NFL debate: Making the case for, against 2024 Coach of the Year candidates-ZoomTech News

This dialog has been brewing for weeks now, and it is lastly coming to a hand: who precisely goes to win NFL Coach of the 12 months for 2024? Extra importantly, how are half a dozen different fanbases going to really feel when it isn’t their man?

Coach of the 12 months is commonly a hotly-contested subject, and it is often difficult by its subjectivity. Ought to it go to the man who exceeded the expectations, or the man who oversaw the very best season? Is it an award for steering the very best roster to the very best spot, or for turning round a foul group? No two folks really feel the identical means.

That is going to result in some enjoyable conversations within the subsequent month, as there is no scarcity of deserving candidates this season. Under is an inventory of a whopping 9 deserving candidates, and that does not even embrace some implausible teaching jobs taking place with the Eagles, Rams and Seahawks. The competitors is simply that good — you’ll be able to at the least construct a case for nearly half the pinnacle coaches within the NFL.

Similar to it’s, this story’s already lengthy sufficient. Under, we sought to construct the very best case for — and towards — the most probably head teaching candidates to take house the {hardware} at season’s finish.

Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
Present odds: -175

The case for: Keep in mind that “kicking ass and taking names?” standards I outlined within the case for Harbaugh [see below]? Yeah, properly Motor Metropolis Dan Campbell is doing simply that. He is taken one of many sorriest franchises within the league (traditionally talking) and turned them right into a bona fide Juggernaut with a capital “J.” The Lions aren’t simply profitable proper now. They’re dominating. They’ve already matched their win whole from final yr and we simply bought out of Week 14. They’ve misplaced one recreation all yr, despite the fact that they’re within the hardest division in soccer. 

And whereas some video games have appeared like massacres, others have not appeared so fairly. But, Detroit comes out on the correct aspect of them. The whole group has this unshakeable perception in itself and it stems from Campbell himself. It is why he can get away with going for it on fourth down on his personal 30-yard line in a three-point recreation towards a division opponent. Even when it would not work out, which it did not towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers, nobody bats an eye fixed. That is regardless of a rash of defensive accidents, too. The phrase stop is not in these Lions’ vocabulary. They’re as gritty as the town they arrive from and that entire metropolis, nay, the entire state is behind them. They even have followers of different groups rooting for them as maybe essentially the most likeable group in current reminiscence. 

It is not Detroit vs. Everyone, it is Detroit with Everyone. 

As a CEO head coach, that’s, one that does not name performs, it may be straightforward to direct reward (or blame) to the play-callers. Do not forget, although. Campbell introduced them in too, and even elevated Ben Johnson to his present position from tight ends coach in Campbell’s first yr. And sure, clearly Johnson and Aaron Glenn deserve heaps of reward for what they have been capable of do (and the petty kings they’re in a whole lot of instances). Johnson is having a ton of enjoyable concocting new and other ways to get proper deal with Penei Sewell the ball, whereas Glenn is bringing in guys off the road as a result of his starters being injured and fielding aggressive, militant defenses. It is unbelievable.

And but, Campbell is the story due to the identification he established and the adrenaline he injects within the veins of the whole group. He is egging on his linemen puking their guts out postgame throughout his speeches, he is letting the fill-in guys trot out because the starters in pre-game participant intros, all whereas making Starbucks runs along with his spouse and tiny little canines. Whether or not it is on the sphere or off of it, he embodies all the things you can need in a soccer coach and it is translating to success for his whole group. What’s extra deserving than that?

The case towards: The Lions had been anticipated to return out swinging this yr after falling two quarters in need of the Tremendous Bowl final season. Detroit has had a goal on their again all season as a result of they had been alleged to contend. And they’re. With type. However when you’re a kind of who assume this award ought to go to coaches doing extra with much less, then Campbell will not be your man. 

Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings
Present odds: +400

The case for: How a lot time do now we have? O’Connell has surpassed any and all expectations this season by a big margin. Kirk Cousins leaves in free company and left the Vikings with no good choices at quarterback. They weren’t fairly far down sufficient to have a shot at one of many fundamental quarterback prospects within the draft. The free-agent quarterback class was headlined by the man who left. It appeared like Minnesota was plunging into one more “aggressive rebuild” yr. Certain, they nonetheless had a ton of expertise on the roster, each offensively and defensively. That they had a protection that would in all probability win them some video games. However this group wasn’t alleged to be viable.

Nicely, they exit and get Sam Darnold to be a bridge for the quarterback they ended up drafting in J.J. McCarthy. The plan was to take their time with McCarthy and ease him in after his restricted expertise at Michigan. It was the very best place for a developmental prospect to go. They may let him sit for possibly the primary half of the season earlier than placing him in later as soon as it was clear the Vikings weren’t actually going anyplace this yr. No stress.

Boy, had been all of us incorrect. Not solely did McCarthy endure an harm within the preseason, thrusting Darnold into the everlasting beginning position, however Darnold then thrived. He is at the moment a top-10 quarterback throughout most main passing metrics. He ranks second in landing share at 7.3%. Darnold is on tempo for 4,314 yards and 37 touchdowns. Thirty-seven! The man that had been the butt of each joke on his means out of the NEW YORK JETS group was now the NFL’s greatest comeback story (accidents apart) and maybe the founding member of the Kevin O’Connell Heart for Gamers Who Cannot QB Good (and need to QB higher, and do different issues higher as properly). 

And someway that won’t even be essentially the most spectacular factor about O’Connell’s teaching tenure in Minnesota. 

By this level, groups know huge receiver Justin Jefferson is public enemy No. 1 if you play the Vikings. He is arguably the very best receiver within the league. Jefferson already has Offensive Participant of the 12 months award and All-Execs, plural, beneath his belt. So if groups know they should shut him down, how is it that Jefferson at the moment leads the NFL in receiving yards? Groups construct their defensive gameplans round shutting Jefferson down and but he is gone over 100 receiving yards in 4 video games this season. Quite a lot of that speaks to Jefferson’s sheer expertise and talent. However one other good chunk of that’s due to the way in which O’Connell schemes his offense to get Jefferson open, anyway. That is not straightforward to do when everyone seems to be gunning for him but O’Connell does it, anyway.

Add within the reality O’Connell helped get Brian Flores to Minnesota in 2023 because the defensive coordinator and has let him go wild (actually) with that unit, who has a greater case for Coach of the 12 months?

The case towards: Dan Campbell and Mike Tomlin exist. And that may not be sufficient as a result of KOC has a legit shot to win this, simply ask Vegas.

Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
Present odds: +500

The case for: It is not simply that the Steelers are gunning for the AFC North title, or that Mike Tomlin has secured one other profitable report. Stuff like that occurs yearly in Pittsburgh. 

Particularly, what makes Tomlin stand out for probably profitable his first Coach of the 12 months award is the choice he made to get so far. The Steelers had been cruising alongside at 4-2 and had simply crushed the Raiders by 19 factors when Tomlin determined to bench Justin Fields in favor of Russell Wilson. It was a name Tomlin made on his personal, and he bought a ton of pushback — together with from inside his personal constructing.

Flash ahead two months, and the Steelers are 6-1 with Wilson beneath middle. Extra necessary than the report is the way in which they’re taking part in. Pittsburgh is averaging 65 extra yards and scoring seven extra factors per recreation with Wilson than they had been with Fields. That is the distinction between being a forgettable wild card group and being a contender.

That is what the Steelers appear to be – an actual contender. It is the primary time you’ll be able to actually say that about one in all Tomlin’s groups since in all probability 2017. That is all because of him.

The case towards: Tomlin’s resume seems impeccable so far, however the Steelers cannot afford to let up now. They’ve a two-game lead on Baltimore for the division, with one win towards the Ravens already beneath their belt. Nobody’s saying it will be straightforward, however it could be a disappointment to let this slip.

Sean Payton, Denver Broncos
Present odds: +750

The case for: The Broncos have been the goal of a whole lot of jokes since Sean Payton took over, however it would not really feel like anybody’s joking now.

As calamitous as the beginning of Payton’s Broncos tenure was, he is coached this group to an 8-5 report and at the moment has a 75% probability of creating the playoffs in 12 months 2. That share can soar as excessive as 91% if they’ll beat the pesky Colts this weekend.

That is a wild place for a group beginning a rookie quarterback to be. The Broncos’ preseason win whole was set at 5.5, largely as a result of they had been anticipated to start out Bo Nix beneath middle. Talking of guffaws, that is one other often-mocked resolution that does not appear to be drawing criticism anymore. In fact, Nix has room to develop, however Payton has him trying the a part of a franchise quarterback simply three months into his profession.

Teaching Nix to a Rookie of the 12 months kind of season is likely to be sufficient to win Coach of the 12 months by itself, however Payton can also be doing that whereas serving to the Broncos break the second-longest playoff drought within the NFL.

The case towards: As spectacular as this season is likely to be, the Broncos are nonetheless unlikely to complete increased than the AFC’s No. 6 seed. It is one factor to be the second-best group in your individual division, however there is a very actual probability Denver finishes third within the AFC West.

That should not mood anybody’s pleasure about this turnaround, or about the way forward for this group. This simply so occurs to be an extremely powerful area for Coach of the 12 months.

Jim Harbaugh, Los Angeles Chargers
Present odds: +850

The case for: Harbaugh is a superb litmus check for the way you view this award. Is it the man kicking ass and taking names? Or is it the man who’s exceeding expectations? The Chargers are doing a bit little bit of each this yr, however particularly the latter. There was a whole lot of confidence in Harbaugh given his prior NFL success, however there was little question the place Los Angeles heads had been this offseason. They offloaded Keenan Allen through commerce, minimize Mike Williams, let Austin Ekeler go in free company and the one purpose guys like Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa remained on the roster was as a result of they agreed to pay cuts. 

This group was bracing for a full-on rebuild with Harbaugh on the helm however it hasn’t taken even a season to see the imaginative and prescient. Harbaugh employed Jesse Minter as defensive coordinator, who leads the league’s finest scoring protection, constructed by means of the trenches with the Chargers’ obtainable draft capital and instilled a tradition that’s single-handedly bucking the definition of “Chargering.”

Whereas quite a bit was made in regards to the run recreation, and seeing a resurgent season from J.Okay. Dobbins earlier than he bought injured, Harbaugh now has Justin Herbert taking part in among the finest soccer of his profession. He has an nearly delusional confidence in his quarterback, that he is not shy about sharing with Herbert himself or the cameras. Harbaugh hypes his guys as much as an unbelievable diploma and has gotten their buy-in in return. Whereas the Chiefs but once more took the AFC West, the Chargers at the moment are a real-deal playoff group in Harbaugh’s first season when everybody, together with the group itself, had extra questions than solutions about this season previous to its begin,

The case towards: If the Chargers had contended for the division, I believe Harbaugh would have run away with this award. However there was a whole lot of confidence in his talents in Vegas, particularly. And everyone knows Vegas is aware of. The over/beneath on Los Angeles’ win whole this season was 8.5. They will surpass that with their subsequent win. So if expectations had been that top within the preseason, can we actually say they’ve completely outperformed them sufficient for Harbaugh to win?

Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders
Present odds: +1500

The case for: The soccer group situated within the Washington D.C. space is enjoyable, well-coached and searching like a lock to make the playoffs. Is not that purpose sufficient to call Dan Quinn as Coach of the 12 months?

Please do not low cost how significant the Commanders’ turnaround is. This is not your run-of-the-mill dangerous group that is rebounding from a 4-13 season with a hotshot rookie quarterback. That is Washington — the franchise the place hopes and desires have gone to die for roughly 30 years. Individuals with again ache and wholesome 401ks do not keep in mind when Washington was a reliably good group — not to mention a Tremendous Bowl contender.

For that purpose alone, Quinn matches the invoice. The Commanders’ protection is leaps and bounds higher than final yr’s unit, and clearly, Jayden Daniels is a frontrunner for NFL Offensive Rookie of the 12 months. Turning Washington right into a enjoyable soccer city is a feat worthy of an award.

The case towards: Did the Commanders peak too early? We’ll see. There’s nonetheless loads of season left, however Washington felt just like the story of October, as they responded to an 0-1 begin by profitable seven of their subsequent eight video games. Because the calendar turned to November, although, the Commanders are simply 2-3 and so they sit firmly behind Philadelphia within the NFC East standings. Towards this many deserving candidates, Quinn goes to want a powerful end to beat out the sphere.

Andy Reid, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Present odds: +2000

The case for: It actually feels wild that Andy Reid hasn’t gained Coach of the 12 months throughout this unbelievable run of nine-straight division titles, 10-straight playoff appearances and three whole Tremendous Bowls with Kansas Metropolis. Coach of the 12 months is not alleged to be a lifetime achievement award, however it’s an oversight that Reid hasn’t gained this trophy since 2002, when he was nonetheless in Philadelphia.

Fortuitously, Reid has accomplished lots to win it in 2024 by itself benefit. Regardless of the goal that is painted squarely on their backs from profitable the final two Tremendous Bowls, the Chiefs are 12-1, with their division already sewn up a month forward of time.

How they’ve accomplished it has been equally spectacular. The wins have all been dramatic, however we’re not giving Reid sufficient credit score for what he is needed to navigate. The Chiefs had been anticipating Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice to headline their receiver corps, and people guys have performed 4 mixed video games. They misplaced Isiah Pacheco in Week 2 and did not get him again till Black Friday. They’ve needed to take care of Xavier Worthy’s rising pains and the commerce for DeAndre Hopkins. Left deal with has been a large number all season.

And but, the Chiefs are tied for the league’s finest report with their sights set on a three-peat. Patrick Mahomes is a giant a part of it positive, however it’s additionally a testomony to good teaching. 

The case towards: Pretty much as good a coach as Reid has been, you can argue the most important MVP in Chiefs Kingdom is his defensive counterpart. Steve Spagnuolo runs the present for the Chiefs’ protection, and that unit has allowed greater than 20 factors in simply 4 video games this yr. Kansas Metropolis’s protection is top-10 in most necessary metrics and has been each bit as very important to their success as Reid or Mahomes.

In fact, Spagnuolo remains to be a part of Reid’s teaching workers. However in a race this tight, the place folks resolve to assign credit score might have a giant say within the end result.

Matt LaFleur, Inexperienced Bay Packers
Present odds: +5000

The case for: The Inexperienced Bay Packers have been with out beginning quarterback Jordan Love for 165 snaps. In that point, it was backup quarterback Malik Willis, who spent coaching camp with the Tennessee Titans who crammed in. Extra than simply filling in, Willis operated the offense beneath LaFleur’s steerage to guide the Packers to a few wins. What was extra spectacular was how a lot the offensive scheme and playcalling modified with Willis in vs. what the Packers do with Love.

That was all LaFleur, tinkering with the gameplan, or in the midst of the sport towards Jacksonville, to maximise Willis’ skillset. Within the two video games Willis began, he rushed six instances. Towards his former group, he had 79 yards on the bottom and a landing. Whereas Love is able to scrambling, he isn’t a man you design runs for. Willis is, and LaFleur unlocked it whereas serving to him make fast choices within the passing recreation. Willis had above a 120 passer score in all three video games he performed vital snaps in.

Talking of the run recreation, since Inexperienced Bay’s bye, LaFleur has diversified it by the week. He is using working again Josh Jacobs’ soccer acumen and involving numerous different gamers within the offensive backfield. The result’s a group that does not run the ball the identical means or by the identical scheme every recreation. 

LaFleur additionally employed defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley this offseason, who has turned quite a bit round for the Packers’ protection in only one quick season. Sure, there are nonetheless enhancements to be made however the productiveness of the protection has been capable of masks the issues that also exist (principally alongside the entrance) within the meantime. 

LaFleur has greater than proved he is a wonderful coach with or and not using a Corridor of Fame quarterback (although, I suppose we’ll see). He has the Packers within the thick of the hardest division in soccer this yr and that is merely not straightforward to do, particularly with a quarterback out and in of the lineup.

The case towards: There’s some recency bias, or fairly, lack thereof, to contemplate. Sure, LaFleur was capable of coach his strategy to wins with Willis beneath middle, however that was six weeks in the past. There have been some ups and downs as Love has gotten again into the lineup and it is a crowded area simply within the division. The Packers know that greater than anybody. Solely one in all their losses this yr got here from outdoors the division and that was opening week in Brazil towards the Philadelphia Eagles. Head-to-head they’ve misplaced each video games to the Detroit Lions this yr, and although the Thursday evening recreation final week was a training masterclass, LaFleur got here out on the incorrect aspect of that to one of many main Coach of the 12 months candidates.

Sean McDermott, Buffalo Payments
Present odds: +5000

The case for: Sean McDermott has a penchant for errors as a recreation supervisor, which we had been reminded of as lately as this previous weekend. That does not change the truth that the man deserves much more credit score for this system he is inbuilt Buffalo.

This yr felt like a altering of eras for the Payments and probably a little bit of a reset. Even when the Payments wanted to repair their wage cap, it is nonetheless painful to half methods with key items like Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde, Tre’Davious White, Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. And even when having Josh Allen helps ease that transition, that wasn’t the narrative over the summer time, when many anticipated the Payments to fall again to the pack within the AFC.

The literal reverse has occurred as a substitute. Allen has performed like an MVP, McDermott’s protection has performed like a top-10 unit and the Payments locked up their division earlier than Thanksgiving. Having the quarterback helps, however — very similar to Andy Reid — McDermott deserves extra love for the constant outcomes he is produced throughout 5 years now.

The case towards: It takes quite a bit to sway voters if you’re speaking in regards to the league’s elite.

The winner of Coach of the 12 months is commonly about exceeding expectations. And whereas it is true McDermott has accomplished that, he is likely to be a sufferer of his personal success. The Payments have now gained the AFC East for 5 years straight. Within the earlier 4 years, they have been the AFC’s No. 2 seed 3 times. This season felt prefer it lastly is likely to be the breakthrough, the place they secured the No. 1 seed within the bye week that comes with it — proper up till that loss to the Rams.

It is not truthful, however stealing the No. 1 seed from Kansas Metropolis is likely to be the extraordinary achievement McDermott would want to win this award. One other 12-win season and No. 2 seed won’t be ok, harsh as that sounds.

Carmen Vitali is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports activities. Carmen had earlier stops with The Draft Community and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. She spent six seasons with the Bucs, together with 2020, which added the title of Tremendous Bowl Champion (and boat-parade participant) to her résumé. You possibly can observe Carmen on Twitter at @CarmieV. 

David Helman covers the NFL for FOX Sports activities and hosts the NFL on FOX podcast. He beforehand spent 9 seasons protecting the Cowboys for the group’s official web site. In 2018, he gained a regional Emmy for his position in producing “Dak Prescott: A Household Reunion” in regards to the quarterback’s time at Mississippi State. Comply with him on Twitter at @davidhelman_.

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