Jeff Brohm named to Bear Bryant coach of the year watchlist

Louisville’s Jeff Brohm coaches against Boston College Saturday afternoon in L & N Stadium.Sept. 23, 2023
Louisville’s Jeff Brohm coaches against Boston College Saturday afternoon in L & N Stadium.Sept. 23, 2023 /
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Sep 23, 2023; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Jeff Brohm celebrates with tight end Joey Gatewood (84) after a touchdown against the Boston College Eagles during the first half at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Louisville defeated Boston College 56-28. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2023; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Jeff Brohm celebrates with tight end Joey Gatewood (84) after a touchdown against the Boston College Eagles during the first half at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Louisville defeated Boston College 56-28. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /

Jeff Brohm finally gets the national attention he deserves

Jeff Brohm was one of the 26 candidates that was on the Bear Bryant coach of the year watchlist, and if you watch Louisville football you should know why.

According to bryantawards.org:

"The award is given each January to a college football coach for contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life – both on and off the field."

Brohm in his first year led Louisville to a 6-1 start, and although he had a disappointing loss to Pitt last week that shouldn’t discount what he’s done so far this year. He led the Cardinals to a strong 6-0 start with 3 conference wins, and a blowout win over then #10 Notre Dame 33-20. Brohm is the hometown hero for Louisville and he has done quite a lot in just his first 7 games there.

Some other notable ACC coaches that were also on the list were Mack Brown, Mike Elko, Mike Norvell, and somehow the Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops got in there. While in the graphic that was put out had Brohm at the top and Stoops at the bottom, I’m not sure there is a ranking for any of these coaches. Stoops however, has no business being in there. I know Louisville lost on the road by 17 to Pitt, but losing to Georgia by 38 and Missouri by 17 at home doesn’t scream “coach of the year quality” to me. Also calling out Kirby Smart for paying off players and asking UK fans for more money for NIL doesn’t scream “a winning approach to life” either.

Brohm should be a contender just based on what he’s done this year alone, and the ACC coach of the year isn’t out of the question either. The Cardinals are in good hands, and being named in lists like these proves it.

(Unless you’re Mark Stoops)