NFL Coach of the Year Odds: Shane Steichen, Mike Vrabel in Two-Horse Race After Red-Hot Starts
Shane Steichen and the Colts are rocking the best record in the NFL after a 7-1 start, and as a result of Daniel Jones' dominance, Steichen is the clear favorite for NFL Coach of the Year. But Mike Vrabel and the Pats are hot on his heels after a five-game win streak. With these two as the clear favorites, Peter Alexis breaks down the rest of the NFL Coach of the Year odds race after Week 8.
Peter Alexis - October 28, 2025, 1:45 AM EDT
5 Minute ReadNFL Coach of the Year Odds: Shane Steichen, Mike Vrabel Clear Favorites for COTY After First Half of Season
The NFL Coach of the Year race is beginning to crystallize at the midpoint of the season, and the market has two clear leaders. Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen has moved into firm control of the odds at +120, while New England’s Mike Vrabel is right behind him at +250 after orchestrating one of the most surprising turnarounds in the league. Both men have exceeded expectations with rosters that lacked preseason hype, and both now have their teams firmly in the playoff picture heading into November.
Steichen has guided the Colts to an AFC-best 7-1 record behind an explosive offense built around Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor. His decision to hand the reins to Jones in training camp was one of the boldest moves of the year, but it has paid off spectacularly. The Colts have dominated time of possession, executed flawlessly in the red zone, and sit atop nearly every offensive metric that matters. They’ve transformed from an uncertain rebuild into a legitimate Super Bowl threat, putting Steichen on the inside track for the league’s top coaching honor.
Vrabel, meanwhile, has revitalized a Patriots franchise that appeared to be in disarray after several disappointing seasons. In his first year back with the organization that made him a star, Vrabel has sparked a five-game win streak, rekindled New England’s defensive identity, and found a winning formula on both sides of the ball. His blowout win against his former team, the Titans, was the defining moment of the Patriots’ resurgence. As the Pats surge up the AFC standings, Vrabel’s odds have shortened dramatically—and his narrative appeal makes him a real threat to Steichen’s lead.
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2025 Coach of the Year Odds
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NFL Coach of the Year Odds Breakdown
Shane Steichen (+120) Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Steichen’s success in Indianapolis has been nothing short of transformative. The Colts’ offense is humming under his play-calling, and the decision to bench Anthony Richardson for Daniel Jones looks like one of the best in recent NFL history. Jones has brought efficiency and poise to an offense that had long struggled with turnovers, while Steichen’s use of Jonathan Taylor has maximized the running back’s dominance. The Colts’ 7-1 start has made Steichen the odds-on favorite, and unless the team stumbles, he could lock up the award early.
Mike Vrabel (+250) Check out these best odds at FanDuel Sportsbook
Vrabel’s comeback story has captivated fans and bettors alike. After being fired by Tennessee, he’s turned New England into a disciplined, opportunistic team that wins through toughness and situational awareness—the same qualities that defined him as a player. His leadership has restored belief in Foxborough, and his ability to outcoach more talented opponents has reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the league’s sharpest minds. If the Patriots extend their win streak and make a playoff push, Vrabel could easily catch Steichen down the stretch.
Mike Macdonald (+1600) Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Mike Macdonald is quietly building his own strong case in Seattle. The Seahawks sit at 5-2, holding the NFC West tiebreaker in one of the most competitive divisions in football. Macdonald’s defensive background has shined, with Seattle ranking among the top seven in points allowed, and quarterback Sam Darnold has flourished in the balanced, efficient offense Macdonald has designed. It’s a year-two breakout for the former Ravens coordinator, and if Seattle can keep pace in the NFC, Macdonald’s longshot +1600 odds could shorten quickly.
Dan Campbell (+1600) Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Dan Campbell, another +1600 contender, continues to lead Detroit’s revenge campaign with toughness and consistency. The Lions are 5-2, ranking top-three in points per game despite losing both coordinators in the offseason. Campbell’s leadership has kept the locker room united and the offense thriving under Jared Goff’s steady command. Yet while his team remains one of the NFC’s most complete, Campbell’s biggest obstacle in this award race is expectation—Detroit was supposed to be this good, while Steichen and Vrabel have both elevated their teams beyond anyone’s projections.
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