Nov. 23, 2016
By Charles Goldberg
AuburnTigers.com
AUBURN, Ala. -- Auburn's improved defensive play has earned Kevin Steele a nomination for the top assistant coach award in college football.
The defensive coordinator, in his first year at Auburn, is one of 40 coaches up for the Broyles Award, it was announced Wednesday. Finalists will be named and the winner will be announced Dec. 6 in Little Rock.
Auburn enters Saturday's Iron Bowl ranked fifth in the SEC and 18th nationally in total defense. The Tigers are third in in the league in rushing defense. Auburn has not allowed a rushing touchdown in the last eight games, and only four rushing TDs this season.
The Tigers are allowing an average of 14.3 points per game, the lowest average at Auburn since 2006. The Tigers are one of five teams that have not allowed an opponent to score 30 points this season.
Auburn's Gus Malzahn won the award in 2010.
Charles Goldberg is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: Follow @AUGoldMine