Stephen A. Smith picked Mike Vrabel to win the NFL Coach of the Year. He appreciated the New England Patriots' journey from a four-win season to an 8-2 record through 10 games.
Stephen A. Smith backs Mike Vrabel to win the NFL Coach of the Year
The ESPN expert shared his views on Wednesday, evaluating several coaches before identifying Vrabel as his pick for the award.
"I'm thinking about Coach of the Year and I'm thinking about (Mike) McDonald in Seattle and a phenomenal job that he's done," Smith said, via "First Take." "(Sean) McVay in LA, the phenomenal job that he has done. Of course, (Shane) Steichen in Indianapolis and he's done a hell of a job or whatever, but Vrabel, to me is at the top of the list."
Shane Steichen's Colts (8-2) continue to top the AFC East following their Week 10 victory in Germany. Mike Macdonald has guided the Seahawks (7-2) to the top of the NFC West after a four-game win streak.
Stephen A. Smith point outs Patriots' roster consistency under Mike Vrabel
Stephen A. Smith mentions that Mike Vrabel achieved the transformation without a significant overhaul, working majorly with the same personnel as last season's squad.
The Patriots' lone major addition was Stefon Diggs, who has registered 50 receptions for 554 yards and three touchdowns through 10 games.
"It's one thing to come into a situation, but it's another thing to see what had happened to the New England Patriots in the waning years of Bill Belichick and then the one year deal with Jerod Mayo," Smith said on Wednesday, via "First Take."
"Vrabel to arrive on the scene just now, we are pretty much the same person. I know Stefon Diggs wasn't there last year, but we're pretty much the same personnel that you had last year and to do the job that he has done. I think right now you can make a strong, legitimate argument that he's the coach of the year."
New England will face the New York Jets on Thursday, riding a seven-game winning streak since starting 1-2. Drake Maye ranks among the top three MVP candidates.