Buffaloes HC MacIntyre named AP Coach of the Year

Mike MacIntyre can add yet another honor to an already growing list of awards this season, as the Colorado Buffaloes head coach was named the Associated Press Coach of the Year.

In late November, MacIntyre was named both the Pac-12, followed up by Walter Camp Coach of the Year win and a bevy of coach of the year awards.

MacIntyre also earned the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award on Thursday, given to the best FBS coach as judged by the Football Writers Association of America.

“I’m honored and privileged to be the recipient of both the AP Coach of the Year and the Eddie Robinson Award,” MacIntyre said, according to a news release from the university. “It is a testament to our players and coaches for all their hard work and dedication. It is an honor to accept these awards on behalf of our team, our coaches, and our fans.”

According to the release, MacIntyre earned 25 first-place votes and 109 total points from the AP’s college football panel, besting James Franklin of Penn State (98, 16) and Nick Saban of Alabama (57, 13).

In 2016, the Buffs completed the single-biggest turnaround in Pac-12 history, going from 4-9 (1-8 Pac-12) in 2015 to 10-3 (8-1) on their way to a South division title, conference championship game berth, and an invitation to the Valero Alamo Bowl on Dec. 29.

After MacIntyre’s Pac-12 Coach of the Year win, 104.3 The Fan’s “Schlereth and Evans” made the call for a contract extension for the Buffs coach before he’s scooped up by another program.

“Pay the man,” said co-host Mike Evans. “An extension needs to be in the works immediately because you’re right, a big program is going to come around sniffing at this guy.”

According to USA Today, MacIntyre is the lowest-paid coach in the conference at just north of $2 million a year.

Earlier this week Buffs defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt was plucked by Oregon for the same position with the Ducks.

I love CU, players, Boulder and all alum!  Been great to me!  Couldn’t pass up opportunity for family!  South Champs!  Been a great ride!!

— Jim Leavitt (@CoachJimLeavitt) December 15, 2016

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.