Jeff McInerney Named a Sports Network Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Finalist

Fourth-year head coach Jeff McInerney was named a Sports Network Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year finalist on Monday. McInerney is one of 20 coaches in the nation on the FCS level to be named to the list. Voting for the winner will be conducted this week and the winner will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 17 during the 23rd Annual Sports Network Awards Dinner at the Marriott Hotel in Chattanooga, TN.

McInerney (30-14 in four years) pushed Central to another level during the 2009 season, leading the Blue Devils to a 9-2 mark, their first Northeast Conference title since 2005 and their first berth in the Gridiron Classic. He is the fastest coach in Central history to record his 30th victory. Included in that mark is a 17-2 mark at home in four years, including three perfect home seasons (2006, 2008, 2009).

The nine wins in 2009 match a school-record for the Blue Devils and the 20 wins in a four-year span are the most-ever for the Blue Devils over four seasons. The senior class graduates as the winningest class in school history for Central.

McInerney directed his club to four wins this season by a total five points, including the 14-13 victory in the regular season finale that clinched the Gridiron Classic bid for CCSU. The Blue Devils also had a victory over Lehigh, which tied for second in the Patriot League this year and received the 29th most votes in The Sports Network poll.

McInerney's team was ninth nationally in rushing and 25th in total offense and 22nd in total defense. This is McInerney's first appearance on the Robinson Award ballot.