2025-26 NFL Coach of the Year Guide: Shane Steichen, Liam Coen Early Favorites After Strong Starts
Get the latest NFL Coach of the Year odds, with Liam Coen and Shane Steichen leading the race in the early going. See which contenders are climbing or falling, the most popular bets, and a full guide to COTY futures, including updated lines, key stats, and market trends shaping the award chase.
OC Staff - October 1, 2025, 2:00 AM EDT
7 Minute ReadNFL Coach of the Year Odds: Shane Steichen, Liam Coen Surprise Contenders After AFC South Domination
The early weeks of the NFL season have shaken up the Coach of the Year race, with two AFC South leaders rising to the top of the board. Shane Steichen has the Colts sitting at 3-1 behind rookie quarterback Daniel “Indiana Jones” and a revitalized offense, making him the current favorite at +450. Though Indianapolis finally suffered its first loss in Week 4, that came on the back of unforced errors against the Rams, and Steichen’s ability to keep this team balanced and competitive has him firmly entrenched as a frontrunner. In just his third year in Indianapolis, he has transformed the Colts into one of the AFC’s most intriguing teams.
Right on his heels is Liam Coen, who has burst onto the scene in his first season with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Coen has quickly earned national attention after guiding the Jags to a 3-1 record, highlighted by an impressive road win over the 49ers in Week 4. The Jaguars’ offense has looked sharper by the week, and Coen’s ability to get production across the board has fueled Jacksonville’s early surge. At +650, he’s sitting firmly in the top tier of the race and looks like a name that could stay there if the Jags continue to push for control of the AFC South.
Elsewhere, Ben Johnson is climbing back into the conversation after a rocky start with the Bears. Once the preseason favorite at +700, Johnson’s odds dipped after a sluggish 0-2 start, but Chicago has rebounded with two straight wins, sparked by improvements on offense that reflect the aggressive creativity he was hired to deliver. At +1600, he’s still outside the top group, but if the Bears continue trending upward, Johnson could play his way back into serious contention.
Meanwhile, Mike Vrabel has had a more uneven journey. The longtime Titans coach took over in New England this season and opened with a loss, but the Patriots have since battled back to a 2-2 record. Even with the bounce-back, Vrabel’s odds have slipped to +2200 after entering as the preseason’s second-best candidate at +850. He and Johnson represent the early favorites who now have ground to make up if they want to catch the fast-rising Steichen and Coen, whose hot starts have defined the Coach of the Year market through the first month of the season.
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NFL Coach of the Year Odds
Risers & Fallers: NFL Coach of the Year Odds Movement
Since the preseason, the futures market has shifted significantly after the first month of the season. Here are the biggest risers and fallers on the NFL Coach of the Year board (odds changes are week to week):
📈 Risers
- Shane Steichen (+3500 → +450) The Colts’ hot 3-1 start behind rookie quarterback Daniel “Indiana Jones” has propelled Steichen into the favorite’s spot. His offense looks dangerous, and voters are taking notice.
- Liam Coen (+1200 → +650) Few expected Jacksonville to knock off the 49ers on the road, but Coen has the Jags looking like contenders in his first season. He’s climbed into the top tier of the market.
- Sean McVay (+2500 → +1600) The Rams have been steadier than expected after a turbulent offseason, and McVay’s coaching has put Los Angeles back in the NFC playoff conversation.
📉 Fallers
- Pete Carroll (+1200 → +5000) After opening with a win, Seattle has stumbled, and Carroll’s odds have cratered. He’ll need a big turnaround to get back in the mix.
- Mike Vrabel (+850 → +2200) The Patriots have evened their record at 2-2, but Vrabel’s shine has faded compared to the AFC South leaders. His odds have nearly tripled.
- Ben Johnson (+700 → +1600) Once the preseason favorite, Johnson’s slow start in Chicago has knocked him out of the driver’s seat. Even with recent wins, he has plenty of ground to regain.
Bettors Backed Ben Johnson, Mike Vrabel Heavy in Preseason
In the preseason market, bettors piled in on two new coaches more than anyone else. Ben Johnson of the Bears drew the lion’s share of attention, accounting for 33.3% of the total handle and 26.1% of all bets as he opened as the favorite. Right behind him was Mike Vrabel with the Patriots, who commanded 17.8% of tickets and 24.5% of the money.
Together, the two made up well over half of all Coach of the Year wagers before Week 1, reflecting optimism that both could engineer fast turnarounds with their new squads. Instead, each has gotten off to a somewhat underwhelming 2-2 start, leaving plenty of ground to make up behind the surging AFC South leaders.
Betting on NFL Futures: A Quick Guide
Futures bets are one of the most fun ways to get action down on the NFL. Instead of just betting on who wins this week, you’re wagering on something bigger that plays out over the whole season (or all the way to the Super Bowl).
Think of futures as long-term tickets; they give you a rooting interest that sticks. Every win, loss, injury, or breakout performance can move the odds, and if you locked in early, that value is yours to ride all season long.
The most popular NFL futures markets include:
- Super Bowl Winner (which team hoists the Lombardi in February)
- Conference & Division Champions
- Regular Season Win Totals (Over/Unders)
- Player Awards (MVP, Rookie of the Year, Comeback Player, etc.)
- Stat Leaders (Most Passing Yards, Rushing Yards, etc.)
- Player Milestones (e.g., Will a QB hit 40+ Passing TDs?)
Super Bowl MVP Odds
If you’re not diving into futures market until mid-season, the Super Bowl MVP is a great place to look instead of this Regular Season MVP market. These odds are not up at most books as they wait for the contenders to make themselves known. It’s basically a two-part bet: you’re picking the team you think will win it all and which star will carry them.
- Quarterbacks usually dominate (think Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson).
- Running backs and wide receivers can cash if they have monster games on the big stage.
- Occasionally, a defensive player or special teams star sneaks in — rare, but the payouts are huge.
This market heats up late into the season, so you can hedge or double down based on which teams look like true contenders.
Explore oddschecker's NFL Futures Markets
Here’s a breakdown of all the NFL futures you can bet on this season, with quick explanations for casual fans:
Popular NFL Outrights
Super Bowl Winner – Which team lifts the Lombardi.
Super Bowl Matchup – Pick the exact two teams that will face off.
Super Bowl Winning Conference – AFC vs. NFC.
Super Bowl Winning Division – Which division produces the Super Bowl champ.
AFC Champion / NFC Champion – Who represents each conference in the big game.
#1 Seed Markets - AFC #1 Seed / NFC #1 Seed – Which team earns home-field advantage through the playoffs.
Player Awards
- Offensive Rookie of the Year / Defensive Rookie of the Year – Bet on which rookie makes the biggest impact in their first season.
- Comeback Player of the Year – Awarded to a player who bounces back from injury or a tough year.
- Coach of the Year – Goes to the head coach who turns a team around or exceeds expectations.
- Offensive Player of the Year / Defensive Player of the Year – Recognizes the best all-around offensive or defensive star outside of the MVP race.
- Protector of the Year – Honors the league’s best offensive lineman.
- MVP – The big one: Most Valuable Player across the entire NFL Regular Season.
Season Leader Odds
- Most Passing Yards – Which QB airs it out the most.
- Most Passing TDs – Quarterback with the most touchdown throws.
- Most Receiving Yards – Wideout or tight end who racks up the biggest yardage total.
- Most Rushing Yards – Running back (or dual-threat QB) who dominates on the ground.
How To Bet On NFL Futures
NFL futures betting is simple once you know the basics. Instead of betting on one Sunday’s outcome, you’re putting money on a result that plays out over weeks or months. The most common example? Picking which team will win the Super Bowl.
Here’s a quick step-by-step for betting NFL futures:
- Choose a sportsbook and sign up. Click any offer within this article to get started with some extra bonus funds.
- Find the futures tab. Futures odds are usually posted right after the previous season ends, so markets are open year-round.
- Lock in your pick. Odds reflect the current perception of a team or player, so acting early can often give you the best value.
- Sit back and watch it unfold. Futures betting is a long-term play — you’re in it for the season, not just the weekend.
NFL Award Betting FAQs
What types of bets can I make on NFL Player Awards?
Beyond just picking who wins the Regular Season NFL MVP, you can bet on:
- Comeback Player of the Year
- Coach of the Year
- Offensive Player of the Year
- Defensive Player of the Year
- Super Bowl MVP
- Offensive Rookie of the Year
- Defensive Rookie of the Year
What exactly is a futures bet?
A futures bet is a wager on something that won’t be decided right away — like who wins the Super Bowl, or whether a QB hits 4,000 passing yards in a season. Odds shift throughout the year, so locking in early can sometimes give you a better price.
Where can I bet on Super Bowl 60?
You can legally bet on Super Bowl 60 in most U.S. states with regulated sportsbooks. Top options include BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics, and bet365. Each operator offers exclusive sign-up bonuses — check out our promo code page to maximize your value.
When is the best time to bet Super Bowl futures?
- Right after the previous Super Bowl — when odds first open and oddsmakers might undervalue rising teams.
- After the NFL Draft or big free-agent moves — when rosters take shape.
- Late preseason — when depth charts and injuries are clearer.
Can I cash out NFL futures early?
Yes, many sportsbooks now offer cash-out options, letting you secure profit (or cut losses) before the season ends if your team is in a good spot.
Why do Super Bowl odds change during the year?
Odds move based on betting action, injuries, roster moves, and performance. For example, if Josh Allen goes down in Week 2, the Bills’ odds would immediately lengthen.
What’s the difference between Super Bowl odds and playoff odds?
- Super Bowl Odds are outright — you’re betting on the champion.
- Playoff Odds are simpler — will a team make or miss the postseason?
Do I have to bet big money to win big?
Not at all. Futures bets often carry big payouts. A $25 bet on a +2000 underdog to win the Super Bowl would return $500 if it hits.
Can I bet on player stats all season long?
Yes. You can wager on passing yards, rushing touchdowns, receiving yards, and more. Books also post season milestones (ex: Will Mahomes throw 40+ TDs?) and weekly props once games kick off.
What’s the most popular Super Bowl prop?
Besides MVP, novelty props like the coin toss and Gatorade color dumped on the winning coach are staples every year.
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