Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

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

[QUOTE]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.[/QUOTE]

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.

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

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

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

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.

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

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.

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

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

[url="http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Au8NlrFPwC3tpsLL2HefqfdDubYF?slug=nflpredictions2005&prov=yahoo&type=lgns"]http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Au8NlrFPwC3tpsLL2HefqfdDubYF?slug=nflpredictions2005&prov=yahoo&type=lgns[/url]

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

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.

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

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?

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

[QUOTE=saden1]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.[/QUOTE]

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!

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

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

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

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

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

That's the point I was trying to make Gman.

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

"Smith deserved it" based on what? I am obviously in the minority, but I haven't heard any actual arguments for why, other than from Saden1 - all I have heard are conclusions. Perhaps I missed a compelling article? Enlighten me!

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

The Bears went from 5-11 to 11-5 in one year with a rookie QB leading the way most of the season, that to me is worthy of coach of the year honors.

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

And going from 6-10 to 10-6, having the game pass you by, after NO ONE even gave you a chance to even have a winning record much less with a Washed up Brunell doesnt deserve a single vote?

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

Smith is largely thought to be responsible for the defense in Chicago, so he gets more credit for the success of the D.

Gibbs has (arguably) the best d-coordinator as his assistant, so he gets much less credit for our defensive success. Our offense hasn't been consistantly explosive, so there isn't a lot of credit to be taken there.

I'm not saying Gibbs hasn't done the most amazing job here. I would trade him for no one. I would say that Lovie did more with less, though.

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

Coach Smith is the obvious choice given what he had to work with. I for one did not take the Bears seriously until the first game when they held us to field goals only. Congrats Coach Smith!!

We all know that Papa Joe is the bomb!!!

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

But like I said, to not receive ONE vote? and the bears have an explosive offense?

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

First of, the award is for the season and not for the season + playoff. As for Gibbs getting one vote, why would I vote for him knowing that there is someone else out there more deserving? You don't vote with your heart, you vote with your mind. Besides, Gibbs is working with better talent than the Smith. You guys need to be objective and quite being homers!

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

Nah sorry I'll pass I'll take Gibbs over Smith anyday.

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

I just take issue with coach of the year going to the coach with the biggest win differential from the previous year. If that's it, then why not Gruden? He added 6 wins, too.

Re: Smith Edges Dungy for Coach of Year
 

"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."

--The NFC West was the weakest division in football, not the north...the Seahawks were good but other than them, nobody in that division was over .500 and the second place team had 6 wins. Smith deserves it, no question. Took the Bears to an 11-5 record (and the fifth loss they didn't play any starters) with literally almost nothing from the passing game. Sure Detroit and GB stunk but the Bears did beat Carolina and Tampa and were very close to beating the Redskins with a rookie QB making his first start.

Dungy deserves some credit yes but with that team, it would have been a crime had he not made the playoffs...they are extremely talented on both sides of the ball.