Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060107/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_coach_of_year

Lovie Smith was hired to resurrect a proud franchise in Chicago. He did such a strong job in 2005 that he was chosen The Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year on Saturday.

11-5, the #2 defense, and a division title are great, but their offense sucks. I don't see how that tops what Dungy did this year in Indy.

And to think Coach Gibbs wasn't even in it.. Where's the respect??

I daresay it would not have been as close but for some voters giving Dungy "sympathy" votes.

Dungy deserves to win, but so does Smith, Belicheck, Holmgren, Gibbs, Coughlin, and most of the non-fired coaches. Smith had so little to work with, and still won.

Come on now, how many people thought the Colts were going to the playoffs? Everyone I presume. Now, how many though Chicago would muster more than 8 wins? Bears fans and that's about it. Smith deserved to win. Kudos.

ok then in the same note, how many, including EXPERTS, thought the Skins would be in the playoffs or muchless have a winning season?

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Au8NlrFPwC3tpsLL2HefqfdDubYF?slug=nflpre dictions2005&prov=yahoo&type=lgns

Smith really deserved it, they finally got one of these awards right.

By the way, why don't they wait until after the season to announce these??

I also don't get why they announce the Pro Bowl rosters before the season is even over.

K if Smith deserved it, then why wasn't Gibbs even mentioned? Both had same record last year if I recall right and now both are in Playoffs. Don't forget week 1 game, Skins beat Bears.. Not saying oh yeah Gibbs Should have won it but just stating , why wasnt he even in the running?

Come on now, how many people thought the Colts were going to the playoffs? Everyone I presume. Now, how many though Chicago would muster more than 8 wins? Bears fans and that's about it. Smith deserved to win. Kudos.

Those are good points. However, that puts Gibbs in the running, as others have said.

Chicago had an incredible defense and played in the weakest division in football. Sure, Smith did well, I just don't agree that he "really" deserved it more than Dungy. Dungy probably killed his chances losing 2 games in a row late in the season, but, such is life!

Smith deserves it. BUT, I think they should vote AFTER playoffs.

Smith desereved it hands down. I'm very suprised Coach Gibbs didnt even get a vote, however.