FootballScoop is proud to announce that Don Bailey (Idaho State) is the 2014 FCS Coordinator of the Year presented by ProGrass.
Idaho State underwent a complete offensive transformation in 2014, and completely turned the Bengals' fortunes in the process.
A year ago, Idaho State ranked 54th in total offense, 82nd in scoring, 84th in passing efficiency and 112th in rushing as the club stumbled to a 3-9 record, scoring 13 points or fewer five times in their 12 games.
Fast forward 12 months, and Bailey's unit is one to be feared. Idaho State ranked second in FCS in total offense, averaging an even 562 yards per game, sixth in scoring (40.3 points per game), first in passing (348.1 yards per game), 18th in passing efficiency and 23rd in rushing at nearly 214 yards per game. After starting the season scoring 14 and 20 points in losses to Utah and Utah State, Idaho State scored at least 30 points in its next 10 games, and averaged 45 points a game in the process. Even in their losses against FCS competition Idaho State put up points, falling in a 56-53 shootout to Eastern Washington on Oct. 4 and 44-39 to Montana State on Nov. 15.
Idaho State also ranked among the top 25 nationally in third downs, red zone offense and first downs.
Most importantly, Idaho State recorded an 8-4 record, nearly tripling their 2013 output and almost matching their total of nine victories from 2008-13.
Quarterback Justin Arias led FCS in passing yards per game at 339.7. In all, the senior completed 318-of-522 passes for 4,076 yards with 38 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. Arias, running back Xavier Finney and wide receiver Madison Mangum earned First Team All-Big Sky honors, and tackle Jim Bagley and center Christian Diehm garnered second team nods.
A Portland State graduate, Bailey broke into coaching at his alma mater, and then helped Boise State win a Division I-AA national championship in 1994. Before arriving at Idaho State, Bailey coached at Shepherd College, Cheyney, Cal Poly, Montana State and South Dakota State.
The FootballScoop Coaches of the Year awards presented by ProGrass are the only set of awards that recognize the most outstanding position coaches in college football. The finalists (Matt Entz [North Dakota State], Aaron Best and Zak Hill [Eastern Washington], Joe Conlin [Yale], Mark DeBastiani [Norfolk State], Lyle Hemphill [Stony Brook] and Bailey) were selected based off of nominations by coaches, athletic directors, and athletic department personnel. The prior winners selected this year's winner.
Bailey will receive his award and be recognized at an event at the AFCA Convention in January.
Previous winners of the FCS Coordinator of the Year award are Heishman Northern (Prairie View A&M, 2008), Bob Shoop (William & Mary, 2009), Nick Rapone (Delaware, 2010), Scott Stoker (Sam Houston State, 2011), Chris Klieman (North Dakota State, 2012) and Sterlin Gilbert (Eastern Illinois, 2013).
