Central College’s Jeff McMartin is the American Football Coaches Association’s Division III Coach of the Year.

It’s the loftiest honor of his 18-year Dutch career. McMartin was cited after piloting Central to a 12-1 season, including a 10-0 regular season, the program’s fourth undefeated regular-season campaign during his tenure.

McMartin received the award Monday at the AFCA Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Earlier, McMartin received AFCA regional coach of the year honors for the second time. He was also cited in 2007. He took American Rivers coach of the year honors for the fifth time, along with his assistant coaches.

McMartin led Central to its second consecutive conference championship, winning the title outright after sharing it in 2019. It was the sixth league title for McMartin and a record 32nd league title for the Dutch, who also secured the program’s 22nd NCAA Division III playoff berth. Central scored playoff victories in the first two rounds before being ousted in the quarterfinals.

Under McMartin’s leadership the Dutch won nine Division III statistical championships this season and broke or tied an astonishing 61 school records, including 21 team marks. Quarterback Blaine Hawkins captured the Gagliardi Trophy as the nation’s outstanding Division III player.

It’s the fifth time a Central coach has received national coach of the year honors and McMartin is the first Dutch football coach cited. Gary Boeyink received women’s basketball honors in 1993, Megan Clayberg was cited in volleyball in 1998 and 2000 and George Wares was recognized in softball in 2003.

Central has twice had coaches cited as the AFCA Division III Assistant Coach of the Year, with Don De Waard honored in 2000 and Dick Bowzer in 2008.