There’s been a lot of talk about who played the biggest role in the New England Patriots’ dynasty of the past two decades following Tom Brady’s shocking departure in free agency.
Did Brady play more of a role in bringing six Super Bowl titles to New England than head coach Bill Belichick? For some, it’s a combination of the two.
Now likely set to rely on second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham under center in 2020, there’s not a lot of expectations for Belichick and the Patriots.
Despite this, the legendary Super Bowl champion is the overwhelming betting favorite to win Coach of the Year this coming season (via Bovada).
- Bill Belichick, New England Patriots: +650
- Bruce Arians, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: +1100
- Mike McCarthy, Dallas Cowboys: +1400
- Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers: +1600
- Kliff Kingsbury, Arizona Cardinals: +1800
Interestingly, Brady’s new head coach with the Buccaneers is right behind Belichick in the pecking order. Fresh off a tremendous draft, Mike McCarthy is a top candidate as he prepares for his first season with the Dallas Cowboys.
Meanwhile, a head coach in Kyle Shanahan who many thought should have won the award over John Harbaugh last season boasts the fourth-best odds.
I am also intrigued to see how the Cardinals perform under Kingsbury in his second season. Arizona boasts one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL in that of Kyler Murray and just traded for All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins back in March.
As it stands right now, Belichick would have to be the odds-on favorite if his Patriots come anywhere near .500 or earn a surprise playoff appearance next season.