COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State football’s co-defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley is among the five finalists for the 2019 Broyles Award.

The honor is given annually to the nation’s top assistant coach. The last Buckeye assistant coach to win the award is current Texas head coach Tom Herman who took home the honor in 2014.

Hafley has quickly made his mark on Ohio State’s secondary in his first year in Columbus. The Buckeyes’ defense is second to Clemson in passing yards allowed per game at 141. Their 15 interceptions this season is tied for sixth in the country and first in the Big Ten. Michigan is the only team this season to pass for more than 300 yards on Ohio State this season.

On the recruiting circuit, he’s had his hand in eight commitments in Ohio State’s 2020 class. He is rated as the No. 4 assistant coach in the country according to 247Sports.

The five-man group features only one person who is not a defensive coordinator. The winner will be announced in a ceremony in Little Rock, Ark. on Dec. 10. Here is are the full list of this season’s finalist:

Coach Position School Record Phil Snow Defensive Coordinator Baylor 11-1 Dan Lanning Defensive Coordinator Georgia 11-1 Joe Brady Passing Game Coordinator/Wide Receivers LSU 12-0 Jeff Hafley Co-Defensive Coordinator/Secondary Coach Ohio State 12-0 Morgan Scalley Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Utah 11-1

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