Best 2023 NFL Coach of the Year Candidates

By Oliver Vaughn

January 31st, 2023

With the NFL regular season wrapping up, it's time to start thinking about who the leading candidates are for Coach of the Year. There are a lot of great coaches in the league, but we've narrowed it down to 2023's top five. Here they are; Kyle Shanahan (49ers), Nick Sirianni (Philadelphia Eagles), Brian Daboll (New York Giants), Doug Pederson (Jacksonville Jaguars), and Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers). We'll take a look at why each of these coaches deserves consideration for the award.


Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers (13-4)

Kyle Shanahan, the current head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, is a leading candidate for NFL Coach of the Year honors. Leading by example and inspiring his players to better heights, Shanahan has guided the 49ers on an incredible current 13-4 winning streak.

His knack for finding ways to get the most out of all positions has made him a stand-out candidate and a must-watch during this season. With stunts like 4th down gambles and deep strategic analysis during games dominating headlines, there's no doubt he's put himself in line for recognition as one of football's best young coaches.


Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)

Nick Sirianni, the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, has emerged as one of the most impressive coaches in the NFL this season. Under his leadership and guidance, the team has exceeded expectations, garnering multiple wins and maintaining a strong hold on a playoff spot.


Sirianni's creative playcalling ability and innovative smart adjustments to game situations have generated tremendous praise from football pundits near and far. With an explosive offense and solid defense, there's no denying that he is another great NFL coach of the year candidate - a well-deserved honor for one of the league's best minds.

Brian Daboll, New York Giants (9-7-1)

Brian Daboll, coach of the New York Giants, has strongly impacted the 2023 season. His guidance helped guide the team to an impressive current 9-7-1 record that makes them one of the favorites to land a spot at this year’s Super Bowl, and he is also highly considered for the NFL Coach of the Year Award.

Daboll has made a name for himself as a coach who positively contributes to his team's success by getting the best out of their players. Even more amazingly, this is all accomplished under the tremendous pressure on coaches today. If Brian continues his trajectory of great success, he may soon be walking away with one of football’s most prestigious awards.

Doug Pederson, Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8)

Doug Pederson is another likely candidate for NFL coach of the year. After taking over the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, Pederson has reshaped the team and made a real impact on their performance this season. From his record with the Philadelphia Eagles and an impressive 20 years as a coach, he came in with big aspirations in Jacksonville.

With a new energy, training regimens, and approaches to both offensive and defensive play, he’s turned things around. It seems like the Jackson Jaguars can only be going up from here! We’ll have to wait and see if his hard work pays off, but it looks like Doug Pederson is one of the strongest contenders for the NFL Coach of The Year award.


Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers (9-8)

Mike Tomlin, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been praised as one of the best coaches in the NFL. During his 15-year career with the Steelers, Tomlin managed to bring them to three Super Bowl appearances, securing two victories and six division titles.

His innovative methods and untiring drive have helped propel him to become a nominee for such a prestigious award this season. Despite being unable to make a super bowl appearance this year, Mike Tomlin's immense capabilities have demonstrated why he is truly one of the most valuable members of the Pittsburgh Steelers family.


Although the NFL Coach of the Year is one of the most anticipated awards, the NFL props have also made quite a stir, with the NFL player props odds getting impressive volume this season. So as we enter the final stages of the 2022-23 season, be sure to stay up to date with the latest NFL news and rumors, as there is sure to be more drama before the season ends at the Super Bowl on the 12th of February!

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