Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian and Texas State head coach G.J. Kinne are among 26 men on the Paul 'Bear' Bryant Award watchlist, given annually to the coach of the year.

Sarkisian has guided the Longhorns to a top-ten ranking in six of the last AP Polls, the longest stretch since Texas played for a national championship in 2009. Sarkisian's offense, piloted by quarterback Quinn Ewers, is putting up 486.5 yards and 35 points per game. But his defense has made the starkest improvement in year three behind senior linebacker Jaylan Ford. The Longhorns lead the Big 12 with 101 first downs surrendered in six games.

In his first year at Texas State, Kinne has guided the Bobcats to a 5–2 record, which marks the first time since 2014 the program's reached five wins. They're currently tied for first place with preseason favorite Troy for first place in the Sun Belt West Division. Kinne brought in 53 scholarship newcomers, including quarterback T.J. Finley, leading rusher Ismail Mahdi and leading receiver Joey Hobert. With one more win, Texas State would be bowl-eligible for the first time in program history.

The winner will be announced live from Houston's Post Oak Hotel on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.