DALLAS (AP) -Missouri’s Gary Pinkel and Kansas’ Mark Mangino were among the eight finalists for the Eddie Robinson coach of the year award.
The other finalists picked were Virginia Tech’s Frank Beamer, Air Force’s Troy Calhoun, Arizona State’s Dennis Erickson, Hawaii’s June Jones, Ohio State’s Jim Tressel and Illinois’ Ron Zook.
Pinkel and Mangino led two of the season’s most surprising teams.
In Pinkel’s seventh season, Missouri (11-2) won the Big 12 North and was a victory away from playing in the national title game when the Tigers lost to Oklahoma in the conference championship.
The Jayhawks (11-1) set a school record for victories in Mangino’s sixth season as coach and received their first Bowl Championship Series bid. They’ll play Beamer’s Virginia Tech team in the Orange Bowl.
The Eddie Robinson Award, named after the longtime Grambling State coach, is voted on by the Football Writers Association of America and will be presented Jan. 4.
Pinkel, Mangino among 8 finalists for Eddie Robinson coach of the year award
By Admin