HELENA — Two Montana college football coaches have received post-season honors.
Montana football coach Mick Delaney is one of five finalists for the Liberty Mutual coach of the year award in the Football Championship Subdivision, while Carroll coach Mike Van Diest has been named one of five NAIA regional coaches of the year by the American Football Coaches Association.
The Liberty Mutual award honors coaches who exemplify responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship and excellence both on and off the field. The winner will receive $50,000 to donate to charity and a $20,000 contribution to his school’s scholarship program. MSU’s Rob Ash won the award for the 2011 season.
This is the fifth time Van Diest has been named the regional coach of the year since 2007. He was named the NAIA national coach of the year by the AFCA in 2003, 2007 and 2009.