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Expectations are extremely high for John Harbaugh and the Giants’ new-look coaching staff in East Rutherford this season, so much so that FanDuel Sportsbook lists him as the favorite (+650) to win NFL Coach of the Year.
The Super Bowl-winning coach is tasked with stabilizing a Giants organization coming off yet another dismal season that ended with a 4-13 record and a last-place finish in the NFC East.
He looks to replicate the turnaround last year’s winner, Mike Vrabel, orchestrated with the Patriots, jumping from the divisional cellar to 14 victories and a Super Bowl berth.
However, several other candidates are lurking in the odds, including the man taking over for Harbaugh in Baltimore, Jesse Minter.
Minter sits with the second-shortest odds at +850, while Kevin Stefanski and Kellen Moore both carry 14/1 odds. Many are high on Moore and New Orleans, viewing Tyler Shough and the Saints as a legitimate threat to win the NFC South.
2026 NFL Coach of the Year odds
CoachOddsJohn Harbaugh+650Jesse Minter+850Kevin Stefanski14/1Kellen Moore14/1Joe Brady15/1Ben Johnson15/1Brian Schottenheimer16/1Robert Saleh16/1Klint Kubiak17/1Jim Harbaugh19/1Odds as of Aug. 16, via FanDuel.
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.
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor talks with quarterback Joe Burrow during the first day of training camp at the Paycor Stadium practice facility in Cincinnati. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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.
Why Trust New York Post Betting
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.
