Bumpas In Line For National Award
11/30/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 30, 2009
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- TCU defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Dick Bumpas has been named one of five finalists for the Broyles Award, recognizing the top assistant coach in the nation.
It's the second straight season Bumpas has been a Broyles Award finalist. The other candidates are Boise State offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin, Cincinnati offensive coordinator Jeff Quinn, Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and Florida defensive coordinator Charlie Strong.
The winner will be announced Dec. 8 in Little Rock, Ark.
TCU, ranked fourth in the BCS, is 12-0 for the first time in its history. Despite losing three starters to the NFL off last year's top-ranked defense, TCU is second this season with its average of 233.8 yards per game allowed. The Horned Frogs narrowly trail Florida (233.1). The Gators have allowed two less yards than TCU.
TCU has held five opponents under 200 yards in offense in 2009. Only Clemson (309) has gained more than 300 on the Horned Frogs.
TCU consensus All-American Jerry Hughes has credited his success to Bumpas. After coming to TCU as a tailback, Hughes was converted to defensive end. He has 15 tackles for loss this season, including 11 1/2 sacks. Hughes led the nation last year with 15 sacks and six forced fumbles.
Hughes is a finalist this year for the Lott Trophy, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Rotary Lombardi Award and Lowe's Senior CLASS Award. He's also one of 15 "Players to Watch" (and one of just three defensive players) for the Walter Camp Football Foundation's 2009 Player of the Year award.
Bumpas is in his sixth season with the Horned Frogs. In addition to last year's top-ranked defense, TCU was second nationally in 2006. The 2005 Horned Frogs led the country in turnover margin, interceptions and takeaways.
In a coaching career that has spanned over 30 years, Bumpas has won championships in four different conferences. He'll coach in his 15th bowl game when TCU makes its expected first appearance in a BCS game in January.
Current TCU head coach Gary Patterson was a 2000 finalist for the Broyles Award when he served as the Horned Frogs' defensive coordinator.
