The Associated Press named Falcons head coach Mike Smith the NFL Coach of the Year Sunday, edging Miami’s Tony Sparano by one vote. Smith finished with 23 1/2 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters.
“I’m honored individually, but more so for our coaching staff and our players,” Smith said.
In his first year as head coach, Smith led the Falcons to an 11-5 record in the 2008 regular season and their first playoff appearance since 2005. Atlanta went 4-12 in 2007.
Only two other coaches received votes: Tennessee’s Jeff Fisher (3) and New England’s Bill Belichick (1).
The news comes less than one week after quarterback Matt Ryan was selected as the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Loading ...
