University of Florida head coach Urban Meyer was named to the Bryant Watch List for the 2009 College Football Coach of the Year as announced by the Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards committee of the American Heart Association on Monday. The selection committee consists of current and past event chairmen, Bryant family representatives, National Sportscasters & Sportswriters Association representatives, college football sports analysts and former collegiate players and coaches.

Bryant College Football Coach of the Year finalists will be announced later in December and attend an awards dinner in Houston on Jan. 14, 2010. The winner will be announced live that evening. The winner of the Bryant College Football Coach of the Year is voted on by members of the National Sportscasters & Sportswriters Association and is the only college coaching award voted on after all bowl games are played.

January’s event will also recognize The University of Georgia’s legendary coach and athletic director, Vince Dooley, as the Bryant Lifetime Achievement Recipient. This award recognizes excellence in coaching on and off the field during a career, allowing recipients to take their place in history alongside legends such as Bryant.

Bryant College Coach of the Year Watch List

Robb Akey – University of Idaho

Mack Brown – University of Texas

Pete Carroll – University of Southern California

Kirk Ferentz – University of Iowa

Al Golden – Temple University

Mike Gundy – Oklahoma State University

Paul Johnson – Georgia Institute of Technology

Brian Kelly – University of Cincinnati

Chip Kelly – University of Oregon

Bronco Mendenhall – Brigham Young University

Urban Meyer – University of Florida

Les Miles – Louisiana State University

Joe Paterno – Penn State University

Gary Patterson – Texas Christian University

Chris Petersen – Boise State University

Nick Saban – University of Alabama

Randy Shannon – University of Miami

Bill Stewart – West Virginia University

Kevin Sumlin – University of Houston

Dave Wannstedt – University of Pittsburgh

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