Joe Brady has been praised for the work he has done with LSU’s offense in his first season as the team’s passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach. The former New Orleans Saints assistant coach is playing a big role in the Tigers’ dominant start and their exceptional offensive play.

That’s why Brady was one of seven SEC assistant coaches, and 41 assistants overall, to be named a nominee for the Frank Broyles Award on Wednesday. The award, which has been given out every season since 1996, honors a top college football assistant coach.

With the list of nominees set, a selection committee composed of 20 former head coaches, broadcasters and a committee representing the Football Writers’ Association of America will trim it to 15 semifinalists, then five finalists and then an overall winner. The winner will be announced on Dec. 10.

Winners of the award from the past five seasons aren’t eligible to be nominated for this year’s award. Last season, Alabama offensive coordinator Mike Locksley won the honor.

Here are the seven SEC coaches who have been nominated for this year’s award:

Alabama offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Steve Sarkisian
Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele
Florida wide receivers coach Billy Gonzalez
Georgia defensive coordinator/outside linebackers coach Dan Lanning
LSU passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach Joe Brady
Missouri defensive coordinator/safeties coach Ryan Walters
Ole Miss defensive coordinator/safeties coach Mike MacIntyre