FARGO, N.D. - North Dakota State defensive coordinator and safeties coach David Braun was named FootballScoop's Coordinator of the Year in the NCAA's Football Championship Subdivision on Friday, Jan. 7. He is the third winner from NDSU, joining former defensive coordinators Chris Klieman (2012) and Matt Entz (2018).

Braun, in his third season at NDSU, has guided the Bison defense to a No. 1 national ranking in scoring defense (11.2 ppg) as well as ranking third in rushing defense (82.7 ypg), third in total defense (259.7 ypg), fourth in sacks (3.50/game), second in third-down conversion defense (.263) and fifth in red-zone defense (.667). The Bison are on pace to beat the NDSU and Missouri Valley Football Conference scoring defense record of 11.3 points per game set in 2013.

North Dakota State's defense has allowed just six rushing touchdowns and 2.72 yards per carry on 425 attempts. Bison opponents have made 24 trips into the red zone - third fewest in the FCS this year - and converted only 11 touchdowns with one fumble, two interceptions and four turnovers on downs. NDSU (13-1) has a school-record with 49 sacks entering the FCS championship game against Montana State (12-2) on Saturday, Jan. 8.

The FCS Coordinator of the Year Award is selected by previous winners of the award: 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), Sterlin Gilbert (Eastern Illinois, 2013), Don Bailey (Idaho State, 2014), Lyle Hemphill (Stony Brook, 2015), Phil Longo (Sam Houston State, 2016), Bob Trott (James Madison, 2017), Matt Entz (North Dakota State, 2018), Shane Montgomery (James Madison, 2019), and Ryan Carty (Sam Houston, 2020).