Washington State’s Mike Leach added to watch list for Coach of the Year award

PULLMAN – Washington State coach Mike Leach has been added to the watch list for the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award, given annually to the top coach in college football.

Leach’s Cougars (6-1, 3-1 Pac-12) have been ranked as high as No. 8 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll this season and became bowl-eligible before losing their first game last Friday at Cal.

WSU is currently ranked No. 10 national in total defense and No. 35 in total offense.

Joining Leach on the watch list Wednesday were: Wisconsin’s Paul Chryst, Michigan State’s Mark Dantonio, North Carolina State’s Dave Doeren, Penn State’s James Franklin, UCF’s Scott Frost, Oklahoma State’s Mike Gundy, USC’s Clay Helton, Notre Dame’s Brian Kelly, San Diego State’s Rocky Long, Ohio State’s Urban Meyer, Memphis’ Mike Norvell, TCU’s Gary Patterson, Washington’s Chris Petersen, Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley, Alabama’s Nick Saban, Georgia’s Kirby Smart, USF’s Charlie Strong and Clemson’s Dabo Swinney.

Swinney won the award in 2015 and repeated in 2016.