Steve Sarkisian, G.J. Kinne represent state of Texas on Bear Bryant Watchlist

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and Texas State head coach G.J. Kinne are among 26 men on the Paul 'Bear' Bryant Award watchlist, given annually to the coach of the year.

Sarkisian has guided the Longhorns to a top-ten ranking in six of the last AP Polls, the longest stretch since Texas played for a national championship in 2009. Sarkisian's offense, piloted by quarterback Quinn Ewers, is putting up 486.5 yards and 35 points per game. But his defense has made the starkest improvement in year three behind senior linebacker Jaylan Ford. The Longhorns lead the Big 12 with 101 first downs surrendered in six games.