Kyle Shanahan has gained significant recognition for Coach of the Year after leading the 49ers to a 12-4 record and a potential top NFC seed despite numerous injuries, with his odds improving to +180, though Patriots coach Mike Vrabel remains the favorite.
Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season is crucial for determining playoff seeding, division titles, and the top overall draft pick, with key matchups and races including the AFC and NFC top seeds, division winners, and the Coach of the Year race, amidst high stakes and intense competition.
NFL executives voted on 2025 season awards, with Matthew Stafford winning MVP, JSN Smith-Njigba as Offensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett as Defensive Player, Jaxson Schwesinger as Defensive Rookie, Mike Vrabel as Coach of the Year, and John Schneider as Executive of the Year, highlighting standout performances and team achievements.
Sean Payton's remarkable turnaround with the Denver Broncos has not translated into Coach of the Year recognition, largely due to high expectations and narrative factors, despite his impressive 10-2 record this season. The article discusses coaching stability, team performance, and the dynamics influencing awards and team decisions in the NFL.
At the midpoint of the 2024 NFL season, key players and coaches are emerging as frontrunners for major awards. Lamar Jackson is leading the MVP race with impressive stats, while Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley are strong contenders for Offensive Player of the Year. On defense, Xavier McKinney and Fred Warner are making their cases for Defensive Player of the Year. Jayden Daniels is a standout for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Jared Verse is a top candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Dan Quinn is a leading candidate for Coach of the Year, having transformed the Washington Commanders into contenders.
NFL executives have voted on midseason awards, with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson leading as the MVP, marking his potential third MVP win. Jackson's improved passing game has been pivotal for the Ravens. Other notable winners include Derrick Henry for Offensive Player of the Year and Dexter Lawrence for Defensive Player of the Year. Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions was named Coach of the Year, while Lions GM Brad Holmes received Executive of the Year honors, highlighting the team's impressive turnaround and strategic success.
At the NFL midseason point, the Washington Commanders have surpassed expectations with a 7-2 record, thanks to head coach Dan Quinn, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings is favored for Coach of the Year, while Lamar Jackson is leading the MVP race with impressive offensive stats. The Los Angeles Chargers' Jesse Minter and Washington's Kingsbury are top assistant coaches. Notable surprises include the Arizona Cardinals' strong performance, while disappointments feature the Bears' struggles with rookie QB Caleb Williams.
Mike Nolan, former head coach of the 49ers, has been named the UFL's Coach of the Year after leading the Michigan Panthers to a 7-3 record and significant improvements in both offense and defense.
Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder has been named the National Basketball Coaches Association's NBA coach of the year, leading the youngest team in modern league history to the Western Conference's No. 1 seed. Daigneault, 39, expressed humility and credited his talented players for the team's success, as the Thunder and the Celtics are the only two teams to rank in the top five in both offensive and defensive efficiency this season.
Staff picks for the 2024 NBA awards include Nikola Jokic for MVP, Victor Wembanyama for Rookie of the Year, Rudy Gobert for Defensive Player of the Year, Coby White for Most Improved Player, Naz Reid for Sixth Man of the Year, Mark Daigneault for Coach of the Year, and DeMar DeRozan for Clutch Player of the Year. Additionally, Brad Stevens is recognized as the Executive of the Year for his role in the Celtics' success.
The official picks for the 2024 NBA Awards have been revealed, with Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets leading the MVP race, followed by Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves is the top choice for Defensive Player of the Year, while Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs is the favorite for Rookie of the Year. Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jamahl Mosley of the Orlando Magic, and Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves are the top contenders for Coach of the Year.
The author fills out their NBA awards ballot for the 2023-24 season, selecting Nikola Jokic as Most Valuable Player, Victor Wembanyama as Defensive Player of the Year, Naz Reid as Sixth Man of the Year, Coby White as Most Improved Player, and Victor Wembanyama as Rookie of the Year. Joe Mazzulla is chosen as Coach of the Year for leading Boston to an impressive regular season.
Dawn Staley has been named the AP women's college basketball Coach of the Year for the second time, leading South Carolina to the Final Four with an undefeated record for the second straight season. She joins an elite group of multiple-time winners and has rebuilt the program into a powerhouse since her arrival in 2008. Staley's leadership extends beyond the court as she champions issues of gender equity, diversity, and opportunities for women, while also being an outspoken supporter of her players and athletes in general.
UConn's Dan Hurley is being touted as a top candidate for Coach of the Year after leading the team to the Big East regular-season crown despite significant roster changes. UConn remains No. 2 in the CBS Sports Top 25 And 1 rankings, with Purdue holding the top spot. Purdue, UConn, and Houston are seen as likely No. 1 seeds in the upcoming NCAA Tournament due to their impressive resumes.
Kevin Stefanski, head coach of the Cleveland Browns, was named the AP 2023 NFL Coach of the Year after guiding the team through a season filled with injuries and adversity, leading them to an 11-6 record and their first playoff berth since 2020. Despite facing numerous challenges, including multiple quarterback changes and key player injuries, Stefanski's leadership and steadying influence earned him the prestigious award for the second time in his first four years as a head coach.