How This Strange NFL Season Broke the Coach of the Year Mold
The NFL Coach of the Year award in 2026 features a notable six-man field, with Sean Payton, usually a favorite, now among several contenders.
Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears (11-5) unlocked quarterback Caleb Williams and led an offense ranked fourth in offensive EPA per play since Week 9, while the defense ranked 25th in defensive success rate, relying heavily on turnovers.
Liam Coen of the Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4) coached Trevor Lawrence through his best all-around season, with a defense ranked fifth in EPA per play. The Jaguars are on a seven-game win streak and have secured the AFC No. 3 seed.
Mike Macdonald of the Seattle Seahawks (13-3) made the pivotal quarterback switch from Geno Smith to Sam Darnold, who was an early MVP front-runner before a midseason slump. Seattle’s defense ranks second in the league, and the team is in contention for the No. 1 NFC seed.
Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots (13-3) transformed the team into contenders, with Maye as a favorite for MVP. Vrabel had the final say on personnel and background moves, leading an offense that tops EPA per play and a defense ranked fifth in points per game.
Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers (12-4) overcame multiple key injuries to players like Bosa, Warner, Purdy, Kittle, and Ayuk. His team’s offense ranks sixth in the league, sustained by a tenacious defense, positioning the 49ers for the No. 1 NFC seed. Shanahan has been described as the most adaptive coach this season.
The article argues that the Coach of the Year award should reward those who solved the hardest problems, with Shanahan highlighted as having done so more than any other candidate this season.
