• Complete Eddie Robinson Award Release
UT Martin head coach
Jason Simpson has been named one of 17 finalists for the Eddie Robinson Award, presented by Stats Perform to the FCS National Coach of the Year.
Simpson guided the Skyhawks to a 9-2 overall and 5-1 OVC record and the program's second-ever OVC Championship and first since 2006 (in what was his first season as UTM's head coach). Along the way the Skyhawks were ranked as high as No. 8 in the FCS Coaches Poll (matching the highest ranking in program history) and won a school record nine-straight games.
Entering the playoffs, where UTM will face Missouri State in the first round, UT Martin ranks sixth nationally in sacks allowed (0.91/game), eight in rushing offense (231.3 yard/game) and 11th in passes intercepted (14).
The marks the fourth time Simpson has been a finalist for the award (2006, 2012, 2016 and 2021). He finished fourth in the voting in 2006.
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.
Three former OVC coaches have won the Eddie Robinson Awards including Murray State's Houston Nutt (1995), Southeast Missouri's Tony Samuel (2010) and Austin Peay's Will Healy (2017).
Also this season, Stats Perform will present the Walter Payton Award (FCS offensive player of the year), Buck Buchanan Award (FCS defensive player of the year), Jerry Rice Award (FCS freshman player of the year) and Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
2021 EDDIE ROBINSON AWARD FINALISTS
Brian Bohannon, Kennesaw State (Big South)
Colby Carthel, Stephen F. Austin (AQ7)
Glenn Caruso, St. Thomas (Pioneer)
Bob Chesney, Holy Cross (Patriot)
Matt Entz, North Dakota State (MVFC)
Mark Ferrante, Villanova (CAA)
K.C. Keeler, Sam Houston (AQ7)
Chris Merritt, Bryant (Northeast)
Eric Morris, UIW (Southland)
Bobby Petrino, Missouri State (MVFC)
Oliver “Buddy” Pough, South Carolina State (MEAC)
Deion Sanders, Jackson State (SWAC)
Randy Sanders, ETSU (Southern)
Jason Simpson, UT Martin (OVC)
Troy Taylor, Sacramento State (Big Sky)
Buddy Teevens, Dartmouth (Ivy)
Brent Vigen, Montana State (Big Sky)