NFL
betting players look for variety in their wagering options, and coach of
the year is one of the many futures available in your offshore sportsbook.
Atlanta’s Mike Smith won in 2008 for his wizardly job with the Falcons, so who
will follow up?
Norv
Turner, San Diego
The Chargers were 8-8 last year, and still managed to
win the feeble AFC West. They’ll be better this year, especially with a healthy
Shawne Merriman back to aid a defense that was atrocious in 2008. The weakness
of the division may hurt his chances, but if the Chargers can win four more
games this year, he has to be considered in your offshore
sportsbook.
Marvin
Lewis, Cincinnati
Lewis’ job has been on the line for the last couple of
years, but this could be the year that the Bengals break out. Cincy won three
straight at the end of 2008 to finish 4-11-1, and they have Carson Palmer back
and healthy. Chad Ochocinco looks ready to avoid being a distraction, but only
time will tell in that respect. The defense was surprisingly good, and it’s
about time, seeing as how Lewis was a defensive genius in Baltimore.
Bill
Belichick, New England
Belichick flies under the radar for two reasons: the
Patriots are always good, and he has a wealth of amazing players at his
disposal. But all the talent in the world means nothing if you can’t get
players to buy into your system, and there is no one better in the NFL at this
than Belichick, “Spygate” scandals and all. He’s already won the award twice,
and would join legends Don Shula and Chuck Knox as the only coaches to win
three times or more (Shula has four). The problem with Belichick here is,
because he’s so good, he won’t offer much value if you’re a betting
management player.
Dick
Jauron, Buffalo
No one has a bigger task this year than Jauron, who has
to balance coaching a football team with the circus that follows Terrell Owens,
who joined the team from Dallas. Jauron won this award with Chicago back in
2001, but he’s had three straight 7-9 years with the Bills. Half of the problem
is an AFC East dominated by New England and an improving Miami team, and the
other half is plain old underachieving. Despite having poor Super Bowl odds, Jauron
has a good squad this year: let’s see what he’s made of.
Mike
Singletary, San Francisco
Singletary, a Hall of Fame linebacker, took over for
the fired Mike Nolan halfway through 2008, and although he got off to a rough
start, the 49ers ended the season by winning five of their final nine games.
With a full training camp under his belt, Singletary should have imposed his
legendary intensity on the team by now. The 49ers also got lucky by receiver
Michael Crabtree falling to 10th in the draft, and the NFC West is
pretty weak. If they can get to the playoffs, look for Singletary to be in many
football picks
for Coach of the Year.