The Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc. today released the midseason watch list for the 2024 Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank.
This year’s list includes 20 of the nation’s top college football coaches representing all Power Four conferences, as well as the AAC and an independent.
Managed by Peach Bowl, Inc. and Presented by PNC Bank, The Dodd Trophy, college football’s most coveted national coaching award, celebrates the head coach of a team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity – the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd’s coaching philosophy.
The watch list was created through a selection process by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc., taking into consideration each program’s graduation rate, Graduation Success Rate (GSR), commitment to service and charity in the community, on-field success thus far for the 2024 season and Academic Progress Rate (APR).
Coaches in the first year with their current teams were not included as they are ineligible to receive The Dodd Trophy until their second year with their programs.
“The 2024 season has already been filled with historic upsets, thrilling comebacks and outstanding performances from coaches and players alike,” said Jim Terry, chairman of the Boddy Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation. “The coaches named to our list have begun to set themselves apart, but their successes go beyond results on the field and extend to the communities they serve and through their commitment to academic excellence.”
The 2024 Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank Midseason Watch List:
| Coach | School | Conference | AP Ranking | Record | APR |
| Bret Bielema | Illinois | Big Ten | 22 | 5-1 | 965 |
| Matt Campbell | Iowa State | Big 12 | 9 | 6-0 | 981 |
| Mario Cristobal | Miami [FL] | ACC | 6 | 6-0 | 1000 |
| Ryan Day | Ohio State | Big Ten | 4 | 5-1 | 1000 |
| Eliah Drinkwitz | Mizzou | SEC | 19 | 5-1 | 997 |
| James Franklin | Penn State | Big Ten | 3 | 6-0 | 959 |
| Marcus Freeman | Notre Dame | Independent | 12 | 5-1 | 1000 |
| Josh Heupel | Tennessee | SEC | 11 | 5-1 | 965 |
| Brian Kelly | LSU | SEC | 8 | 5-1 | 977 |
| Lane Kiffin | Ole Miss | SEC | 18 | 5-2 | 993 |
| Chris Klieman | Kansas State | Big 12 | 17 | 5-1 | 1000 |
| Dan Lanning | Oregon | Big Ten | 2 | 6-0 | 927 |
| Rhett Lashlee | SMU | ACC | 21 | 5-1 | 962 |
| Jeff Monken | Army | AAC | 23 | 6-0 | 993 |
| Pat Narduzzi | Pitt | ACC | 20 | 6-0 | 990 |
| Brian Newberry | Navy | AAC | 25 | 5-0 | 963 |
| Steve Sarkisian | Texas | SEC | 1 | 6-0 | 997 |
| Kalani Sitake | BYU | Big 12 | 13 | 6-0 | 946 |
| Kirby Smart | Georgia | SEC | 5 | 5-1 | 972 |
| Dabo Swinney | Clemson | ACC | 10 | 5-1 | 997 |
This year’s midseason watch list features a collective group of coaches with 1,723 career wins and four national championships. It also includes two previous Dodd Trophy winners with Dabo Swinney (2011) and Brian Kelly (2018).
The SEC leads all conferences with six coaches named to the midseason watch list, followed by the Big Ten and ACC who each have four representatives. The Big 12 also had three coaches included on the list, while the AAC had two honorees and Notre Dame represented the sole independent institution.
“This esteemed group of coaches knows what it takes to win both in football and in life,” said Peach Bowl, Inc. CEO and President Gary Stokan. “Each coach has exhibited success on the gridiron, but it’s their leadership over their young student athletes in the classroom and the community that truly sets them apart.”
A panel consisting of previous winners, national media, a member of the Dodd family and a College Football Hall of Fame member will identify the final list of potential recipients at the conclusion of the 2023 season. The winner of the 2024 Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank will be announced in Atlanta during the week of the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.