Smith edges Sparano for AP Coach of Year

[Scurrilous]

"Mike Smith of the Atlanta Falcons has edged Tony Sparano of the Miami Dolphins by one vote Sunday for The Associated Press 2008 NFL Coach of the Year award.

Both coaches oversaw sensational turnarounds, leading their teams from last-place finishes in 2007 to playoff berths this year. Their achievements were reflected by the closeness of the balloting, with Smith getting 23 1/2 votes and Sparano 22 1/2 from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL.

Smith also had to deal with a makeover of the Falcons organization and its image following the incarceration of quarterback Michael Vick for dogfighting and the resignation after 13 games last season by coach Bobby Petrino."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j7lXf_Q29Y2H1e-wnGPgJr0dS9TQD95GEON00

[BulletproofLandshark]

1. John Harbaugh did a great job as well. n/t

[RockaFowler]

2. What are the 1/2 votes??

The Coach of the Year could have gone to any of the 3 rookie coaches, but I'm a little impartial. I think turning a team from 1-15 to 11-5 and winning your division should have counted for more. Both Smith and Harbaugh didn't win their divisions. Sparano did.