Mike Smith named AP NFL Coach of the Year

By Carmine Caruso • January 4, 2009

Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith was named Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year Sunday, a day after the Falcons were knocked out of the playoffs by the Arizona Cardinals.

In 2007, the Falcons only had a measly 4 wins, and the 3rd worst record in the NFL. But in 2008, Mike Smith took over as Head Coach. Smith lead Atlanta to their first playoff berth since 2004. Smith and Rookie of the Year QB Matt Ryan were also the first ever rookie coach-rookie QB duo to make the playoffs.

Smith narrowly beat Miami Dolphins Head Coach Tony Sparano for the award, recieving only 1 more vote. Each of the two top candidates made the playoffs, however were eliminated in the first round.

Categories: NFL
Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Features, Matt Ryan, Mike Smith, Tony Sparano

About the Author

Carmine Caruso

My name's Carmine Caruso (By the way "Carmine" is pronounced with a silent e, sounds like "Carmen"). I am one of the editors here at SFC. I'm also a fan of the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and Boston College football & basketball. I live a few miles away from Gillete Stadium and my family holds season tickets to the Patriots, and I also go to Fenway Park a few times a year. Because of the recent success of my teams, I've been criticized as a bandwagon fan plenty of times. That is false; win or lose, I have always and will always love my teams. I am knowledgeable about sports and follow them well, and that's why I'm here.

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