LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- San Diego State defensive coordinator Kurt Mattix has been named a nominee for the 2020 Broyles Award, which honors college football's top assistant coaches. Mattix, who also coaches the Aztec linebackers, is one of 56 nominees in this year's class selected from approximately 1,270 assistant coaches representing 127 Division I programs across the country.
Mattix is in his first year with SDSU as the defensive coordinator, taking over for former DC Zach Arnett (now at Mississippi State). Rocky Long, who retired as head coach at San Diego State in January, called the Aztec defense from 2009-19.
SDSU's defense currently leads the country in yards allowed per play (4.05), and ranks third in total defense (269.1), fourth in third down defensive percentage (.273), fifth in pass defense (168.4) and tackles for loss per game (8.71), and eighth in scoring defense (16.3), rush defense (100.7) and defensive pass efficiency rating (105.93).
The Broyles Award selection process includes the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), broadcasters, a college football hall-of-fame selection committee and current college head coaches. The selection committee will select 15 semifinalists and five finalists from the list of nominees and an overall winner.
San Diego State wraps up its regular season Saturday night at No. 14/16 Brigham Young in Provo, Utah. Game time is set for 8 p.m. MT (7 p.m. PT).