2013-2014 BCI Awards: Coach of the Year - Steve Addazio, Football

When Steve Addazio was introduced as the head coach of Boston College football following Frank Spaziani's dismissal in 2012, the responses generally split between those who were infuriated and those who were skeptical but held out some cautious optimism. While there are no doubt still skeptics - and we'll almost certainly hear from them in the comments of this post - it would be hard to argue with the choice of Steve Addazio as Boston College's "coach of the year" for 2013-2014.

Addazio was a near-unanimous choice by the panel. While nobody knows what the medium-term future will hold for BC football under Addazio's leadership, we do know that year one brought about a complete culture change at BC, one that allowed the football team to regain some relevance locally and nationally, generated enthusiasm in the fan base, and got the players believing in themselves and their abilities again. The energy and passion displayed on the football field, where BC won 7 games and appeared in a bowl for the first time in 3 years, also seemed to translate to the recruiting world, where the Eagles hauled in their best class since Jeff Jagodzinski was escorted out of the Yawkey Center.

While many are prepared for a potential step back in year two following the graduation of many key players, I certainly go into the season knowing that the Eagles will put in the maximum effort, which is always appreciated. And I have confidence that the program is heading in the right direction.

The Final Vote

Steve Addazio (football) - 7 
Acacia Walker (women's lacrosse) - 1

Comments from the Panel

Anonymous Panelist - "Steve...Donahue? JK. Addazio. Led one of the biggest turnarounds in the country this year. Revitalized a program that had so much negativity swirling around it in year one. Made being a BC football fan fun this year, which hasn't happened in a while."

Grant Salzano - "Coach of the year - it's the Dazzler. Let's be real here. Come on."

Next Up:

Team of the Year (3 PM)

Schedule and Awardees:

Monday, July 21

-Best Female Athlete - McKenzie Meehan, Women's Soccer

Tuesday, July 22

-Best Male Athlete - Andre Williams, Football
-Best Individual Performance in a Game - Andre Williams vs. NC State

Wednesday, July 23

-Coach of the Year - Steve Addazio, Football
-Team of the Year

Thursday, July 24

-Best Moment of the Year
-Worst Moment of the Year

Friday, July 25

-Play of the Year
-BCI Post of the Year

Monday, July 28

-Biggest Story of the Year
-Most Disliked Opponent of the Year

Tuesday, July 29

-Game of the Year (football)
-Game of the Year (men's hockey)

Wednesday, July 30

-Game of the Year (men's basketball)
-Game of the Year (all other sports)