2024-25 NFL Coach of the Year Predictions: Eberflus Tops the List in Chicago

As the Chicago Bears gear up for the 2024-25 NFL season under the guidance of head coach Matt Eberflus, all eyes are on the potential for a major turnaround. With rookie quarterback Caleb Williams at the helm, the Bears are poised for a significant improvement, placing Eberflus as a frontrunner for the Coach of the Year award.

Current Betting Odds for NFL Coach of the Year

The race for the NFL Coach of the Year seems particularly competitive this year, with several coaches listed as top contenders. Here's a look at some of the notable names and their odds:

• Matt Eberflus (Chicago Bears): +1,000
• Raheem Morris (Atlanta Falcons): +1,000
• Jim Harbaugh (Los Angeles Chargers): +1,400
• Demeco Ryans (Houston Texans): +1,400
• Jonathon Gannon (Arizona Cardinals): +1,400
• Shane Steichen (Indianapolis Colts): +1,600
• Matt LaFleur (Green Bay Packers): +1,600
• Dave Canales (Carolina Panthers): +1,800
• Robert Saleh (New York Jets): +2,000
• Jerod Mayo (New England Patriots): +2,000

Odds as of June 12, 2024.

Spotlight on Matt Eberflus

Despite a challenging start with a .294 winning percentage over his first two seasons, the optimism surrounding Matt Eberflus's leadership remains high in Chicago. Following a rocky 0-4 start last season, the Bears finished with a 7-6 record, showcasing substantial defensive improvements.

With the addition of No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, and a talented receiving corps featuring D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze, the Bears are well-positioned to secure their first winning season since 2018.

Raheem Morris at the Helm in Atlanta

After various roles with the Atlanta Falcons from 2015 to 2020, Raheem Morris returns as head coach following two successful seasons as the Rams' defensive coordinator. With a promising defensive lineup and a standout running back in Bijan Robinson, Morris aims to lead the Falcons back to postseason glory, a feat not achieved since 2017.

Jim Harbaugh's Return to the NFL

Jim Harbaugh brings a legacy of success from college football back to the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers. Known for his transformative impact at previous coaching stints, Harbaugh inherits a talented squad featuring quarterback Justin Herbert, defensive stalwarts Joey Bosa, Asante Samuel Jr., and Derwin James. The Chargers are eager to rebound from their disappointing 5-11 performance last season.

Historical Insights on NFL Coach of the Year

The NFL Coach of the Year award has been historically elusive for repeat winners. Not since Joe Gibbs in 1982 and 1983 has a coach won back-to-back titles. The award has seen multiple winners, with coaches like Don Shula, Chuck Knox, and Bill Belichick securing it three or more times.

Interestingly, only one coach, Jimmy Johnson in 1990, has won Coach of the Year honors with a team finishing below .500. This highlights the award's focus on coaches who exceed expectations rather than just leading the best teams.

Recent Winners of the NFL Coach of the Year

This year's race for the NFL Coach of the Year is shaping up to be a fascinating contest, with several capable leaders at the forefront. As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see which coach can outperform expectations and possibly secure this prestigious accolade.