University of Albany's Bob Ford Finalist for Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany head football coach Bob Ford has been named a finalist for The Sport Network’s Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award.

Ford, who is in his 40th season as a college head coach, led the Great Danes to its second consecutive Northeast Conference championship this season. UAlbany (8-3, NEC 7-0) became just the second team in conference history to go undefeated against league opponents in back-to-back seasons. The Great Danes have won 13 straight against NEC teams, the longest active Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) conference streak. UAlbany has tied its FCS single-season record with eight victories, including seven in a row.

Ford, who leads all active Division I FCS coaches with 233 career victories, has guided the UAlbany program from the club level in 1970, to Division III, to Division II, and its present Division I FCS status. At the FCS level, the Great Danes have won or shared four NEC championships (2002, ’03, ’07, ’08) and posted a combined 66-43 record.

UAlbany, the NEC champion, will battle Jacksonville, the Pioneer Football League champion, in the third annual Gridiron Classic on Saturday, Dec. 6 at University Field. Kickoff is 1:30 p.m. Eastern. YES Network will televise the exempted postseason game to a national and regional audience. Pack Network will stream video and audio of the Gridiron Classic nationwide.