Bob Nielson of Minnesota Duluth and Glenn Caruso of St. Thomas were named national coaches of the year Monday in balloting conducted by Liberty Mutual.

The awards are given for success on the field, achievement of students in the classroom and participation in community outreach. The award is based on voting by fans, media and the College Football Hall of Fame

Gene Chizik of Auburn won Division I honors and K.C. Keeler of Delaware was FCS coach of the year.

Gophers add kickerChris Hawthorne, who hasn't missed a field-goal attempt in high school or college -- albeit in only nine attempts -- has accepted a scholarship from Gophers football coach Jerry Kill and will enroll at Minnesota this week. Hawthorne, 8-for-8 on field-goal attempts in high school in Raleigh, N.C., was a walk-on kicker at North Carolina State last season, making his lone attempt while the starter was injured.

STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS