The NFL has announced the Coach of the Year awards as determined by a national panel of media members. This accolade recognizes exceptional coaching performances throughout the seasons. In 2024, Kevin O’Connell from Minnesota received the honor, continuing the tradition of celebrating outstanding leadership in the league.
Delving into previous years, the 2023 award went to Kevin Stefanski of Cleveland, while in 2022, Brian Daboll of the New York Giants took home the title. The 2021 award was presented to Mike Vrabel from Tennessee, and in 2020, Stefanski also earned the recognition for his coaching prowess with the same team. John Harbaugh from Baltimore received the award in 2019, while Matt Nagy of Chicago was the recipient in 2018. Sean McVay led the Los Angeles Rams to victory in 2017.
The trend continues back through several years, showcasing remarkable coaches such as Jason Garrett from Dallas in 2016 and Ron Rivera, who was honored with this distinction twice, in 2015 for Carolina and again in 2013 for the same team. Bruce Arians also made an impressive mark, winning in 2014 for Arizona and in 2012 while with Indianapolis, making him a notable figure in coaching history.
The legacy of coaching excellence is further highlighted by Jim Harbaugh’s achievement in 2011 with San Francisco and Bill Belichick’s back-to-back honors in 2010 and 2007 with New England. Coaching legends such as Marvin Lewis (2009, Cincinnati), Mike Smith (2008, Atlanta), Lovie Smith (2005, Chicago), and Andy Reid (2002, Philadelphia) also figure prominently among the past winners. Their contributions to the game are etched in the NFL’s chronicles.
The awards, extending to earlier decades, reflect a rich history of coaching successes, with figures like Chuck Knox (1973, Los Angeles) and Don Shula (1972, Miami), underscoring the consistency and excellence that coaching brings to professional football. The accolades stretch back to the 1960s and 1950s, featuring iconic names such as Vince Lombardi (1959, Green Bay) and George Halas, a dual winner in both 1963 and 1965 for Chicago. The impressive lineage of coaches recognized through the years speaks to the evolution and significance of leadership in the league. The recognition of these coaches continues to be a highlight of the NFL’s annual celebrations, acknowledging those who shaped the game with their strategic mastery and inspiration.
