Eli Drinkwitz named one of five finalists for Dodd Trophy

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Mizzou football coach Eli Drinkwitz earned a finalist nod for yet another postseason award on Monday. Drinkwitz is one of five finalists for the Dodd Trophy.

The honor is given to the coach that has a successful season on the field, but also stresses the importance of academic excellence and a desire to give back to the community. The award’s three pillars are scholarship, leadership and integrity, both on and off the field.

Alabama's Nick Saban, Florida State's Mike Norvell, Washington's Kalen DeBoer and Arizona's Jedd Fisch are all finalists, as well. It is Saban's third time being tapped as a finalist, after winning the award in 2014. Everyone else is making their first appearance on the list.

Three of the five finalists – DeBoer (Pac-12), Drinkwitz (SEC) and Norvell (ACC) – won their respective conference’s Coach of the Year awards for this season, while DeBoer, Norvell and Saban also won their conference championships earlier in December.

“This has been one of the most exhilarating years of college football in recent memory, but these five men found a way to stand out among the rest,” Chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation Jim Terry said in a press release. “Each of these coaches have left a significant mark on their respective universities and truly embody the guiding principles that this award stands for: scholarship, leadership and integrity.”

The winner of the 2023 Dodd Trophy will be announced in Atlanta during bowl week at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.