As the NFL regular season hits the home stretch and the playoff picture starts to crystallize, one thing becomes clear every year: coaching matters. A lot.
While talent on the field wins games, it's the leadership on the sidelines that often separates contenders from pretenders. And with the annual carousel of coaching changes already in motion - including in-season firings like Brian Daboll and Brian Callahan - the spotlight is firmly on the men steering the ship.
This season, as we head into a pivotal Week 16, a handful of head coaches have risen above the rest - not just managing expectations but redefining them. Whether it’s overcoming injuries, getting the most out of young rosters, or simply out-scheming opponents week after week, these coaches have made their case for the NFL’s Coach of the Year award.
Let’s break down the top five contenders as the regular season winds down.
5. Kyle Shanahan - San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Shanahan doesn’t always get the loudest headlines, but what he’s done this season with the 49ers deserves serious recognition. San Francisco has quietly weathered a storm of injuries - including at the quarterback position - and still managed to carve out a 10-4 record. That’s not just surviving; that’s thriving in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions.
With the NFC West still within reach, Shanahan has kept his team humming despite missing key pieces on both sides of the ball. His offensive system continues to elevate whoever is under center, and the Niners have remained a tough out week in and week out.
If San Francisco can close strong and snag the division title, Shanahan’s case for Coach of the Year becomes a lot more compelling. He’s once again showing why he's one of the best minds in football - adapting, adjusting, and winning.
4. Liam Coen - Jacksonville Jaguars
Liam Coen might be new to the head coaching ranks, but you wouldn’t know it by watching the Jaguars this season. Sitting at 10-4 and leading the AFC South, Coen has turned Jacksonville into a legitimate contender - and he’s doing it in his first year at the helm.
What stands out most is how Coen has helped Trevor Lawrence find his rhythm down the stretch. The offense is clicking, the defense is opportunistic, and the Jaguars are very much in the hunt for the AFC’s top seed. That’s a remarkable turnaround for a team that, not long ago, was stuck in the league’s basement.
Coen’s impact has been immediate and undeniable. He’s brought a fresh energy to the franchise and has his team playing with confidence and purpose. If Jacksonville finishes strong, Coen will have a strong case not just as a top rookie head coach - but as the league’s best this season, period.
Stay tuned as we continue to track the top Coach of the Year candidates heading into the final weeks. With playoff seeds on the line and pressure mounting, the next few games could make or break these coaches’ bids for the NFL’s top sideline honor.