Here's Who Will Be Named NFL Coach of the Year For 2022 Season
Predicting who will win the NFL Coach of the Year award is always tricky because there are usually a half dozen or more candidates who seem like they could be worthy based on dramatic improvement from a season ago.
Since 2000, the average Coach of the Year winner has guided his team to an improvement of nearly six wins from the previous season.
Another interesting stat is that 11 of the last 30 winners have been rookie head coaches.
Which is why new Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and new Denver Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett are among the co-favorites, both at +1500, according to oddsmakers at Caesars Sportsbook, to take home the honors.
But I think the best bet is Detroit’s Dan Campbell, who’s just a bit behind at +1700.
I’ve already written about how I believe the Lions defense will be much better in 2022, thanks to my Defensive Rookie of the Year prediction Aidan Hutchinson.
A buddy and I believe the Lions, who were 3-13-1 last season, are going to win at least seven games and possibly even as many as nine or 10, which would definitely get them into the playoffs. If that happens, I believe Campbell is a shoo-in.
Why so optimistic?
Last season, the Lions had six losses by a score or less, so they weren’t as bad as the record indicates.
Next, they have the fifth-easiest schedule in the NFL this season and play in the so-so NFC North.
In addition to Hutchinson, they added stud wide receiver Jameson Williams from Alabama in their A-plus Draft in April.
That gives Jared Goff, who’s still only 27, an immediate deep threat and a chance to have the best year of his career.
There’s also the “Hard Knocks” factor. Many people are intrigued by this year’s Lions and that includes NFL analysts, who happen to love Campbell’s style and enthusiasm.
Remember, 50 Associated Press members each cast one vote to determine the Coach of the Year winner and if Campbell gets them to 7-9 victories, I believe he wins.
So, in closing, I’m among several jumping on the Detroit bandwagon. As a buddy of mine, a huge Lions fan, just texted me after I informed him of this: “Yeah, baby!”
Let’s rock these two bets, sports fans: Campbell to win Coach of the Year and the Lions to crush their current over-under win total of 6.5.
Done and done.
