Gainesville, Fla. (FWAA) – Eight first-year head coaches have been named to a Mid-Season Watch List for the Steve Spurrier First-Year Coach Award presented by Chris Doering Mortgage. These coaches have demonstrated excellence in their first seasons at their respective schools through eight weeks.
Here are the eight coaches in alphabetical order:
Fran Brown, Syracuse
Record: 5-1, 2-1 ACC
Brown’s 5-1 record is impressive, bolstered by ranked wins over then-No. 23 Georgia Tech and
then-No. 25 UNLV. Syracuse ranks second in the ACC in passing yards per game (365), thanks to
a strong start by former Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord. The Orange’s only setback was a
narrow 26-24 loss to Stanford in Week 3. Syracuse looks strong heading into October, with a
key 24-17 victory over NC State on October 13. Brown’s team faces a major test this Thursday
as the Orangemen visit No. 19 Pittsburgh.
Bob Chesney, James Madison
Record: 5-2, 1-2 Sun Belt
Chesney’s offense has shined at times, most notably in a 70-50 upset of North Carolina in Week
3. James Madison followed that performance with a 63-7 thrashing of Ball State and a 39-7
victory over Coastal Carolina on October 12. While the Dukes have the Sun Belt’s best defense,
allowing just 18 points per game, they’ve also suffered two close losses, most recently a 28-14
defeat to Georgia Southern. Chesney will be looking for more consistency as James Madison
pushes to compete for the Sun Belt title.
Curt Cignetti, Indiana
Record: 7-0, 4-0 Big Ten
One of college football' biggest surprises this season, Cignetti’s Hoosiers are off to their first 7-0 start since
1967, following a dominant 56-7 victory over Nebraska. Cignetti has led Indiana to an average
victory margin of 35 points per game, with the team topping the Big Ten in yards per game
(513) and points per game (49). While Indiana has yet to face a ranked opponent, the Hoosiers have
the opportunity to keep their winning streak alive against Washington this Saturday.
Spencer Danielson, Boise State
Record: 5-1, 2-0 Mountain West
Danielson has Boise State poised for a potential College Football Playoff berth, with only
one loss--a 37-34 defeat to No. 1 Oregon. Powered by Heisman candidate Ashton
Jeanty, the Broncos average 523 yards offense and 47 points per game. Boise State currently shares
first place in the Mountain West, and Danielson’s squad faces crucial matchups in the next two
weeks against UNLV and San Diego State.
Kalen DeBoer, Alabama
Record: 5-2, 2-2 SEC
DeBoer’s season has been filled with highs and lows, including an upset of then-No. 1 Georgia
followed by losses to Vanderbilt and Tennessee. Alabama has struggled to maintain dominance
over SEC opponents, ranking seventh in the conference in yards per game (424) and 13th in
yards allowed (352). The Crimson Tide still have a shot at the College Football Playoff, but
DeBoer’s team will need to bounce back with key games against No. 21 Missouri and No. 8 LSU
on the horizon.
Manny Diaz, Duke
Record: 6-1, 2-1 ACC
Diaz has made an immediate impact on Duke’s defense, which now ranks second in the ACC in
yards allowed (307) compared to last season’s eighth-place finish. Diaz’s Blue Devils secured a
thrilling 21-20 victory over North Carolina in his ACC opener and bounced back from a loss to
Georgia Tech with a 23-16 win over Florida State. Diaz will face a big challenge this Saturday
when No. 22 SMU visits Durham, offering an opportunity to notch his first ranked win of the
season.
Mike Elko, Texas A&M
Record: 6-1, 4-0 SEC
Elko has Texas A&M riding a six-game win streak after a season-opening loss to Notre Dame.
The Aggies are currently atop the SEC standings, with signature wins over Florida and then-No.
9 Missouri. Despite playing multiple games with a backup true freshman quarterback, Texas
A&M has found offensive success on the ground, ranking second in the SEC with 219 rushing
yards per game. A key matchup against LSU awaits this Saturday, with the winner taking control
of first place in the SEC.
Bryant Vincent, UL-Monroe
Record: 5-1, 3-0 Sun Belt
Vincent has led UL-Monroe to a share of first place in the Sun Belt’s West division. The
Warhawks have claimed key wins over Troy and James Madison, with their only loss coming
against No. 5-ranked Texas. UL-Monroe’s defense has been a force, allowing just 20 points and
341 yards per game. Vincent’s team will continue its quest for a division title, heading into a
pivotal Week 14 showdown with Louisiana-Lafayette. Up next is a trip to South Alabama this
Saturday.
The Steve Spurrier First-Year Coach Award
Presented by Chris Doering Mortgage, this award honors the best first-year coach (at their
school) in FBS football at the conclusion of the season. The recipient, along with the FWAA
Freshman of the Year and the Steve Spurrier Legends Coach, will be celebrated at a special
reception on February 24, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla.
For more information on attending or sponsoring the Fourth Annual reception at Spurrier’s Gridiron
Grille for the Steve Spurrier First-Year and Legend Coach plus Freshman Player of the Year awards on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, please contact Tricia Garzon of the JAG Agency at 352-214-2331.
Chris Doering Mortgage, based in Gainesville, Fla, was established in April 2007 as a residential
lending company providing mortgage products including conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA
loans. The branch is a division of MortgageAdvisors.com – 3940 NW 16th Blvd., Suite A,
Gainesville, FL 32605 – NMLS 70168/1937321. FHA Lender ID 2631500094. For more
information, visit ChrisDoeringMortgage.com. ESPN/SEC Network College football analyst Chris
Doering, a former wide receiver for Coach Spurrier both in college and the NFL, serves as the
branch manager.
Founded in 1941, the Football Writers Association of America consists of journalists,
broadcasters, publicists, photographers, and key executives in all areas of college football. The
FWAA works to govern media access and gameday operations while presenting awards and
honors, including an annual All-America team. For more information about the FWAA and its
programs and initiatives, contact Executive Director Steve Richardson at (214) 870-6516.
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