Northwestern University Athletics
Fitzgerald Named Finalist for 2018 Dodd Trophy
12/5/2018 11:18:00 AM | Football
EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern's Dan and Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach Pat Fitzgerald has been named one of seven finalists for the 2018 Dodd Trophy presented by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl.
This year's finalists, represented by four conferences (ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, SEC), along with Notre Dame, including Fitzgerald, Dino Babers (Syracuse), Brian Kelly (Notre Dame), Lincoln Riley (Oklahoma), Nick Saban (Alabama), Kirby Smart (Georgia) and Dabo Swinney (Clemson).
The award is given annually to the head coach whose program represents the highest ideals on and off the field. The award honors the coach of a team which enjoys a successful football season, while also stressing the importance of academic excellence and character.
Fitzgerald was named the consensus Big Ten Coach of the Year after leading the Wildcats to their first-ever Big Ten West Division title and berth in the Big Ten Championship game. The Wildcats went 8-1 in Big Ten play, matching a program record for conference wins in a season. The 'Cats swept the West Division for the first time in program history and earned their ninth bowl appearance under Fitzgerald.
Chicago's Big Ten Team is ranked No. 22 in the College Football Playoff rankings and will take on No. 17 Utah in the 2018 San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl on New Year's Eve.
"All of these finalists truly exemplify the type of leadership that Bobby Dodd valued and are noteworthy candidates to join the esteemed group of former Dodd Trophy recipients," said Jim Terry, chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation. "We're honored to have such a renowned list of finalists who truly embody Coach Dodd's spirit, both on and off the field."
"This college football season was highlighted by outstanding coaching performances that greatly impacted the course of the season," said Gary Stokan, Peach Bowl, Inc. CEO & president. "These seven coaches have distinguished themselves as finalists for this prestigious award, not only for having successful football seasons, but also for their efforts within their communities and commitment to empower their student athletes to succeed in the classroom as well."
Finalists were selected by a panel consisting of all previous winners, national media, a member of the Dodd family and a College Football Hall of Fame member.
The winner of the 2018 Dodd Trophy will be selected from the list of finalists by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation, and will be announced in Atlanta during Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Week.
This year's finalists, represented by four conferences (ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, SEC), along with Notre Dame, including Fitzgerald, Dino Babers (Syracuse), Brian Kelly (Notre Dame), Lincoln Riley (Oklahoma), Nick Saban (Alabama), Kirby Smart (Georgia) and Dabo Swinney (Clemson).
Fan voting is now open for the 2018 Dodd Trophy ??
— The Dodd Trophy (@DoddTrophy) December 5, 2018
Retweet to cast your vote for @coachfitz51 as the Dodd Trophy Coach of the Year. pic.twitter.com/OJvy4stVTE
The award is given annually to the head coach whose program represents the highest ideals on and off the field. The award honors the coach of a team which enjoys a successful football season, while also stressing the importance of academic excellence and character.
Fitzgerald was named the consensus Big Ten Coach of the Year after leading the Wildcats to their first-ever Big Ten West Division title and berth in the Big Ten Championship game. The Wildcats went 8-1 in Big Ten play, matching a program record for conference wins in a season. The 'Cats swept the West Division for the first time in program history and earned their ninth bowl appearance under Fitzgerald.
Chicago's Big Ten Team is ranked No. 22 in the College Football Playoff rankings and will take on No. 17 Utah in the 2018 San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl on New Year's Eve.
"All of these finalists truly exemplify the type of leadership that Bobby Dodd valued and are noteworthy candidates to join the esteemed group of former Dodd Trophy recipients," said Jim Terry, chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation. "We're honored to have such a renowned list of finalists who truly embody Coach Dodd's spirit, both on and off the field."
"This college football season was highlighted by outstanding coaching performances that greatly impacted the course of the season," said Gary Stokan, Peach Bowl, Inc. CEO & president. "These seven coaches have distinguished themselves as finalists for this prestigious award, not only for having successful football seasons, but also for their efforts within their communities and commitment to empower their student athletes to succeed in the classroom as well."
Finalists were selected by a panel consisting of all previous winners, national media, a member of the Dodd family and a College Football Hall of Fame member.
The winner of the 2018 Dodd Trophy will be selected from the list of finalists by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation, and will be announced in Atlanta during Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Week.
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