CHARLOTTE, N.C. (theACC.com) – Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson and SMU defensive coordinator Scott Symons have been named as semifinalists for the 2024 Broyles Award, which honors college football’s top assistant coaches. Dawson and Symons are two of the 15 semifinalists throughout the country.
 
Serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Dawson has led Miami to the nation’s top offense this season. The Hurricanes lead the country in scoring offense (44.2), total offense (538.3), yards per play (7.60), first downs (327) and third-down conversion percentage (56.5).
 
Under Dawson’s mentorship, senior Cam Ward has cemented himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the FBS. Ward paces all signal callers in passing touchdowns (36) and total QBR (88.0). The Heisman Trophy hopeful also set new single-season Miami records in passing yards (4,123) and passing touchdowns.
 
In his third year as SMU’s defensive coordinator, Symons has turned the Mustangs into one of the best defenses in the country. In their first season in the ACC, the Mustangs will play in the ACC Championship Game and have allowed just 19.8 points per game this season. SMU boasts the fourth-best rushing defense while also averaging 3.08 sacks per game, which ranks 11th nationally. SMU has recorded 21 takeaways this season, including 15 interceptions, which has led to four defensive touchdowns.
 
A selection committee of distinguished former head coaches, broadcasters, and a committee representing the Football Writers Association of America narrowed the list of 65 nominees to 15 semifinalists. Five finalists will be selected from this list. Then an overall winner will be named.
 
The Broyles Award will be presented in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on February 13th, 2025. Proceeds from the 2024 Broyles Award support the mission of the Broyles Foundation: to provide a game plan through education, support, and resources to Alzheimer’s caregivers.