It has been a season of ups and downs for NFL coaches. We have already seen two head coaches let go, and there's chatter surrounding a few others. But we have also seen some exemplary jobs done by a few, potentially making this season the closest contest in years for Coach of the Year honors.
Depending on where you look online, there are anywhere from five to seven coaches with a reasonable argument to be named Coach of the Year. But not all are worth betting on. Let's examine three who are worth it in the Coach of the Year NFL futures bets market.
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NFL Futures Bets: Coach of the Year
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Mike Vrabel (New England Patriots) | +100
Mike Vrabel has won the award before during his time with the Tennessee Titans and is making a strong case this season with the Patriots. He has taken a team that has not had a winning season in three years and went 4-13 in its last two, and turned it into a legit contender. At +8000 to win the Super Bowl coming into the season, there wasn't much hope for them.
Fast forward to the present, and they now have +1900 odds and a 9-2 record, more wins than the last two seasons combined.
Vrabel took over a team that was second-to-last in total offense last season (291.9 yards per game) and 30th in scoring (17 points per game) and turned it into one of the better offenses in the league - ranking in the top 10 in scoring and total yards. New England's defense has made a similar jump. He's going to be hard to beat as is, but if the Patriots stumble, there will be other coaches/teams ready to strike.
Shane Steichen (Indianapolis Colts) | +175
Expectations may have been even lower for the Colts entering the season, with Super Bowl odds of +10000. They were not good on either side of the ball in 2024. With either Anthony Richardson or Giants reject Daniel Jones starting at quarterback, few expected improvement.
But here we are. Jones has morphed into a legitimate NFL quarterback, and the offense is one of the top units in the league. On the defensive side, they have cooled down from the relatively hot start to the season. They are currently half a game back of the Broncos and Patriots for the best record in the league, but that's only because they have played one fewer game. Shane Steichen is firmly in the Coach of the Year discussion.
Ben Johnson (Chicago Bears) | +1200
There isn't as much buzz surrounding Ben Johnson, but there probably should be more. Yes, the Bears had moments early in the season where the team would fall flat. But here they are heading into Week 12 at 7-3 and in first place in the NFC North division ahead of the Packers (6-3-1) and Lions (6-4).
Last season, the Bears were last in the league in total offense (284.6 yards per game) and tied for 29th in points per game (18.2). This season, they are gaining nearly 100 more yards per game (373.8) and scoring over a touchdown more per game (25.8). His candidacy would get a boost if the Bears could play with a bit more consistency.
With a tough schedule to finish the season, Johnson will get a chance to make his case.
Coach of the Year Best Bet
A great case can be made for all three. I'm shocked Mike Vrabel can still be had at plus-money odds, and that Ben Johnson's odds are as high as they are. Shane Steichen has certainly earned the recognition, too.
