Complete Release
 
BROOKVILLE, N.Y. – LIU head football coach Bryan Collins has been named one of 16 finalists nationally for one of the most prestigious coaching awards in Division I football, the Eddie Robinson Award.
 
Sixteen finalists were announced on Monday for the Stats Perform FCS Eddie Robinson Award, which is presented to the national coach of the year in college football's Division I subdivision.
 
Named for the legendary coach of Grambling State and first presented in 1987, the Robinson Award's esteemed list of winners include Mark Duffner, Erk Russell, Chris Ault, Jim Tressel, Houston Nutt, Andy Talley, Paul Johnson, Joe Glenn, Mike Ayers, Jerry Kill, Jerry Moore, K.C. Keeler and two-time recipients Mickey Matthews, Sean McDonnell and Craig Bohl.
 
A 40-member national media panel will select the winner from the unprecedented 2020-21 season, which has spanned the fall and spring semesters. The recipient will be announced on May 4.
 
Collins was named one of 16 finalists nationally for coaching the Sharks to their first two wins as an FCS program, after a winless debut in 2019.
 
Also in the next month, Stats Perform will present the Walter Payton Award (FCS offensive player of the year), Buck Buchanan Award (FCS defensive player of the year), Jerry Rice Award (FCS freshman player of the year) and Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete of the Year.