There is one week left in the 2019 National Football League regular season. Playoff scenarios are now becoming clearer and coming to completion. Here are five NFL coaches who deserve to be considered for NFL coach of the year.
1)Sean McDermott
For the second time in three seasons, the Buffalo Bills at 10 wins and five losses are playoff-bound after going 6-10 a year ago. There is no doubt McDermott has made a difference with the Bills. Prior to him coming on board in 2017, the Bills had missed the playoffs for 17 straight seasons. What McDermott has been able to bring to Buffalo is drastically improved overall defensive play. At 246 points allowed, the Bills have given up the second fewest points in the NFL.
2) Mike Tomlin
This could be considered Mike Tomlin’s finest coaching season. Without star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger since week two due to injury, the Pittsburgh Steelers were not expected to contend in 2019. After going 1-4 out of the gate, the Steelers have now won six of eight games, and at eight wins and seven losses, have a chance of reaching the postseason.
3) Jon Gruden
At the start of the 2019 NFL season, the Antonio Brown saga dominated headlines. The Raiders decided to finally release the troubled wide receiver. Questions started to appear as to how Oakland would be able to salvage the season. Oakland has done just fine in their final year in northern California before moving to the bright lights of Vegas. At seven wins and eight losses, Jon Gruden has provided the Raiders consistent leadership, and with some help, Oakland is still mathematically in contention for an AFC playoff berth.
4) Matt LaFleur
In his first season with the Green Bay Packers, Matt LaFleur is my pick for NFL coach of the year. Last season, the Packers had a losing season at 6-9-1 and were expected to once again be behind the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears in the NFC North. However, with a much-improved defense, the Packers are at 12-3 and can still be the no.1 seed in the NFC.
5) Kyle Shanahan
What can you say about the job of Kyle Shanahan this season? Last year San Francisco were at four wins and 12 losses. This year, they are at 12 wins and three losses. After giving up 435 points last season, San Francisco has only given up 289 points in 2019.
