(All odds from Betonline.ag)
Head coaches in their first year with a new team have won this award 5 of the past 10 seasons.
After 8 of 9 of their losses happened by 10 points or less Chargers coach Anthony Lynn was fired, paving the way for coach of the year favorite Brandon Staley (+1000) to take the reigns. Barring a sophomore slump by AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert, Staley may just win it.
Here are the options S&HR is looking at:
Arthur Smith +1600
A dismal 4-12 record last season may make it easy for Smith to engineer at least the perception of a turnaround. With new super weapon Kyle Pitts in town Matt “Mr. Roboto” Ryan will have a much easier time of things. This isn’t our first pick but definitely one to consider.
Frank Reich +2200
Praise the Lord! Coach Frank has his friend from Philadelphia Carson Wentz in at QB and we believe this team will continue its upward trajectory after losing to Buffalo by 3 in the Wild Card round. As a matter of fact Wentz is our pick for Comeback Player of the Year. And if Wentz comes close to achieving that Reich should bring this award to Indianapolis.
Robert Saleh +2200
Saleh benefits from walking into the media capital of the world, taking over a 2-14 team, and adding first round QB Zach Wilson. If he could somehow get this team to just 8-8 it would be a 6-win improvement and he would have to be carefully considered.
Jon Gruden +3300
It’s entertaining watching Gruden make those grotesque faces on the sideline when the Raiders play themselves out of contention late in the year. Will this year be different? 10-6 is within the realm of possibility and could get media darling Gruden the win.
No coach of a losing team has won this award since Jimmy Johnson with Dallas in 1990 (7-9). But there are two long shot candidates who have a chance this season:
Urban Meyer +2500
Jacksonville was horrible last year (1-15). With new QB Trevor Lawrence drafted to be the face of the franchise and new HC Meyer it wouldn’t be shocking to see Jacksonville improve by winning 5-7 more games. But would it be enough?
David Culley +5000
The longest shot on the board takes over a Houston franchise in complete disarray thanks to the petulance - and possible sex crimes - of star QB DeShaun Watson. Anything 6-10 or better would see Culley deserving this award but again, will that be enough?
JHK
