NFL Coach of the Year: Mike McCarthy, Tony Dungy Set the Pace

Here's a look at the top candidates for the award...

1. Mike McCarthy (Green Bay Packers)

Who would've thought that after two crap-filled seasons, the Packers would be in serious contention in the NFC?

Not only has Brett Favre resurrected his career—the Packers defense has been pretty darn good.

The running game was questionable—until Ryan Grant became the starter.

Which begs the question: Why wasn't Grant the starting running back at the beginning of the season?

I have no idea.

Thanks goodness for the injury to DeShawn Wynn—otherwise we probably wouldn't be seeing Grant as much as we're seeing him now.

That said, I think a coach who engineers a turnaround season without adding major parts on offense is always deserving of Coach of the Year. 

That's pretty much what McCarthy has done with the Packers.

 
2. Tony Dungy (Indianapolis Colts)

Despite injuries to key guys like Marvin Harrison and Dwight Freeney, Dungy has kept the Colts near the top of the AFC.

Of course, it makes things a lot easier when you have Peyton Manning as your QB.

Dungy's Colts have only two losses—and take away that fourth-quarter collapse against New England, and Indy would have home-field advantage in the playoffs.

3. Bill Belichick (New England Patriots)

I want to start this one off by saying I DO NOT hate the Patriots. 

I can only imagine what Pats' fans are thinking when they see the master of the hoodie at No. 3 on the list. 

I know the Pats have gotten off to one of the best starts in NFL history—but are you really surprised given the new talent on the roster?

I know I'm not stunned. But it has been fun to watch. 

Of the newcomers, Wes Welker has been the biggest surprise. As valuable as Randy Moss has been, the Pats have shown themselves capable of winning without his contribution. 

New England's win against Philly proved that.

Belichick will most likely win the award because of the Pats' historic success. I suppose it's only right.

4. Wade Phillips (Dallas Cowboys)

In his first season in Dallas, Phillips has the Cowboys tied with Green Bay for the best record in the NFC.

Give credit to offensive coordinator Jason Garrett as well.

Together, Garrett and Phillips have that offense looking pretty damn good.

Tony Romo has been the leader in his first full season as a starter. While Terrell Owens and Jason Whitten have been Romo's main weapons, Marion Barber and Patrick Crayton have been impressive as well.

This offense is only going to get better when Terry Glenn returns from injury.

5. Jack Del Rio (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Del Rio's Jags went 8-8 last season and barely missed the playoffs.

This season, the Jags are 10-4—second in the AFC South, trailing only Dungy's Colts.

Who cares about Byron Leftwich? 

David Garrard has been superb under center, throwing only two interceptions against 16 touchdowns.

While Maurice Jones-Drew got all the hype at running back at the beginning of the season, Fred Taylor has clearly been the better option. 

Jones-Drew has more touchdowns than Taylor, but Taylor is killing him in the total yards department. 

Del Rio's team is second in the league in rushing yards, and the defense only gives up 17 PPG.  

Honorable Mention

Romeo Crennel (Cleveland Browns)

Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers) 

Brad Childress (Minnesota Vikings)

Jon Gruden (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)