Neal Neathery
Eastern Michigan Univesity
Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
Conference: MAC
Coach Stats
Why should this nominee be considered for the Broyles Award?
Eastern Michigan is bowl eligible for the fourth time in the previous five (full) seasons, and just the sixth time in program history. EMU has now claimed bowl eligibility in three consecutive seasons for the first time in program history (excluding COVID-shortened 2020 season). EMU has forced 13 turnovers in 2021, and has scored points off of 12 (9 touchdowns, 3 field goals). EMU has scored 72 points off those turnovers, twice as a direct result of the play, and 11 times in its subsequent offensive possession.
Coach's Past Performance
Neathery’s arrival in 2016 coincided with a significant defensive improvement for EMU. Since his hiring, he helped shave 20.0 points, 113.0 rushing yards allowed and 165.4 total yards per game off the team’s averages. A coaching veteran of more than two decades, Neathery reunited in 2016 with Creighton after working together for 13 seasons compiling six conference championships and a 109-21 (.838) record between stops at Drake University, Wabash (Ind.) College and Ottawa (Kan.) University.
Team Record and Standings
6-4 , 3-3 MAC (tied for 3rd in the MAC West)
Team/Unit Stats
Scoring Defense – 79th in FBS / 4th in MAC at 28.2 ppg
Defensive TDs – 37th in FBS / 2nd in MAC with 1
Team Passing Efficiency Defense – 62nd in FBS / 2nd in MAC at 130.50
Turnover Margin – 57th in FBS and 5th in MAC at + 0.20
Individual Player Stats
Sacks – Jose Ramirez – 91st in FBS and 7th in MAC at 0.50
Forced Fumbles – Jose Ramirez – 34th in MAC and 1st in MAC at 0.30
Total Interceptions – Russell Vaden – 15th in FBS and 1st in MAC with 3
