Northwestern University Athletics
Photo by: Ryan Kuttler/Northwestern Athletics
David Braun Named Consensus Big Ten Coach of the Year
11/28/2023 12:00:00 PM | Football
EVANSTON, Ill. – Dan & Susan Jones Family Head Football Coach David Braun was named the consensus Big Ten Coach of the Year, as voted on by the conference coaches and media voters, the Big Ten announced on Tuesday.
Braun earns the honor after leading the Wildcats to a 7-5 regular season record (5-4 in Big Ten) in his first season at the helm. His seven wins are the most by a Northwestern first-year head football coach since 1903, while his five conference wins are the most by any first-year Wildcat head coach.
"I want to congratulate Coach Braun on this well-deserved award," said Vice President for Athletics & Recreation Dr. Derrick Gragg. "What he has accomplished in such a short period of time and the impact he has had on these student-athletes -- all under very adverse circumstances -- is nothing short of phenomenal. I am extremely proud of Coach Braun, our student-athletes and staff and look forward to seeing them play in the postseason."
Northwestern's six-win improvement from 2022 to 2023 is the largest win improvement by any FBS team this season. Since 2000, the Wildcats are one of just five teams to win six or more games the year after finishing 1-11.
Braun joined Northwestern in January as the team's defensive coordinator. He was named interim head coach for the 2023 season in July. Braun's seven wins are tied with Coastal Carolina's Tim Beck for the most by a first-year head coach in the FBS this season. He is also the first Power 5 coach to take his team from one or fewer wins to bowl eligibility in the following season since 2018 (Matt Rhule, Baylor).
Braun is the fifth different Northwestern head coach to win Big Ten Coach of the Year since the award was handed out in 1972, joining Pat Fitzgerald (2018), Randy Walker (2000), Gary Barnett (1995, 1996) and Dennis Green (1982).
Northwestern has made immense year-to-year improvements under the direction of Braun as head coach and defensive coordinator. The Wildcats' defensive unit is allowing an average of 351.6 yards per game, an improvement of 23.2 yards from the 2022 season. The 'Cats are surrendering just 192.1 passing yards per game, which ranks 25th in the nation. The Wildcats have also improved their scoring defense by 4.5 points per game, allowing just 23.8 points per game, up from 28.3 points in 2022.
Northwestern finished the regular season with three-straight wins and a 5-4 conference record, finishing in second place in the Big Ten West division. The Wildcats are the first Big Ten team to go from one overall win to a winning record in conference play since Iowa in 1968.
Winners of four of their last five games to close out the regular season, Northwestern will now await its bowl game destination. A formal announcement of matchup and location will come this upcoming weekend.
Braun earns the honor after leading the Wildcats to a 7-5 regular season record (5-4 in Big Ten) in his first season at the helm. His seven wins are the most by a Northwestern first-year head football coach since 1903, while his five conference wins are the most by any first-year Wildcat head coach.
"I want to congratulate Coach Braun on this well-deserved award," said Vice President for Athletics & Recreation Dr. Derrick Gragg. "What he has accomplished in such a short period of time and the impact he has had on these student-athletes -- all under very adverse circumstances -- is nothing short of phenomenal. I am extremely proud of Coach Braun, our student-athletes and staff and look forward to seeing them play in the postseason."
Northwestern's six-win improvement from 2022 to 2023 is the largest win improvement by any FBS team this season. Since 2000, the Wildcats are one of just five teams to win six or more games the year after finishing 1-11.
Braun joined Northwestern in January as the team's defensive coordinator. He was named interim head coach for the 2023 season in July. Braun's seven wins are tied with Coastal Carolina's Tim Beck for the most by a first-year head coach in the FBS this season. He is also the first Power 5 coach to take his team from one or fewer wins to bowl eligibility in the following season since 2018 (Matt Rhule, Baylor).
Braun is the fifth different Northwestern head coach to win Big Ten Coach of the Year since the award was handed out in 1972, joining Pat Fitzgerald (2018), Randy Walker (2000), Gary Barnett (1995, 1996) and Dennis Green (1982).
Northwestern has made immense year-to-year improvements under the direction of Braun as head coach and defensive coordinator. The Wildcats' defensive unit is allowing an average of 351.6 yards per game, an improvement of 23.2 yards from the 2022 season. The 'Cats are surrendering just 192.1 passing yards per game, which ranks 25th in the nation. The Wildcats have also improved their scoring defense by 4.5 points per game, allowing just 23.8 points per game, up from 28.3 points in 2022.
Northwestern finished the regular season with three-straight wins and a 5-4 conference record, finishing in second place in the Big Ten West division. The Wildcats are the first Big Ten team to go from one overall win to a winning record in conference play since Iowa in 1968.
Winners of four of their last five games to close out the regular season, Northwestern will now await its bowl game destination. A formal announcement of matchup and location will come this upcoming weekend.
The Consensus Big Ten Coach of the Year ?? pic.twitter.com/5JmiCJW6OH
— Northwestern Football (@NUFBFamily) November 28, 2023
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