By Alex Boggis, UT Martin Assistant Sports Information Director
CHICAGO, Ill. – University of Tennessee at Martin head football coach Jason Simpson has been named one of 17 finalists for the 2021 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 is celebrating its 35th anniversary season. A 50-member, national media panel will select the winner, who will be announced on Dec. 14.
Simpson joins fellow finalists Brian Bohannon (Kennesaw State), Colby Carthel (Stephen F. Austin), Glenn Caruso (St. Thomas), Bob Chesney (Holy Cross), Matt Entz (North Dakota State), Mark Ferrante (Villanova), K.C. Keller (Sam Houston), Chris Merritt (Bryant), Eric Morris (UIW), Bobby Petrino (Missouri State), Oliver “Buddy” Pough (South Carolina State), Deion Sanders (Jackson State), Randy Sanders (ETSU), Troy Taylor (Sacramento State), Buddy Teevens (Dartmouth) and Brent Vigen (Montana State).
In his 16th season at the helm of UT Martin, Simpson has led the program to both their second Ohio Valley Conference title and FCS playoff berth after posting a 9-2 overall mark while going 5-1 in league play. Along the way the Skyhawks rattled off a program record nine-game winning streak while winning the coveted Sgt. York Trophy, going undefeated at home and picking up four non-conference victories. Holding a career record of 99-79, Simpson is one win away from career victory 100 which would move him into sole possession of fourth place in OVC history.
Past winners of the Robinson Award include Mark Duffner, Erk Russell, Chris Ault, Jim Tressel, Houston Nutt, Andy Talley, Paul Johnson, Joe Glenn, Mike Ayers, Jerry Kill, Jerry Moore and two-time recipients Mickey Matthews, Sean McDonnell and Craig Bohl.
Simpson and the Skyhawks will return to action this weekend when squaring off against Missouri State in the first round of the NCAA Division I Championship on Saturday, Nov. 27. Kickoff from Springfield, Mo. is scheduled for 3 p.m.
Graphic Courtesy of UT Martin Sports Informtaion