The National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics announced Thursday that Auburn AD Jay Jacobs will receive its Under Armour AD of the Year Award.

Jacobs is one of four FBS athletic directors to receive the honor this year.

“Once again, we are proud to honor the 28 directors of athletics, from all levels of NACDA’s membership, as the Under Armour Athletics Director of the Year Class of 2016-17,” NACDA Executive Director Bob Vecchione said in a statement. “This award was created by the leadership of NACDA in 1998 to honor those athletics directors who have done an outstanding job in the eyes of their peers. In the 19-year history of the program, we have honored in excess of 425 of the top athletics directors in the industry.”

Auburn president Jay Gogue nominated Jacobs.

“Under Jay’s leadership, our student-athletes are excelling in the classroom and in competition,” Gogue said in a school release. “Auburn athletics is in a strong position financially. Our game day experience was voted best in the SEC and Auburn has not had a major NCAA violation during Jay’s tenure. I’ve always said a great athletics department excels in each of these areas, and we are doing that thanks to Jay and his staff.”

Tigers coach Gus Malzahn congratulated Jacobs, who has been AU’s athletic director since 2005, on the honor.

“I want to congratulate Jay on being named the NACDA Under Armour Athletics Director of the Year,” Malzahn said in the release. “I’ve worked with Jay for seven years and what stands out to me is his love and passion for Auburn and his care and interest in our student-athletes. Jay takes the time to get to know each of them on a personal basis and really values their well-being on and off the playing field.”