Georgia’s Dan Lanning named Broyles Award semifinalist

ATHENS, Ga. – Georgia Fain & Billy Slaughter Defensive Coordinator/outside linebackers coach Dan Lanning has been named one of 15 semifinalists for the 2019 Broyles Award, which is presented to college football’s assistant coach of the year.

Lanning is one of three coaches from the Southeastern Conference on the list. Bulldog associate head coach/offensive line coach Sam Pittman was a 2018 Broyles semifinalist. Head coach Kirby Smart won the 2009 honor and was a finalist in 2015 while at Alabama.

From the list of 15, five finalists will be selected and invited to travel to Little Rock, Ark., where the 2019 Broyles Award winner will be announced on Dec. 10th.

In his first year as defensive coordinator and second with the Bulldogs, Lanning has helped Georgia’s defense transform into one of the nation’s best. The Bulldogs lead the SEC in Scoring Defense at 10.7 points/game (No. 2 nationally), Rushing Defense at 68.5 yards/game (No. 2 nationally) and in Total Defense at 267.8 yards/game (No. 5 nationally). The Bulldogs have allowed just 118 points in 2019 and only one rushing touchdown.

Georgia ranks fourth nationally in Red Zone Defense. The school record for fewest average points allowed in a season with 12 or more games is 14.5 in 2003. This year, Georgia is allowing just 10.7. The fewest points allowed in a season with 12 or more games is 198 in 2004. This year the Bulldogs have given up just 118. The defense has posted 28 scoreless quarters, including shutouts against Arkansas State (55-0), Kentucky (21-0) and Missouri (27-0). The school record for shutouts in a season with 12 or more games is four.

The No. 4 Bulldogs (10-1, 7-1 SEC) travel to Atlanta to face Georgia Tech (3-8, 2-6 ACC) on Saturday. ABC will televise the matchup at 12 p.m.