Head coach Kliff Kingsbury is having one blast of a season with the Arizona Cardinals. After 13 weeks of regular season drama, the Cardinals stand tall as the No. 1 seeded team in the NFC with an impressive 10-2 record. So far in the season, Arizona has been one of the most dominant teams.
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And with that Kingsbury has become a worthy candidate for NFL Coach of the Year. The Cardinals maintained an undefeated streak up to the seventh week of the season. Yet still, Kingsbury is under the impression that he is not worthy enough to be awarded the NFL Coach of the Year award. Not until Bill Belichick retires.
Kliff Kingsbury on the most deserving coach
When asked how he felt about being nominated for the honor, Kingsbury lavished accolades on Belichick and argued the prize needed a new name.
“I mean, they should just name the award ‘Bill Belichick,'” Kingsbury said as he laughed with reporters. “And when he retires, like, bring that back. But, yeah, until he retires, I don’t think anybody else should get the award, honestly. He should be that every single year that he’s coaching.”
However, Kingsbury seems to be true to some extent. The New England Patriots despite, being down to a 2-4 earlier this season, have risen abruptly to the top as AFC’s No. 1 seeded team. They have an astonishing record of 9-4 since they have pulled off an incredible seven-game winning streak.
Bill Belichick as the Coach of the Year
Despite his success over the years, coach Bill Belichick has been honored with the NFL Coach of the Year award just three times in 2004, 2007, and 2010. Although, the award is usually given to that coach who has surprised the most while posting one of the best records, making Kliff Kingsbury the perfect candidate for it. But the Patriots also have a surprise later in the season, and that too with a rookie quarterback.
“We have different demeanors, but he was so detailed at everything he did,” Kingsbury said. “There was no stone unturned. You felt prepared and you felt like you had everything covered going into a game. I want to try and give our players that type of mindset. I fall very short of what Bill Belichick does in that regard but we try to really emphasize situational football, make sure we’ve rehearsed it and our guys feel comfortable if that situation strives.”
Kliff Kingsbury smiled when he was asked about being in the Coach of the Year conversation with Bill Belichick. Said the award should be named after the Patriots coach.
“Until he retires, I don’t think anyone else should get the award.”
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) December 9, 2021
Needless to say, Bellichick is going to be the betting favorite, especially after pulling off a statistical beauty against the Buffalo Bills. In that game, the Patriots won the game with just two complete passes from the quarterback Mac Jones, given the harsh weather conditions in Buffalo. But as of now, both the coaches are eyeing the bigger picture, the Lombardi Trophy, as the playoffs approach.
Also Read: ‘There’s a Lot on the Line’: Tom Brady Opens up on Feeling Immense Pressure Ahead of the Playoffs
