FootballScoop.com has named Florida Gators assistant DJ Durkin as a finalist for Special Teams Coordinator of the Year.
Other finalist are Sean Snyder of Kansas State and Jeff Ulbrich of UCLA. The winner of this award will be announced in January at the American Football Coaches Association’s annual convention.
Under Durkin, who also coaches linebackers, Florida is third in net punting with a 41.6 yards per punt average. The Gators have blocked an SEC-leading four kicks this season, including a punt block by Loucheiz Purifoy against Louisiana-Lafayette that led to a game-winning touchdown.
Durkin also coaches finalists for both the Ray Guy Award (Kyle Christy) and the Lou Groza Award (Caleb Sturgis), which are given out to the top punter and kicker, respectively.
On the season, the Gators have missed just one PAT and five field goals. Sturgis’ longest field goal was from 51-yards out.