NFL Coach of the Year 2025-2026: Betting Odds, Predictions & Expert Picks

With the 2025-2026 NFL season approaching in two days, let's talk Coach of the Year award candidates!

(Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Here at Ballislife Bets, we have you covered for all futures bets that pertain to the NFL! 32 teams are set to compete, and one will be crowned Super Bowl Champions. But first, let's look at the Coach of the Year candidates for the 2025-2026 NFL season.

Former Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson is the favorite to win the award on FanDuel Sportsbook. Followed is new head coach Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots. Landing in Duval County from Tampa, Liam Coen of the Jacksonville Jaguars is next up in line. Five of the top favorite candidates to win Coach of the Year are newly hired.

Last year the trophy was awarded to Minnesota Vikings' Kevin O'Connell. Given there are several newly hired head coaches in the NFL, New York Giants HC Brian Daboll was the most recent to win Coach of the Year in his first season with the team(2022).

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The 2025-2026 NFL Coach of the Year won't be chosen based on just one qualification. Often, the award goes to a coach who helps their team exceed expectations and perform well over the course of the season, typically with a record well above .500.  Dark-horse picks include Pete Carroll, Dave Canales, Kyle Shanahan, and Raheem Morris.

Let's take a look at the top NFL Coach of the Year candidates, including both favorites and dark-horse picks. In this article you will find the current FanDuel betting odds, and my expert prediction.

2025-2026 NFL Coach of the Year Odds (FanDuel)

Favorites:

• Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears (+650)
• Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots (+750)
• Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars (+1000)

Dark-Horse Candidates

• Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders (+1400)
• Dave Canales, Carolina Panthers (+1400)
• Kyle Shanahan, San Fransisco 49ers (+2000)
• Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons (+3000)

(Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook)

NFL Coach of the Year Leading Candidates

Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears (+650)

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is the favorite to win AP NFL Coach of the Year after serving as the Detroit Lions' Offensive Coordinator. Having singed a 5-year $65 million deal with an NFC North division rival, there's optimism in the Windy City.

Awarded various coaching roles in the NFL, Johnson is best known for his time in Detroit. Helping transform the Lions into one of the biggest powerhouses, he served as offensive quality control coach, tight ends coach, passing game coordinator, and offensive coordinator.

Leading the NFL's top offense under Dan Campbell in 2024 (33.2 averaged points scored), the Lions had an explosive offense powered by running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Known for his aggressive fourth down play calling, he unlocked the potential of Jared Goff, Sam LaPorta, and Amon-Ra St. Brown.

There's confidence Johnson can do the same in Chicago. With second-year quarterback Caleb Williams at the helm, Johnson has the opportunity to unlock a dynamic Bears' offense. With a talented wide receiving core that consists of DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Luther III, Johnson is reunited with running back D'Andre Swift.

Last season, not only were the Lions the top offensive producing team, Johnson led them to the third best red zone offense (69.4 %), third down offense (47.6 %), and ranked second in passing offense (263.2). Overall, Detroit averaged the second-most total offensive yards per game (409.5). There's overall positivity following the fact Johnson led the Lions to the NFC Championship game in 2023.

Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots (+750)

A three-time Super Bowl Champion with the Patriots as a player, Mike Vrabel finds himself back in New England, this time as head coach.

Named AP NFL Coach of the Year with the Tennessee Titans in 2021, Vrabel led the Titans to two No.1 overall finishes in the AFC South, and led the Titans to the AFC Championship game against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019.

Post Jerod Mayo, it's easy to see why Vrabel is a favorite for the award. While replacing Bill Belichick is not an easy feat, the Patriots landed their future franchise quarterback in Drake Maye.

Overall, Vrabel was part of the New England Patriots dynasty that featured legendary quarterback Tom Brady. If anyone knows how to win games, it's Vrabel. Maye should get an instant boost after the signing of wideout Stefon Diggs. In addition, the Patriots made several signings to boost their defensive line, including Milton Williams, who signed a 4-year $104 million deal in the offseason.

We saw how well he executed a Titans offense that included Derrick Henry and A.J Brown. This is the perfect situation for Vrabel, who is all about toughness and culture. It's well known player-coach relationships are important to him, so I'm curious to see his hands on approach with rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson.

The Patriots have the second-easiest schedule behind the 49ers this upcoming season. Although it's the Buffalo Bills' division to lose, Vrabel can help turn around a Patriots that finished with a 4-13 record last season.

Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars (+1000)

Considered a top candidate for Coach of the Year, Liam Coen is all in. Notorious for his Duval press conference, Coen signed a five-year deal to become the next head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

It's safe to say the Doug Pederson era is over in Duval County after finishing with a 4-13 record in 2024.

Let's be honest. This is a Jaguars team that's never won a Super Bowl, and has been on the losing end more often than not. Making playoff appearances just twice in the last 15 years, Jacksonville hires Coen to turn around the franchise.

The Jaguars have their franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, who's yet to have a breakout season. Now they've added some key pieces after drafting two-way standout Travis Hunter in the 2025 NFL Draft. Not to mention, Jacksonville has a bona fide star wideout in former LSU star, Brian Thomas Jr.

Recently serving as Offensive Coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, this is Coen's first gig as head coach. However, Coen does fall under the Sean McVay coaching tree, and was run heavy and quarterback focused last season in Tampa Bay.

Unlocking quarterback Baker Mayfield's true potential, that could be key for Lawrence and the Jaguars offense. In just one lone season with the Buccaneers, the team ranked third in total offense under Coen, averaging nearly 400 years per game. Not to mention, Tampa Bay ranked third in passing offensive (250.4), fourth in rushing offensive (149.1), and fourth in scoring offense (29.5 points per game).

Coen has the opportunity to unlock a dynamic and explosive offense. If that translates from Tampa, this can be an exciting team to watch. With a fairly decent schedule, I'm not trusting the defense just yet.

NFL Coach of the Year Dark-Horse Candidates

Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders (+1400)

Legendary head coach Pete Carroll is back in business after signing a three-year deal to become the next head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Widely known as one of the most decorated coaches in history, Carroll is best known for leading USC and the Seattle Seahawks to a National Championship and Super Bowl.

Having served 14 years as the Seahawks' head coach, Carroll brings loads of experience both at the collegiate and professional level. One of three coaches in history to win at both levels, Carroll has over 18 years of experience under his belt.

Over his illustrious career, Carroll has coached some of the greats— Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas, Bobby Wagner, Richard Sherman, Doug Baldwin, and Michael Bennett, just to name a few.

Caroll is a defensive minded coach, hence leading the "Legion of Boom" defensive during the 2010s in Seattle.

Now he joins a tough AFC West division that includes the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Rams. It won't be an easy task, the entire division is a stacked one.

Overall, the Raiders have revamped their offense, drafting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty sixth overall in the 2025 Draft. Pairing Jeanty with tight end Brock Bowers, the Raiders have the opportunity to become an explosive offense. Plus, the Raiders recently added wideout Amari Cooper to pair with Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, and Jack Bech.

Pete Carroll Reunites With Las Vegas Raiders Quarterback Geno Smith

Talk about familiarity, newly acquired quarterback Geno Smith reunites with Carroll from their days in Seattle.

With a defense led by star rusher Maxx Crosby, the Raiders made several defensive upgrades with linebackers Devin White, Jaylon Smith, and Jamal Adams. However, the defense remains a big question mark.

Let's face it, the Raiders haven't been a winning team for quite some time, and last made the playoffs in 2021. They hardly resemble a franchise that was so dominant in the 1970s and 1980s.

I do think Pete Caroll is a great fit here. He may not win a Super Bowl in his first year, but he should instantly provide a positive impact. Having ranked No.28 in scoring offense (18.2 points per game), the Raiders were ranked 25 in scoring defense. In a competitive division, Carroll will have his work cut out for him.

Dave Canales, Carolina Panthers (+1400)

Named the Carolina Panthers head coach in 2024, Dave Canales is a top dark-horse candidate for Coach of the Year.

Having served as Offensive Coordinate for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Canales was part of the Seattle Seawhawks' 2010 Super Bowl Championship. He's coached some of the best in the NFL under Pete Carroll, and now has a shot to turn the Panthers organization around.

It's not easy developing an NFL quarterback, especially one in Bryce Young. While the verdict is still out on Young, the Panthers finished a dreadful 5-12  in the NFC South last season. Canales has the task of bringing this franchise alive again. After all, they haven't seen the Super Bowl since the Cam Newton days, and haven't made the playoffs since 2017!

The Panthers made some noise, selecting former Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillan No. 8 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Now with Adam Thielen shipped to the Vikings, McMillan provides an instant boost on the offensive end.

If Young can continue on a positive trajectory, the Panthers should take a step forward in year two under Canales. Luckily, the Panthers have a forgiving schedule this season. A coach that promotes a balanced passing and run attack, Jonathon Brooks was ruled out for the 2025 season. Although disappointing, they have backs in Chuba Hubbard, Rico Dowdle, and Trevor Etienne.

The Matt Rhule and Frank Reich era are over meaning, the Panthers can turn this around. While the Buccaneers and Falcons are favored among the NFC South, the Panthers can build off a five-win season. The Ron Rivera days are far gone, however, Canales is a great dark-horse candidate.

Kyle Shanahan, San Fransisco 49ers (+2000)

San Fransisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has never won Coach of the Year award despite leading the 49ers to two Super Bowls and two NFC Championship games.

Having finished 6-11 last year in the NFC West, if anyone can turn around this franchise, it's Shanahan.

With quarterback Brock Purdy at the helm, the 49ers sent wideout Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders. Now with Brandon Aiyuk moved to the PUP list, it will be interesting to see how this offense looks with wide receivers Juan Jennings (injured), Ricky Pearsall, and George Kittle.

Star running back Christian McCaffrey is healthy, and played just three games last season due to injury. Plus, San Fransisco made reinforcements by trading for running back Brian Robinson Jr. and wideout, Skyy Moore.

Shanahan is one of the best in the business, and is known for his unique play calling, as we've seen with Deebo Samuel jet sweeps in the past. If the 49ers can stay healthy, this team can make a run. Especially since they have the most forgiving schedule this season.

A dark-horse candidate, Shanahan has great value at +2000 odds, although the 49ers lost several players in the offseason.  Once a team led by veterans, Shanahan will look to rely and bounce back on rookies and younger players. While Fred Warner and Nick Bosa headline the defense, the roster is drastically revamped.

If you want value, this is the choice.

Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons (+3000)

One of my favorite dark-horse candidates, Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is in the preseason NFL Coach of the Year talks for the 2025-2026 season.

A long shot among several sportsbooks, Morris has great value here at +3000 odds.

The Falcons are coming off a 8-9 season, and will officially enter the Michael Penix Jr. era. Having signed Kirk Cousins, he suffered injuries last year, and now he will serve as backup quarterback.

The Falcons have the fourth easiest strength of schedule, and sit in a weak NFC South Division. While the Buccaneers are the favorites, don't sleep on the Falcons.

Atlanta instantly upgraded their defense by selecting Edge's Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. No. 15 and No. 26 overall in the NFL Draft. We know the pass rush is fixed, but it came at a price getting Pearce Jr. Add that to a stacked defense that rosters Leonard Floyd, A.J. Terrell Jr., and Jesse Bates III.

Given the strength of schedule, the defensive should improve, one that ranked 23 in scoring defense (24.9)

Offensively, this is a Falcons team that ranked fifth in passing yards (293.3), and No. 10 in rushing. With star running back Bijan Robinson, Penix Jr. is loaded with offensive weapons. That includes wideouts Drake London, and Darnell Mooney. Is this the year Kyle Pitts Sr. breaks out at tight end?

The Falcons improved on both sides of the ball, and will bank on Penix Jr. to lead them at the helm. If they win the division or total well over eight wins, I do believe Raheem Morris is in the COY conversation.

Final 2025-2026 NFL Coach of the Year (COY) Prediction

Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears (+650)

I normally don't go with "corporate" or popular picks, however, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is my Coach of the Year best bet.

Although they don't have a favorable strength of schedule, the Bears can easily transform into one of the most improved under Johnson's leadership.

I'm looking at teams with low win totals from last season, and that was Chicago at just five victories. We are talking about a team that has a revamped receiving core and offensive line. Plus, Caleb Williams' rookie season is behind him.

Sure, the NFC North is a tough division—one that features the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings. However, there's value at +650, and the defense should improve despite questions at left tackle.

Williams now has weapons all around him, including rookie tight end Colston Loveland. This team has the chance to be a top ten ranked team on ball sides of the ball. I'm going with Ben Johnson as my 2025-2026 NFL Coach of the Year.