SI's Coach of the Year

[A.E]

SI 2007 HEAD COACH OF THE YEAR​

Nominees​

Dick Jauron - (7-8) Coached the Bills to play some of the most inspiring football of the season. After starting the season 1-4, the Bills bounced back to contend for playoff contention. The Bills also lost 15 players to injured reserve this season, to include 9 key players.

Mike McCarthy - (12-3) Came into Green Bay with a system and sold everyone on it, including Brett Favre, who McCarthy has playing some of the best football of his career. Clearly a top contender in the NFC, clinched NFC North title. Owns 4th best offense in the league.

Bill Belichek - (15-0) Well on his way to leading the Patriots to a perfect record, Belichek's brain is completely dominating the NFL. Not only has the NFL's top #1 offense but the 4th best defense also. Nobody looks 'cooler' in NFL apparel than Bill does.

Joe Gibbs - (8-7) Came out of nowhere, overcoming insurmountable odds to take control of the final NFC playoff spot. Rallied his team to win last 3 games, pulling together in the wake of Sean Taylor's murder.

Romeo Crennel - (9-6) After a 4-12 season his first year, Crennel has the Browns playing ultra-competitive football and in the hunt for a playoff berth. Credit Crennel for having the fortitude to take a gamble on Derek Anderson in week 2. Impressive 7-1 record at home and leads the NFC North in scoring.

Tom Coughlin - (10-5) Started the season 6-2, remained in control of a wild card since. 4th best rushing attack in the NFL, 6th best defense. "Lighter approach" has players rallying around him more now than ever.

Mike Tomlin - (10-5) The most successful first season as head coach in team history, Tomlin's hard nosed and tough coaching lead the team to a 9-3 start. Wasn't shy about letting Roethlisberger pass more often and giving Willie Parker as many carries as he can handle. Owns the league's #1 Defense and 3rd best running game.

Wade Phillips - (13-2) After criticism over his more relaxed coaching style, Phillips had the Cowboys established as the top NFC-dog by Week 8. 2nd if offense, 8th in defense, and perhaps more attention from the media than everyone else but the Patriots.

Tony Dungy - (13-2) In a familiar place, AFC South Champions and a top seed in the playoffs. Not much else can be said that we don't already know. Both offense and defense rank 3rd in the league for yards per game.

Jack Del Rio - (11-4) The true 'dark-horse' heading into the playoffs, the Jags ripped off 6 wins in their last 7 games to capture the top wildcard spot in the AFC. Despite key injuries, Del Rio continues to coach up his defense toward the top of the league. 2nd best rushing attack in the NFL.

-AE, SI NFL Moderator

 

[playmaker7]

Romeo Crennel IMO. I wanted to pick Bellichick, but that whole Spygate thing killed his chances. Crennel made his team into a playoff contender.

 

[The Guid]

Well, I'd love to vote Billy...but I took a different route and voted for Crennel. Did anyone honestly think the Browns would be in the playoffs this year?

 

[A.E]

Romeo Crennel IMO. I wanted to pick Bellichick, but that whole Spygate thing killed his chances. Crennel made his team into a playoff contender.

Belicheck would be a simple choice but I think we all expected the Patriots to be as good when they added Welker, Moss, Stallworth, and Adalius Thomas in the off-season.

Romeo Crennel is a good choice but I can't give him too much credit for how well the Offense has performed with Derek Anderson's emergence. After all, Romeo is a defensive guy.

I have to go with Del Rio. The Jags are just now starting to get a lot of attention & believe me, they are one of the most dangerous teams heading into the post-season. They have had their fair share of key injuries, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but still....their defense is playing above par & their rushing attack is just plain nasty right now.

You gotta love Del Rio in the suit too.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

I still don't like his suit... just doesn't fit.

I voted Coughlin. Good running attack that has suffered injuries, he's done all he can to help Eli but the receivers let us down, and the Defense is great great great. Plus he's really nice now.

I was considering Crennel but as a loyal Giants fan I had to. If Coughlin weren't on list it would have been Crennel for me.

 

[bulls12]

Crennel, although Jauron is a close second, since he's the coach of my 2nd favorite team the Bills.

Crennel and Jauron both have turned their seasons around for sure, especially the Browns.

 

[Grandy28]

I don't see how a 6th seed, hell possible a team that might not make the playoffs deserves to have the coach of the year.

I say give it to Mike McCarthy.

 

[RipCity32]

Well, if the Patriots go undeafted I'm sure Bill will get it, but you never know with the cheating problems.

 

[dez]

I voted Belichek, I mean yeah we all knew the Patriots were going to be good but lets be serious NOBODY picked them to go undefeated. 15-0 says it all.

 

[DJT]

I voted Jack Del Rio...showing support for my Jags. But I almost went with Mike Tomlin, I mean it was his first year coaching and that was a pretty good job he did, sure the Steelers had a good team, but I was still impressed.

 

[A.E]

I don't see how a 6th seed, hell possible a team that might not make the playoffs deserves to have the coach of the year.

I say give it to Mike McCarthy.

Very good point Granderson but considering how Marvin Lewis won the award after finishing 8-8 at the end of his first season with the Bengals...Crennel has a shot. Turning a team around after a couple of dismal seasons is a good reason. The Browns have also over-achieved all season with a lot less quality personnel that the Patriots, Cowboys, or Steelers have.

McCarthy is definitely deserving. Considering what he has done to get Favre to change his game up & what he has done with so many young players...McCarthy is tops.

 

[.GR]

It has to be Hoody! He's 15-0 for crying out loud...

 

[A.E]

Using my "NFL Mod Powers", I am giving this to McCarty. The tiebreaker being the better record.