LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Coastal Carolina football defensive coordinator Craig Naivar is a nominee for the 2023 Broyles Award, as announced by the Frank & Barbara Broyles Foundation today. The Broyles Award honors college football's top assistant coaches.
 
Under Naivar, CCU's defense has allowed just 21.2 points per game and has helped lead the Chanticleers to a 7-3 record. Coastal ranks ninth nationally in defensive touchdowns with three and 10th in the nation with 12 interceptions. The Chants have forced 18 turnovers through 10 games to rank 18th in FBS in that category. 

Coastal Carolina has forced a turnover in eight of its 10 games this season, including a season-high five turnovers against Marshall. The Chanticleers have held their last three opponents to under 350 total yards and limited Texas State, the conference leader in total offense, to just 81 yards through the air. Four different opponents have failed to throw for 200 yards against the Chants this season.
 
The 57 nominees in this year's class were selected from approximately 1,500 assistant coaches representing 131 FBS programs across the country. The Broyles Award selection process includes the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), broadcasters, a college football hall-of-fame selection committee, and current college head coaches. A selection committee of distinguished former head coaches, broadcasters and a committee representing the FWAA will select 15 semi-finalists, five finalists from the list of nominees, and an overall winner.
 
The Broyles Award is presented by Oaklawn, Hot Springs, Arkansas. Proceeds from the 2023 Broyles Award support the Broyles Foundation's mission to provide a game plan for Alzheimer's caregivers through education, support, and resources. The Broyles Foundation can be followed on Facebook, X and Instagram.