The Palm Beach, Fla.,-based magazine honors six coaches nationally each season, from FBS, FCS, Division II, Division III, NAIA and junior colleges. Other 2012 recipients are Brian Kelly of Notre Dame (FBS); Bobby Wilder of Old Dominion (FCS); Larry Kehres of Mount Union (D-III); Steve Ryan of Morningside (NAIA); and Steve Stohmeier of Iowa Western (JUCO).

"It's a tremendous honor," said Keen. "I really believe that coaches awards are team awards. They are earned through hard work from both the coaching staffs and the players."

Keen, who completed his second season with the Minnesota State football staff in 2012 where, in addition to serving as offensive coordinator the past two seasons, served as the school's acting head coach for the 2012 campaign.

As acting head coach, Keen led the Mavericks to the best season in school history as MSU finished 13-1, earning a berth in the NCAA Division II national semifinals. The Mavericks hosted three NCAA play-off games at MSU's Blakeslee Stadium after going undefeated in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference action in capturing the 2012 league title with an 11-0 mark.

The 2012 squad saw three players earn Capital One Academic All-American honors as kicker Sam Brockshus and defensive end Chris Schaudt were named to the first team while offensive lineman Josh Meeker was a Second-Team selection. Additionally, Brockshus was honored as a an American Football Coaches Association All-American.

Keen, who was named Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Coach of the Year and American Football Coaches Association Regional Coach of the Year, saw 12 student-athletes earn First, Second or Honorable Mention All-NSIC honors in 2012.