Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has been named as a finalist for the Frank Broyles Award, given annually to the top assistant coach in college football.

Knowles was on a list of 15 semifinalists last week and when that list was whittled down to five finalists, Knowles remained. In between these two announcements, he called a defense that shut out Oklahoma’s high-powered offense in the second half of a Bedlam win.

Oklahoma State currently boasts the No. 5 scoring defense in the country, is No. 3 in total defense, and the Cowboys leads the nation in third-down conversion defense and sacks.

Following OSU’s Bedlam win, it was reported that Knowles was one of two DCs in the crosshairs of incoming University of Florida head coach Bill Napier. But Mike Gundy recently told FOX Sports’ Joel Klatt that he was planning on keeping Knowles in Stillwater.

“I’m looking forward to signing [Jim Knowles] to a long-term contract after this season and keeping him with us,” Gundy told ESPN’s Joel Klatt. “He’s settled in here in Stillwater, really likes the community, and obviously the people here are really fond of him,” said Gundy. “[Jim] has been with us four years. We’ve made changes. Coach Knowles understands concepts, schemes, and he has been able to adapt. He’s changed concepts and schemes based on our personnel and the teams we play. He’s done a great job.”

No OSU assistant has ever won the Broyles Award. Last season Knowles was the first Cowboy coach to be nominated. This year’s winner will announced during a two-day event in Little Rock, Ark. Dec. 6-7.

Here’s a list of finalists.

Josh Gattis | Michigan (OC/WR)
Jeff Grimes | Baylor (OC/TE)
Jim Knowles | Oklahoma State (DC)
Dan Lanning | Georgia (DC/OLB)
Warren Ruggiero | Wake Forest (OC/QB)

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