NFL Coach Of The Year: Jeff Fisher and Mike Smith Set The Pace

Boy, what a difference a year and an offseason can make. Only one of the eight NFL Coach of the Year candidates on this list made the list last season. But thanks to a few offseason changes or season changes in Tennessee's case, the hot seat has cooled off a bit for some.

First year head coaches John Harbaugh and Mike Smith have changed the dynamic of their teams after horrible seasons one year ago. While projected Coach of the Year candidates such as Wade Phillips and Norv Turner haven't had the success everyone expected them to have.

While we are only heading into Week 11, there is no doubt the candidates listed below will still be in the running for Coach of the Year one month from now.

The Top Dogs

Jeff Fisher, Tennessee Titans (9-0)

The NFL's longest tenured head coach has got his Titans off to a surprising 9-0 start.

If anyone told you they expected the Titans to win their first nine games of the season with Vince Young on the bench for eight of them was clearly joking. Tennessee has been this year's surprise story—and to make things more unbelievable, they have done it with a 35 year old quarterback.

Kerry Collins, who was named the starting QB in Week 2 to "manage" the offense, has done a superb job of it. His touchdowns total (5) might not be eye-popping, but I can't imagine Tennessee in the same position if Vince Young were starting.

The Titans defense, led by Albert Haynesworth, only gives up 13 points per game--and their running game has flourished big time this season with rookie Chris Johnson alongside LenDale White.

They won't go undefeated, but Fisher is definitely the front runner for the award right now.

Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants passes against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 9, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania." width="345" height="230" />

Eli Manning has led his Giants to an 8-1 record so far.  Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (8-1)

The reigning Super Bowl champs now have a swagger they didn't have this time last year. Despite a season-ending injury from defensive end Osi Umenyiora and the retirement of Michael Strahan, Coughlin has still managed to keep his team atop the NFC.

And Eli Manning has looked just as good, if not better than big brother Peyton. With the Cowboys struggling and the Eagles dealing with injuries to key guys, Washington looks like the only team with a chance of contending with them in the NFC East.

John Fox, Carolina Panthers (7-2)

Fox was one of several coaches in the hot seat before the start of the season. But after a 7-2 start and leading the NFC South, Fox's job might be secure for at least one more season.

Also, quarterback Jake Delhomme has returned to the lineup after missing all but three games last season. He has been one difference maker this year, and we all know Steve Smith is his favorite target.

The re- acquisition of Muhsin Muhammad and the emergence of DeAngelo Williams and rookie RB Jonathan Stewart, not to mention the resurrection of Julius Peppers have earned the Cats' the third best record in football.

Carolina might may not be the NFC favorites—but Fox gets the credit for putting this team back on the map.

The Unexpected

Bill Belichick, New England Patriots (6-3)

After the season-ending injury to Tom Brady, New England was sure to fall off the map. But they have maintained to stay on top of their division with Matt Cassel as their quarterback.

Even with season-ending injuries to Laurence Maroney, Rodney Harrison and now Adalius Thomas, "The Hoody" has still kept his team in contention. After going undefeated last season with Brady, a 6-3 record without him is impressive.

Give props to Belichick.

Matt Ryan is sure to take home Rookie of the Year honors in the NFC this season. AP Photo

Mike Smith, Atlanta Falcons (6-3)

Smith probably deserves the Coach of the Year honors in the NFC. In his first season as the Falcons head coach, no one expected Atlanta to be good this soon, especially with a rookie as their signal-caller.

But the Falcons changed the look of this entire team during the offseason. Michael Turner was brought in from San Diego as their new primary RB, and rookie quarterback Matt Ryan is maturing every week.

Michael Vick? I guarantee you die-hard ATL fans haven't mentioned his name this season.

Their rushing game is also second in the league, averaging 157.8 yards per game and their defense is ninth overall, giving up 19.3 points per game.

And let's not forget about Roddy White and John Abraham.

John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens (6-3)

The Ravens also have a rookie quarterback leading the way. Joe Flacco has done an exceptional job running the Ravens' offense behind what was already a stellar defense.

Like Smith--Harbaugh is also in his first season, only he is replacing a Ravens coaching legend in Brian Billick. If it weren't for the Titans great start, Harbaugh would be first in the race when it comes to AFC coaches.

The Best of the Rest

Jim Zorn, Washington Redskins (6-3)

Quarterback Jason Campbell has had a career year, and coach Zorn is to thank for that. Campbell has thrown only two interceptions (both in the same game) so far this season, along with 1,960 passing yards.

Also, Clinton Portis has also had a tremendous year, and is second in the league in total rushing yards. Washington also gives up 18.7 points per game, which is eighth best in the league.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt celebrates with WR Anquan Boldin after his touchdown. Harry How/Getty Images

Ken Whisenhunt, Arizona Cardinals (6-3)

Kurt Warner for MVP? It's a possibility.

Warner was only supposed to be used as an insurance policy, but he's shown he is more than just an old backup quarterback. And Matt Leinart has still failed to make a stride in his development.

The Cards offense has been fun to watch all season with Warner, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. They pretty much have the NFC locked up, and are playoff bound for the first time since 1998.