Benedictine College's Joel Osborn was tabbed as NAIA National Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association on Monday.
Osborn, a Northwest Missouri State product and former Bearcat assistant coach, led the Ravens to the national semifinals for the second straight season. Benedictine fell just short of a national championship berth last weekend in a 17-10 loss to No. 1 Grand View on a cold, snowy afternoon.
The Ravens finished 2025 with a 12-2 record and a Heart South Championship.
The Harlan, IA native stepped into the role following the retirement of the legendary Larry Wilcox in Atchison, KS. In five seasons Osborn hasn't missed a beat with a 50-14 record, four Heart South titles, three national playoff appearances, and now his first national coach of the year award.
Osborn was the 2008 MIAA MVP as quarterback for Northwest, and led the Bearcats to national championship appearances in 2007 and 2008.
