Penn State defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Manny Diaz has had quite the inaugural season in Happy Valley.

Earlier today, Diaz, along with 50 other coaches, was nominated for the 2022 Broyles Award. Named after former University of Arkansas Athletic Director Frank Broyles, the award is annually given to the country’s best assistant coach.

After being fired by Miami this past offseason, Diaz has put together one of the strongest defenses in the country, coaching the team toward impressive rankings in opponent points per game (No. 16) and opponent red zone scoring (No. 8).

Diaz is one of seven Big Ten coaches nominated for the award. If he were to win, he’d become the first Penn State assistant to take home the honor.

Last year’s winner was then-Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis, who is now the offensive coordinator and receivers coach at Miami.

The award will be handed out after the regular season on December 6.