Glendale, Ariz.- On Wednesday, the American Football Coaches Association announced the 2021 Spring AFCA NAIA Regional Coaches of the Year and Arizona Christian Head Coach Jeff Bowen was named the Region 5 Coach of the Year.

Coach Bowen is a first time AFCA NAIA Regional Coach of the Year winner.  Regional coaches are selected for each of the five AFCA divisions: Football Bowl Subdivision, Football Championship Subdivision, Division II, Division III and NAIA.  Active AFCA members vote for coaches in their divisions and regions.

"Coach Bowen has done a remarkable job this season with the ACU football program," commented Dr. Peter Dryer, ACU Director of Athletics.  "This award comes as no surprise to anyone here at the institution.  He is a great ambassador for ACU and leads his staff and team in a manner consistent with the values and mission of our institution.  We are excited for him and his coaching staff to be recognized for a job very well done!"

Under Bowen's leadership, the Firestorm finished the regular season with a 9-1 overall record and a perfect 6-0 SAC record to win the Sooner Athletic Conference championship.  The nine wins is a single season best for Arizona Christian football.  During his five year tenure as the head coach of Arizona Christian, the Firestorm have produced a 37-14 record on the gridiron.

The Firestorm are making final preparations for their first appearance in the NAIA Football Championship Series and to face Keiser (FL) on Saturday.

Bowen follows his predecessor Donnie Yantis as an AFCA Regional Coach of the Year.  Bowen teamed with Yantis as an Associate Head Coach to start ACU football in 2014.

"This is an honor, but it is not a Jeff Bowen award," stated Coach Bowen.  "This is an Arizona Christian University football program award.  Great coaches and great players putting Jesus first!"

As a regional winner, Coach Bowen becomes a finalist for the AFCA NAIA National Coach of the Year.  The nation winner will be announced the week of the NAIA National Championship.

Coach Bowen- Congratulations on a well-deserved honor.

#RollStorm