The Associated Press botched this one.
After leading the NFL’s best defense, former Ravens Defensive Coordinator turned Seattle Seahawks head coach will not earn any personal hardware from the Associated Press and the NFL for his efforts. Instead, Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will be doing so, as he wins Assistant Coach of the Year, and apparently it wasn’t close?
AP ASSISTANT COACH OF THE YEAR
1st place: 5 points
2nd place: 3 points
3rd place: 1 point
Jim Schwartz 25-10-5 = 160
Mike MacDonald 11-11-6 = 94
Ben Johnson 6-10-5 = 65
Bobby Slowik 4-7-12 = 53
Todd Monken 3-8-7 = 46
Steve Spagnuolo 1-3-2 = 16
Raheem Morris…— Rob Maaddi (@RobMaaddi) February 9, 2024
It’s rather bizarre to see Macdonald not win this award. Honestly, I had this one as more a shoe-in than Lamar Jackson for MVP. After all, his defense led in major defensive categories, including sacks, takeaways and points allowed per game.
They were also the No. 1 defense by DVOA. You’d think the team with the greatest amount of production and highest rankings would earn the accolades?
Instead, the Browns and Schwartz, which to their credit were respectable as a defense, ranking No. 2 in DVOA behind the Ravens whilst boasting the No. 28 offense, will be coveting their first of possibly many awards for Cleveland. After all, defensive end Myles Garrett is up for Defensive Player of the Year and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski is up for Coach of the Year.