Lashlee named Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year finalist

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Lashlee Named Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Finalist

DALLAS(SMU) – SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee has been named a finalist for the prestigious Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award in a release on Tuesday by the Football Writers Association of America, in conjunction with the Allstate Sugar Bowl.

Lashlee was one of nine finalists named, joining Shane Beamer (South Carolina), Curt Cignetti (Indiana), Spencer Danielson (Boise State), Kenny Dillingham (Arizona State), Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame), Dan Lanning (Oregon), Jeff Monken (Army) and Kirby Smart (Georgia).

The FWAA has presented a coaching award since the 1957 season when Ohio State's Woody Hayes was named the first recipient. In 1997, the FWAA coaching award was named after the late Robinson, a coaching legend at Grambling State University for 55 seasons.

This is the second straight year that Lashlee has been named a finalist for the award.

Lashlee is amidst his third season as SMU, and the Mustangs are having historic success in their inaugural year in the ACC.

This season, SMU went 8-0 in conference play during its first season in the league. The 8-0 mark in conference play is the best ever by a team moving up to the power-conference level, and the Mustangs are the second team to finish with a winning conference record after moving up.

The Mustangs currently rank in the top-25 nationally in 19 different categories in addition to being at the top of the ACC in three different stats. SMU has been dominant on both sides of the ball, ranking in the top six in rushing defense, scoring offense and defensive touchdowns.

SMU is headed to the programs first ever College Football Playoff appearance and are 11-2 on the season. This marks the first time since 1983 and 1984 that the Mustangs have posted back-to-back double-digit win seasons. In addition, the 11-2 record marks the best start for SMU since 1982.

The finalists have been placed on a ballot which has been sent to the entire FWAA membership. The award honors regular season performance, including conference championship games. The 2024 recipient will be announced on Wed., Dec. 18. The official presentation will be at a reception Sat., Jan. 18, 2025, in Atlanta, the site of the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Eleventh-seeded SMU is set to open the CFP next Saturday, December 21 at 11 a.m. CT on the road against Penn State. The game will air on TNT and fans can also stream the game on MAX.

[Bergermeister]

Dan Lanning will be the Coach of the Year but my vote goes to Rhett Lashlee. Helluva job!