As the new NFL season dawns, all eyes are on John Harbaugh and the revamped coaching team of the Giants in East Rutherford. It’s little wonder why, given that FanDuel Sportsbook has pegged him as the frontrunner for the NFL Coach of the Year award, with odds placed at +650.
Harbaugh, who boasts a Super Bowl win in his career, faces the formidable challenge of turning around the Giants following a bleak season. The team limped to a 4-13 record, finding themselves at the bottom of the NFC East standings.
The mission is clear: Harbaugh aims to emulate the remarkable transformation achieved by last year’s recipient, Mike Vrabel. Vrabel led his team from last in their division to clinching 14 victories and securing a Super Bowl spot.
Yet, Harbaugh isn’t the only contender for the esteemed accolade. Jesse Minter, who steps into Harbaugh’s shoes in Baltimore, is also a formidable candidate with the second-best odds at +850.
Also in the mix are Kevin Stefanski and Kellen Moore, both carrying 14/1 odds. Moore’s prospects with New Orleans are garnering attention, as many believe that Tyler Shough and the Saints pose a serious challenge for the NFC South title.
2026 NFL Coach of the Year odds
| Coach | Odds |
|---|---|
| John Harbaugh | +650 |
| Jesse Minter | +850 |
| Kevin Stefanski | 14/1 |
| Kellen Moore | 14/1 |
| Joe Brady | 15/1 |
| Ben Johnson | 15/1 |
| Brian Schottenheimer | 16/1 |
| Robert Saleh | 16/1 |
| Klint Kubiak | 17/1 |
| Jim Harbaugh | 19/1 |
Further down the board, the Bills’ newly promoted Joe Brady and Ben Johnson of the Bears are both listed at 15/1. Brian Schottenheimer and Titans coach Robert Saleh, formerly of the Jets, each carry 16/1 prices.
Rounding out the top ten are Klint Kubiak at 17/1 and Jim Harbaugh at 19/1, before the market truly widens with remaining candidates listed at odds of 22/1 or higher.
Let’s dive into two names to sprinkle a wager on ahead of Week 1:
2026 NFL Coach of the Year picks
Zac Taylor, 28/1, DraftKings
Taylor and the Bengals’ 2021 run to the Super Bowl was magical, followed by an AFC Championship appearance the following season, when they lost to the Chiefs.
Since then, the Bengals’ output has been marked by disappointment, injuries, and mediocrity defensively.
This is the moment for Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, as well as other offensive standouts Tee Higgins and Chase Brown, to make a major impact in the AFC North.
On defense, the additions of Dexter Lawrence, Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen boost their line.
With a favorable schedule that includes the Browns twice, as well as matchups against the Titans, Dolphins, and Falcons, Cincinnati is poised for a strong season.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Taylor’s name enter the fold as a potential COTY nominee if all things go according to plan.
Betting on the NFL?
Dave Canales, 40/1, BetMGM
The Panthers secured their first NFC South division title in over a decade and ended last season with an 8-9 record.
Canales has successfully breathed new life into the franchise as Carolina certainly gave Matthew Stafford and the Rams a run for their money in a Wild Card playoff thriller, ultimately falling by one possession.
Offensive Rookie of the Year winner Tetoria McMillan provides reliable hands that have significantly accelerated the growth of Bryce Young by providing him a true go-to target.
While the loss of second-round draft pick Nic Scourton during training camp is a blow to the defensive unit, the front office made a splash earlier this offseason by signing former Eagle Jaelan Phillips to a lucrative four-year, $120 million contract.
The NFC South remains a wide-open race, and even with a tougher schedule, placing a small wager on Canales to further reshape the Panthers’ identity in year three at the helm is a gamble I think worth taking.
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Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.