Georgia Fain & Billy Slaughter Defensive Coordinator/outside linebackers coach Dan Lanning has been named one of five finalists for the 2019 Broyles Award, which is presented to college football’s assistant coach of the year.

Lanning is one of two coaches from the Southeastern Conference on the list, including LSU passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach Joe Brady.  The other finalists include: Baylor defensive coordinator Phil Snow, Ohio State co-defensive coordinator/secondary coach Jeff Hafley and Utah defensive coordinator/safeties coach Morgan Scalley.  Bulldog head coach Kirby Smart won the 2009 honor and was a finalist in 2015 while at Alabama.

The five finalists are invited to travel to Little Rock, Ark., on Dec. 10 where the 2019 Broyles Award winner will be announced.

In his first year as defensive coordinator and second with the Bulldogs, Lanning has helped Georgia’s defense transform into one of the nation’s best.  The Bulldogs lead the SEC in Scoring Defense at 10.4 points/game (No. 2 nationally), Rushing Defense at 71.0 yards/game (No. 2 nationally) and in Total Defense at 257.0 yards/game (No. 4 nationally).  The Bulldogs have allowed just 125 points in 2019 and only one rushing touchdown.

Georgia ranks third nationally in Red Zone Defense.  The Bulldogs are on the verge of setting several all-time UGA marks.  The school record for fewest average points allowed in a season with 12 or more games is 14.5 in 2003.  The fewest points allowed in a season with 12 or more games is 198 in 2004.  The defense has posted 31 scoreless quarters, including shutouts against Arkansas State (55-0), Kentucky (21-0) and Missouri (27-0).