Oklahoma's Todd Bates among semifinalists for Broyles Award

Todd Bates wears a lot of hats for the Oklahoma football team. And on Tuesday, he was recognized for just how good he is at it.

Bates coaches OU's defensive tackles, organizes the team's run defense and serves as co-defensive coordinator and associated head coach, was named as a semifinalist for the Broyles Award on Tuesday. The Broyles Award, given since 1996, goes the best assistant coach in college football each season.

One look at where the Sooners rank on the defensive side of the ball, and Bates' inclusion as a semifinalist makes all the sense in the world.

Oklahoma ranks 11th in FBS in total defense, sixth in scoring defense and third in run defense, Bates' specialty. The Sooners are have allowed 100-yard games from opponents just twice in Southeastern Conference play. Teams are rushing for just 2.44 yards per-carry and an average of just 81 yards per over 11 games.

Three OU coaches have previously won the Broyles Award. The first came in when offensive coordinator Mark Mangino took home the fifth ever such award. He was followed in 2008 by offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson and in 2015 by offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley. All three would later become FBS head coaches.

Fans can vote online for this year's potential winners through November 30.

This article originally appeared on Sooners Wire: Oklahoma's Todd Bates announced among Broyles Award semifinalists