Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen was named a finalist for one of the top coaching honors in college football on Tuesday. The Maxwell Football Club national selection committee announced Mullen as one of three finalists for its Coach of the Year award.

Joining Mullen as finalists are Oregon’s Mark Helfrich and Ohio State’s Urban Meyer, both of whom have led their teams to the College Football Playoff. The three coaches were chosen from a field of 20 semifinalists. The Maxwell Club will announce the winner on Dec. 22.

Mullen has led State to its best season in decades. The Bulldogs won 10 regular season games for the first time, reached No. 1 in the country for the the first time and finished with their highest regular season ranking since 1941. Mississippi State will play Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 31, their first appearance in the game since 1941.

Related: Mullen, Mississisippi State taking time on extension

On Monday, Mullen was named the AP’s SEC Coach of the Year. Mullen and Mississippi State are currently in talks on a contract extension.