Vrabel Wins NFL Coach Of The Year As Patriots Soar

In a thrilling night of recognition and celebration ahead of Super Bowl LX, the annual NFL Honors in Santa Clara, California, shone a spotlight on both new faces and established stars. The New England Patriots’ head coach Mike Vrabel emerged as one of the biggest stories, capturing the AP NFL Coach of the Year award after a transformative season that saw the Patriots rocket from the AFC East basement to division champions. The ceremony, held on February 5, 2026, delivered a mix of heartfelt speeches, historic achievements, and a few surprises that have the football world buzzing just days before the season’s biggest game.

Vrabel’s journey to the top of the coaching ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. Just last January, Vrabel made his debut as Patriots head coach, standing alongside owner Robert Kraft at Gillette Stadium and laying out his vision for the team. "I want to galvanize our football team. I want to galvanize this building. I want to galvanize our fans," Vrabel declared at his introductory press conference. "We're going to earn the right to be here every day. We're going to move entitlement from our football team. We're going to get everything that we've earned from the head coach to the position coaches, all the way down to the players. We're going to earn the right to be here every single day."

And earn it they did. The Patriots, once mired at the bottom of their division, executed a stunning 10-win turnaround under Vrabel’s watch, finishing first in the AFC East. The team’s new identity, forged by Vrabel’s relentless energy and hands-on approach, was evident from the outset. Throughout training camp, Vrabel was seen jumping into drills with his players and even threw himself into the middle of a heated scuffle during a joint practice, coming away with a little blood but a lot of respect. It was the kind of leadership that resonated deeply within the locker room. Players and coaches alike have praised Vrabel’s dedication, describing him as someone who not only demands respect but earns it every single day.

Vrabel’s recognition as Coach of the Year was no small feat in a competitive field. He received 19 first-place votes and a total of 302 points, edging out Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen, who finished with 16 first-place votes and 239 points after leading his team to 13 wins and an AFC South crown. Seattle’s Mike Macdonald, Chicago’s Ben Johnson, and San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan rounded out the top five, but it was Vrabel’s dramatic turnaround in New England that captured the imagination of the league’s media panel.

This marks Vrabel’s second Coach of the Year honor, having previously won in 2021 with the Tennessee Titans. With the Patriots now preparing to take on the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX, Vrabel has a chance to add a Super Bowl title as a head coach to his already impressive résumé. Talk about a turnaround story—could this be the ultimate redemption arc for a franchise seeking to reclaim its former glory?

The night was also a celebration of individual brilliance across the league. Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford took home the AP NFL Most Valuable Player award after a season that saw him throw for 4,707 yards and a league-leading 46 touchdowns. The MVP race was as tight as they come, with Stafford receiving 24 of 50 first-place votes and narrowly edging out New England’s Drake Maye, who finished just five points behind. Stafford, who turns 38 on Saturday, used the moment to put retirement rumors to rest, telling the Associated Press, "Oh yeah, I’ll be back. It was such an amazing season and I play with such a great group of guys and great group of coaches that I was lucky enough to finish this season healthy, and I wanna make sure that I go out there and see what happens next year." He thanked his family, noting, "You’re unbelievable cheerleaders for me. I appreciate it. I am so happy to have you at the games on the sideline with me, and I can’t wait for you to cheer me on next year when we’re out there kicking (butt)."

Defensive dominance was on full display as Cleveland Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett was named AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, setting a new season record with 23 sacks. Garrett, who received all 50 first-place votes, became just the second unanimous choice for the award, joining J.J. Watt (2014). "It doesn’t just start with me," Garrett said in his acceptance speech. "It starts with great teammates, a great organization, great coaches being able to put us in position. I’m thankful for every single one of my teammates to help get me up here. It’s not possible without them."

On the offensive side, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba earned the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year award, beating out San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey. Smith-Njigba caught 119 passes for a league-high 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns, while McCaffrey, who made a remarkable comeback from injury, took home the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year award—the first running back to do so in 24 years. McCaffrey returned from a season-ending PCL injury to rack up 2,126 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns for the 49ers.

The night also saw recognition for rising stars. Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger was named Defensive Rookie of the Year after a standout season, while Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan took home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, in his third stint with New England, captured the AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year award, adding another feather to the Patriots’ cap in a season full of accolades.

All of the awards were determined by a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL, with votes tabulated before the playoffs by the accounting firm Lutz and Carr. The weighted point system ensured that every vote counted, and the results reflected a season of fierce competition and remarkable comebacks.

As the dust settles on a memorable NFL Honors night, all eyes now shift to Super Bowl LX, where Vrabel’s Patriots will face the Seahawks in a matchup loaded with storylines. With key leaders and emerging stars being recognized for their achievements, the stage is set for an epic conclusion to a season that’s been anything but predictable. Whether Vrabel can cap his Coach of the Year campaign with a Lombardi Trophy remains to be seen, but the Patriots’ transformation under his guidance has already become one of the NFL’s most compelling stories of the year.