Coach of the Year

Yeah, it's that time of year when everyone does their end of year awards. I don't intend to do much of that, but coaches deserve some credit. I will try to be a little different and offer up a few different categories.

Maybe Next Year
These are the coaches who made good progress this year and/or should make good progress next year. These are the guys you hear very little about, but are building future winners.

1. Mike Mularkey, Buffalo -- A nice run at the end very nearly put the Bills in the playoffs. The defense is sound and the offense will be one year more experienced. A good start next year would give them a chance for 10 wins.
2. Steve Mariucci, Detroit -- Remember how bad the Lions were 2 or 3 years ago? Leno was making fun of them nightly! They were 6-10 this year, but their last 3 losses were by 1, 3, and 5 points. Change those losses to wins and they are in the playoff hunt. They had a tendency to get blown out, but they are definitely headed in the right direction.
3. Joe Gibbs, Washington -- The defense is solid, the running game will improve, and they have most of the pieces in place for a decent title run. They just need to improve at QB and receiver. A healthy Portis should explode next year.
4. Dennis Green, Arizona -- The Cardinals are no longer a doormat. Green has them playing good defense and most of their losses were by a TD or less. In that division it won't take much improvement to win. Green just needs to find a long-term solution at QB and RB positions.
5. Nick Saban, Miami -- I know he hasn't coached a down in the NFL, but he is taking over a Dolphins team that has a very good defense and a lot of potential on offense. If he improves the offensive line dramatically, gets the team healthy, and settles on a decent QB, he could find that he jumped on board with a playoff team in his first season.

Honorable Mention
1. Mart Schottenheimer, San Diego -- A lot of people think he should be the coach of the year. He did a great job getting the Chargers on top of the AFC West and in position to make some noise in the playoffs, especially now that Elway is retired (Elway ended many a Marty playoff run). Schottenheimer has built a solid defense and now has the offense he always wanted; solid running game, smart QB, and good receivers. He'll be back next year, too.
2. Tony Dungy, Indianapolis -- The only thing between the Colts and the Lombardi Trophy is their own defense. Dungy did a good job racking up 12 wins, but needs that defense to move up.
3. Jim Mora, Atlanta -- The Falcons changed coaches and offensive and defensive styles, then won 11 games and the NFC South. Not bad. And if they pull an upset and get to the Super Bowl, a lot of people will want to change their votes.

They Just Keep Winning
1. Bill Belichick, New England
2. Andy Reid, Philadelphia
3. Mike Shanahan, Denver
4. Mike Sherman, Green Bay

Underperformed
1. Mike Tice, Minnesota
2. Dick Vermeil, Kansas City
3. Bill Parcells, Dallas
4. Tom Coughlin, New York Giants
5. Jim Haslett, New Orleans

Coach of the Year
Bill Cowher, Pittsburgh Steelers

There can be little debate about this one! Cowher keeps building great defenses and this is one of his best. The aggressive, hard-hitting style fits perfectly into what you think of when you think back to the Steelers' glory years. Next, he brought in Staley and convinced the Bus to play a role on the team, rather than starring. Bettis responded with character and showed that team is more important than stats if you want the ring (take note Shaun).

And who else but Cowher (maybe one or two others) could bring in a rookie and win 13 straight? Roethlisberger is not flashy and is not putting up big numbers, but Cowher has him playing smart football. If 15-1 doesn't deserve coach of the year, what does it take?