Legendary DL J.J. Watt uses the Chiefs as an example to point out a major flaw for prestigious award
The NFL Coach of the Year award has come under scrutiny in recent years. Often times the criteria for the prestigious prize is based off of which coach took a team from a losing season to a winning record in the following year. Some recent examples of that are Kevin Stefanski (twice), Brian Daboll, and […]
The NFL Coach of the Year award has come under scrutiny in recent years.
Often times the criteria for the prestigious prize is based off of which coach took a team from a losing season to a winning record in the following year. Some recent examples of that are Kevin Stefanski (twice), Brian Daboll, and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy.
Stefanski has been all over the map as the Cleveland Browns' coach, recording three losing records in five years. Daboll hasn't posted a winning record with the New York Giants since winning the award and may be getting canned at the conclusion of this season. As for Nagy, he followed up his Coach of the Year campaign with the Chicago Bears by going 8-8 in back-to-back years.
When it comes to great coaches, they are frequently overlooked because it is expected that they are going to do well. That has been the case for the Chiefs' Andy Reid, who hasn't won Coach of the Year since 2002 when he was with the Philadelphia Eagles. Reid has had more success in Kansas City than he had in Philadelphia, but puzzlingly has never gotten true consideration for the award.
While joining "The Pat McAfee Show" on Wednesday, future Hall of Fame defensive lineman J.J. Watt was asked who he believes the best head coach in the NFL is, and he confidently answered with Reid. Watt also stated that the best coach in the league doesn't often line up with who wins Coach of the Year, and that many people don't appreciate what Reid has accomplished with the Chiefs.
Watt pointed out that this season specifically has been some of Reid's best work, leading K.C. to a 13-1 record thus far despite having limitations offensively. Watt also gave credit to Reid's ability to always get his players to buy in, his longevity, and assembling a great coaching staff. Perhaps Reid has reached the point of being taken for granted and will never win another Coach of the Year award, but he surely will trade that for continuing to rack up Super Bowls.
