Heupel – University of Central Florida
- Brian Kelly – Notre Dame
- Jeff Monken – Army West Point
- Nick Saban – University of Alabama
- Dabo Swinney – Clemson University
- Jeff Tedford – Fresno State University
Now in its 33rd year, the Coach of the Year Award recognizes the country's top college football coach for their contributions both on and off the field. The award is the only college coaching honor selected after all bowl games are concluded and is voted on by the National Sports Media Association.
Behind the scenes, the award is much bigger than a season's success. It is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on heart disease and stroke – the nation's no. 1 and no. 5 health threats. Since the adoption of the name, the Bryant Awards has raised over $9.8 Million for the American Heart Association, funding research, education and advocacy efforts and saving countless lives. "Bear" always talked about being bigger than something other than himself. The Bryant Awards offer an opportunity to do just that — to join the American Heart Association in the fight against heart disease and stroke and help save lives.
Once again, sports aficionados can enjoy the Bryant Awards live on FOX College Sports – available through most cable providers.
Fans can take part in the online silent auction benefiting the AHA. Items are available for bidding online now at https://BearBryantAuction2019.ggo.bid. Notable auction packages include: a 15-day Grand European River Cruise for two; tickets to the Master's Tuesday Practice Round in Augusta, Georgia for four; a suite at the Toyota Center to see the Houston Rockets take on the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, March 22, 2019; and autographed sports memorabilia from the Houston Astros, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and more.
Marathon Oil Corporation has served as the presenting sponsor of the Bryant Awards for the past ten years, underscoring the Company's commitment to health and wellness. The Company strives to partner with local organizations to recognize and advance important public health initiatives in the communities where it operates.
Lee Tillman, Marathon Oil president and CEO, says the finalists are each remarkable. "These distinguished coaches are leaders on and off the field, and we're honored to welcome them to this elite group," Tillman said. "They represent Paul "Bear" Bryant's belief in excellence and support the Bryant family's commitment to the American Heart Association's mission of building a world of longer, healthier lives."
To purchase tickets to the Bryant Awards, contact 832-918-4009 or visit www.bryantawards.org.
The 2018 Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year finalists (alphabetical):
Â
Bill Clark, UAB:Â After the school's two-year hiatus from football, Clark's Blazers posted an 8-4 record during the 2017 regular season and followed that up with the Conference USA title in 2018 paced by undefeated seasons at Legion Field both years. Clark has built a roster from scratch and has recorded the most victories in a UAB season. The Blazers (11-3), 11th nationally in total defense, defeated Northern Illinois, 37-13 in the Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl on Tuesday.
Josh Heupel, UCF:Â In his first season as a head coach in Orlando, Heupel has fashioned a 12-0 record and has continued what Scott Frost started before leaving for Nebraska. The Knights have the longest winning streak in the FBS at 25 games and will meet LSU in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl after winning the American Athletic Conference title. The former Oklahoma quarterback, who was previously offensive coordinator at Missouri, has the Knights ranked No. 8 in the College Football Playoff's final rankings.
Â
Brian Kelly, Notre Dame:Â One of four coaches on the list who has led his team to an unbeaten record (12-0) in 2018. After posting a 4-8 record in 2016, Notre Dame has now won 22 of its last 25 games and will face Clemson in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl in one College Football Playoff semifinal.
Jeff Monken, Army: Riding a eight-game winning streak, Army finished the regular season at 10-2. The triple-option Black Knights, the nation's No. 2 rushing team (296.3 ypg), will play in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl against Houston on Dec. 22.
Nick Saban, Alabama:Â The Crimson Tide has been the dominant team of the 2018 season and enters the College Football Playoff as the top seed. The Southeastern Conference champions (13-0) will seek to repeat as national champions and start that quest in the Capital One Orange Bowl against Oklahoma.
Â
Dabo Swinney, Clemson:Â Swinney has the Tigers in the College Football Playoff for the fourth straight year with a fourth straight Atlantic Coast Conference championship and a 13-0 record. The Tigers will face Notre Dame in one semifinal the Goodyear Cotton Bowl on Dec. 29 in their first appearance in the Texas-based bowl since 1940. The Tigers are the No. 2 seed in the College Football Playoff.
Â
Jeff Tedford, Fresno State:Â In his second season at his alma mater, Tedford took the Bulldogs (12-2) to the Mountain West Conference championship with a 19-16 overtime victory at Boise State. That victory, which avenged a previous loss to the Broncos this season, earned Tedford's team a berth in the Mitsubishi Motors Las Vegas Bowl against Arizona State on Dec. 15 as the Bulldogs defeated the Sun Devils, 31-20 giving the 2018 Bulldogs a program-record 12th win.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA- USA1.
About Marathon Oil Corporation
Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO) is an independent exploration and production company based in Houston. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.marathonoil.com.
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160
Â
Follow us on:
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateFB
Instagram:Â Fresno_State_Football
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
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