There are five games left in the 2025 NFL season, and if you’re just looking at the odds, it might seem like the Coach of the Year race is already decided. Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots are cruising at 11-2, with Drake Maye playing like an MVP. Ben Johnson and the Bears aren’t far behind at 9-3, completely changing the look and feel of Chicago.

On paper, it seems like a two-man race. But here’s the thing: there’s a dark-horse candidate who deserves serious consideration: Dave Canales of the Carolina Panthers.

Context Matters: Canales Inherited the NFL’s Toughest Situation

The Panthers are 7-6 heading into their bye week, and most would say that’s not enough to be in the Coach of the Year conversation. But this award isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about what a coach do

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