After a string of his players earned spots on award watch lists, Pitt football head coach Pat Narduzzi received some recognition of his own Wednesday morning.

The National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association named Narduzzi one of 22 candidates for the Paul “Bear” Bryant Award, which they present annually to the nation’s top coach. The award is named after legendary Alabama head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, who presided over seven national championship teams in his career.

Narduzzi has led his Panthers to a 5-1 record, their best opening mark since 2009 and the program’s first Associated Press top 25 ranking since the 2010 preseason. Pitt is currently in first place in the ACC Coastal division.

In his previous position as Michigan State’s defensive coordinator, Narduzzi won the 2013 Broyles Award, which recognizes the nation’s top assistant coach in the country.

The NSSA will present the award Jan. 13, at the 30th Annual American Heart Association Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards in Houston, Texas.

It is the only college coaching honor presented following bowl games, as the voters do not determine the winner until the postseason concludes.

Narduzzi and the Panthers will seek their sixth win on Saturday, as they travel to New York to take on the Syracuse Orange at the Carrier Dome. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.