Every offseason, sports betting fans circle one futures market that blends narratives, surprises, and long-shot value: the NFL Coach of the Year odds. Unlike MVP or Super Bowl bets, this Coach of the Year award is rarely won by a preseason favorite. Instead, it usually goes to a head coach who engineers a dramatic turnaround or guides an underdog into playoff contention.
That’s why this market is so appealing. Bettors aren’t just wagering on records – they’re wagering on stories. Whether it’s a first-year head coach like Ben Johnson with the Chicago Bears or a veteran like Mike Vrabel returning to the New England Patriots, the “best narrative” often decides who will win Coach of the Year.
NFL Coach of the Year Odds: Current Betting Lines
The 2025 year odds feature several familiar names alongside new faces. Below is a sportsbook comparison of the top contenders:
| Coach (Team) | FanDuel | DraftKings | Caesars | BetMGM |
| Ben Johnson (Bears) | +650 | +700 | +650 | +650 |
| Mike Vrabel (Patriots) | +750 | +600 | +700 | +700 |
| Liam Coen (Jaguars) | +1000 | +1200 | +1200 | +1400 |
| Jonathan Gannon (Cardinals) | +2000 | +1400 | +1500 | +1200 |
| Aaron Glenn (Jets) | +1000 | +1600 | +1500 | +1500 |
| Pete Carroll (Raiders) | +1400 | +1600 | +1500 | +1500 |
| Dave Canales (Panthers) | +1400 | +1600 | +1600 | +1600 |
Odds subject to change – shop around for the best coach odds before placing your bets.
Breaking Down the Favorites
Ben Johnson – Chicago Bears (+650)
The spotlight is on head coach Ben Johnson, who takes over the Chicago Bears after a 5–12 season. Johnson, the former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, was known for designing one of the NFL’s most creative attacks. Now, with rookie QB Caleb Williams and an upgraded roster, the Bears could make a massive leap.
If Johnson leads Chicago back into playoff contention, expect him to be a frontrunner to win NFL Coach of the Year. His narrative fits the mold: a first year head coach transforming a struggling team into a winner.
Mike Vrabel – New England Patriots (+700)
Mike Vrabel is no stranger to this award, having already won in 2021 with the Titans. Now he returns to Foxborough to coach the New England Patriots, where he once won Super Bowls as a player. The Patriots have been desperate for a reset, and Vrabel’s leadership could spark it.
If he helps second-year QB Drake Maye develop quickly and pushes the Pats toward 9–10 wins, bettors backing Vrabel to win coach of the year will be in prime position.
Liam Coen – Jacksonville Jaguars (+1200)
Liam Coen brings fresh offensive firepower to a Jacksonville Jaguars roster that flopped in 2024. With Trevor Lawrence healthy, Coen has the tools to orchestrate a rebound. If the Jaguars surge back into the AFC South race, his opening odds of +1200 could look like a bargain.
Other Notables
- Pete Carroll (Las Vegas Raiders): At 71, Carroll has a chance to reinvent the Raiders. If Geno Smith and rookie TE Brock Bowers shine, voters may finally reward him with the year award he’s never won.
- Jonathan Gannon (Arizona Cardinals): Even moderate improvement from a one-win team could put Gannon in the mix.
- Aaron Glenn (Jets): A talented defense and playoff push would give this first-time head coach real buzz.
Sleeper Picks Worth Watching
- Dan Campbell – Detroit Lions (20/1 to 35/1): A fan favorite who still hasn’t claimed the year award. If the Lions dominate the NFC North, Campbell could finally break through.
- Mike Tomlin – Steelers (~25/1): One of the league’s most respected coaches, yet he has never won Coach of the Year. A surprise AFC North title would change that.
- Jim Harbaugh – Los Angeles Chargers (15/1 – 20/1): Back in the NFL with a stacked roster. A big Chargers run would make him a serious contender.
- Kellen Moore – New Orleans Saints (~20/1): Known for offensive creativity, Moore could elevate the Saints’ attack and sneak into contention.
Historical Trends in Coach of the Year
Looking at past winners shows clear betting angles:
- 10+ wins almost required. Since 1991, only Brian Daboll’s 9–7–1 Giants broke the rule.
- Turnarounds win the award. Kevin Stefanski (2020) and Matt Nagy (2018) are prime examples of taking losing teams and flipping them fast.
- First year head coaches excel. McVay (2017), Daboll (2022), and Stefanski (2020) all won in year one.
- Veterans can still sneak in. John Harbaugh won in 2019 after a 14–2 Ravens season, proving dominant records can matter if historic enough.
Recent Year Winners:
- 2024 – Kevin O’Connell (Vikings)
- 2023 – Kevin Stefanski (Browns)
- 2022 – Brian Daboll (Giants)
- 2021 – Mike Vrabel (Titans)
- 2020 – Kevin Stefanski (Browns)
Strategic Betting Insights
For bettors (and any sports betting expert), here’s how to approach the 2025 NFL Coach of the Year odds:
- Target first year head coaches with room to surprise.
- Grab value early – year opening odds usually shorten if a team starts hot.
- Diversify tickets with both favorites and sleepers.
- Track media hype – perception fuels awards.
- Keep an eye on injury adversity; voters reward resilience.
Final ClutchBuzz Prediction
The 2025 NFL Coach of the Year race is loaded with intrigue. Ben Johnson could ignite the Bears. Mike Vrabel could restore the Patriots. And veterans like Pete Carroll or Jim Harbaugh might engineer surprise runs with the Raiders or Chargers.
History tells us it’s not about who the “best” NFL coach is – it’s about who outperforms expectations the most. Bettors who anticipate that storyline early will cash in when the award is announced.
Final Pick: Back Ben Johnson at +650 while his odds still carry value. Sprinkle sleeper bets on Dan Campbell and Jim Harbaugh for long-shot coverage.
