Mike Vrabel: why he should win 2025 NFL coach of the year

The race for NFL Coach of the Year is shaping up as one of the tightest in recent memory. Several coaches have transformed struggling franchises into contenders this season, leaving voters with difficult choices and plenty of debate about who deserves the honor.

At the center of the discussion is New England’s head coach, who turned around a franchise that had sputtered the previous two seasons. Other candidates—from rookie turnaround artists to established leaders who navigated injuries and unexpected challenges—have built compelling cases as well. Below, we break down the leading contenders, the arguments in their favor, and the key stats voters are likely to weigh.

Mike Vrabel’s case: dramatic Patriots turnaround and Drake Maye’s leap

Mike Vrabel stands out because of what he inherited and how quickly the Patriots responded. After back-to-back 4-13 campaigns, New England has emerged as a legitimate postseason team under Vrabel’s leadership. The team’s record heading into Sunday’s matchup with the New York Jets is a major part of the narrative.

Why voters are paying attention

• Cultural reset: Vrabel is credited with changing the locker room dynamic and installing discipline and identity on both sides of the ball.
• Offensive and defensive improvement: The offense and defense have both climbed into the top 10 in points per game and points allowed per game after ranking near the bottom last season.
• Quarterback development: Second-year QB Drake Maye has taken a visible step forward, putting himself in MVP conversations alongside some of the league’s elite signal-callers.

Critics will point to a softer schedule and the fact that only a couple of wins came against teams with winning records, but Vrabel’s team is unbeaten on the road and back in playoff contention for the first time in several years. For many voters, that context makes Vrabel’s impact the strongest single-season coaching story.

Ben Johnson and the Bears: how Caldwell’s offense accelerated the rebuild

Ben Johnson has presided over a rapid improvement in Chicago, turning an 5-12 team into a legitimate playoff club. The rise of Caleb Williams in his second professional season has been central to the Bears’ success, as the offense has become more consistent and explosive.

Key factors for Johnson

• Young quarterback growth and schematic clarity
• Playoff berth — Chicago’s first since 2020
• Potential run at the NFC’s top seed, keeping the team relevant late in the year

Liam Coen’s turnaround in Jacksonville: from last place to contender

Jacksonville’s climb from a 4-13 finish last season to a double-digit win team this year has vaulted Liam Coen into the award conversation. Coen’s offense has been productive, and the Jaguars’ late-season surge — a multi-game winning streak after a 5-4 start — signals sustained progress rather than a short-term hot streak.

Why Coen matters

• Emergence of a balanced attack that consistently reaches the end zone
• Momentum heading into the final weeks, with multiple 30-point outputs recently
• First-year head-coaching impact in a franchise eager to return to playoff relevancy

Dave Canales in Carolina: getting more from Bryce Young

Dave Canales has guided Carolina into competitive position in a division where consistency has been elusive. He’s helped Bryce Young rebound from earlier struggles and steer the team into winning football, keeping the Panthers in the postseason conversation.

Canales’ strengths

• Quarterback coaching and game planning that maximized Young’s strengths
• Finding ways to win close games and keep the team contending late in the season

Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers: sustaining excellence despite adversity

Kyle Shanahan’s San Francisco squad has remained among the league’s best even after losing key defensive pieces to injury and navigating changes at quarterback. The ability to adapt play-calling and maintain a winning culture keeps Shanahan among the season’s most respected coaches.

What separates Shanahan

• Offensive creativity that continues to produce despite personnel turnover
• Team resilience after losing star defenders early in the year
• Effective use of backup quarterbacks without a dramatic drop-off in performance

Other coaches deserving consideration and why

Beyond the main contenders, a few coaches deserve mention for strong seasons built on defensive excellence or sustained team success.

Mike Macdonald — Seattle’s defensive architect

The Seahawks have one of the stingiest defenses in the league, keeping opponents under 19 points per game. Macdonald’s scheme and adjustments have the defense operating at an elite level and helped Seattle secure one of the NFC’s best records.

Sean Payton — Denver’s steady hand

In his second year with the Broncos, Payton has the team atop the conference with a defense that ranks near the top in points allowed. Denver’s turnaround under his leadership is a testament to experienced coaching and roster optimization.

Factors voters will weigh:

• Year-over-year improvement in wins and point differential
• Quarterback development and player growth attributed to coaching
• How coaches managed injuries, roster turnover, and strength of schedule
• Road records and performance in high-pressure situations late in the season

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John Davis

John Davis is a sports journalist focused on the NBA, NFL, and major global championships. With seven years of live coverage, he breaks down performances and key strategies. His expertise gives you a clear view of every game and its impact.