NHL Lockout Update: Federal Mediator to Help Two Sides Come to Terms

NHL Lockout Update: Federal Mediator to Help Two Sides Come to Terms by Eric He

September 15, 2012; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal head coach David Shaw instructs during the fourth quarter against the Southern California Trojans at Stanford Stadium. The Cardinal defeated the Trojans 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

Stanford Cardinal head coach David Shaw has been named the Pac-12 Coach of the Year after leading his team to a 10-2 record and a No. 8-ranking the BCS.

Shaw is just the fourth coach in conference history to win the award back-to-back times, joining Don James, Larry Smith, Pete Carroll, and Chip Kelly.

The former Stanford wide receiver and assistant coach has done a superb job filling the shoes of Jim Harbaugh, who is now the coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

Shaw coped with the departure of Andrew Luck by using a combination of Josh Nunes and Kevin Hogan, with Hogan taking over the starting quarterback job in the latter stages of the season.

The Cardinal are ranked No. 1 in the nation in rushing defense (71.3 yards per game), sacks (53) and tackles for loss (110).

“How he has handled himself during the course of the year, through thick and thin and the grind of the year, has been impressive,” Stanford athletic director Bernard Muir said Sunday.

The highlight of the year was upsetting the No.2-ranked Oregon Ducks on the road in overtime, handing the Ducks their first loss of the season. Stanford also beat UCLA 35-17 in the final game of the season.

Shaw will have little time to celebrate, however, as Stanford will face off against the Bruins again on Friday, this time for the Pac-12 title and a chance to play in the prestigious Rose Bowl on New Years’ Day.