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Two NFL Coaches Emerging As Favorites For 2025 Coach Of The Year

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Feb 18, 2025 3:47 PM ET

Oddsmakers expect big things from two of this offseason's head coaching hires.

As of Tuesday, DraftKings Sportsbook lists two new head coaches as co-favorites to win Coach of the Year in the 2025 season. Ben Johnson and Mike Vrabel each have +750 odds.

Vegas must think voters prefer newer coaches. Pete Carroll (+1200) ties Jim Harbaugh as the next front-runner ahead of first-year coach Liam Coen, second-year hire Dave Canales, and Sean Payton in his third year with the Denver Broncos (+1400).

Meanwhile, Nick Sirianni and Andy Reid have the longest odds (+8000) after coaching in the Super Bowl. The electorate often overlooks coaches of expected title contenders to honor those whose squad shows the most improvement.

Vrabel's odds shortened this week. CBS Sports noted in an article published Monday that he was listed at +850 behind Johnson's +700 to win his second Coach of the Year award.

The New England Patriots don't have much room to go anywhere but up after consecutive 4-13 seasons. They made their second head coaching change in successive years, quickly replacing Jerrod Mayo for another former Pats linebacker.

After ranking 31st in total offense, New England should improve in Drake Maye's second season under center. The Patriots also have more projected cap space than any NFL team, and Vrabel led the Tennessee Titans to a winning record in each of his first four seasons.

The Chicago Bears have lost double-digit games in four straight years, so Johnson would be hailed as a visionary if he steers the maligned franchise to its third playoff appearance in 15 years. The former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator inherits a promising offense featuring Caleb Williams, D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze.

In 2022, a year after Vrabel won Coach of the Year, Brian Daboll became the last coach to win the award in his first season with a team. However, a successful debut doesn't guarantee recognition. Dan Quinn finished fourth in the 2024 voting despite the Washington Commanders improving from four to 12 wins.

With so many new hires atop the betting odds, Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets fans may not like seeing Brian Schottenheimer and Aaron Glenn each at +2500 to win 2025 Coach of the Year. Kellen Moore is even lower at +2800.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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