Schaefer was tabbed one of the 10 semifinalists after guiding the Bulldogs to the best regular season in school history. His fifth MSU squad wrapped the regular season 27-3 overall, the second-most wins in program history. State has claimed the Top 3 wins in program history the last three seasons.
Schaefer guided Mississippi State to its fourth-straight 20-win season. Prior to his arrival in Starkville, the Bulldogs had only won 20 games four times. State also opened the year with a program-record 20-straight wins, finishing its run as one of the final two unbeaten women's teams in the nation and one of three men's or women's squads.