[Pitt Gorilla]

Two From SEC Are Finalists For MFC Coach Of The Year

(Fire Pinkel!!1)

The Maxwell Football Club (MFC) announced today three finalists for the Club's Collegiate Coach of the Year Award. Two of the three finalists are coaches from the Southeastern Conference in Auburn's Gus Malzahn and Missouri's Gary Pinkel, with the other finalist being Duke's David Cutcliffe.

Malzahn has orchestrated the most remarkable turnaround in college football this season, leading Auburn from a 3-9 record in 2012, which included an 0-8 mark in SEC play, to an 11-1 record in 2013. In his first year as Auburn head coach, the No. 3 Tigers are 7-1 in conference play and are set to face off with Pinkel's Mizzou team this weekend in the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta.

Pinkel has also led his team an impressive turnaround in just one year's time. After finishing 5-7 a season ago, Missouri heads into its showdown with Auburn this week at 11-1 and ranked No. 5 in the BCS standings. In Mizzou's first season in the SEC last year, the Tigers managed just two conference wins. This year, they are 7-1 in conference play and champions of the Eastern Division.

Voting is now open for the finalist selection for the MFC Collegiate Coach of the Year. Eligible voters include, NCAA Bowl Subdivision Head Coaches and Football Sports Information Directors, Maxwell Football Club members and selected national media. The winner announcement will be made on December 19, 2012 and the award will be formally presented at the 77th Maxwell Awards Gala which will be held in March 2014 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.