Below is a list of the ten head coaches favored to earn the annual honor.
Kyle Shanahan (+1000)
Freddie Kitchens (+1100)
Sean McVay (+1200)
Bill Belichick (+1200)
Frank Reich (+1400)
Sean Payton (+1400)
Andy Reid (+1400)
Doug Pederson (+1600)
Matt LaFleur (+2000)
Matt Nagy (+2000)
Shanahan is entering his third season as the 49ers head coach and has won just 10 games during his tenure in San Francisco. His teams, however, have been devastated by injuries over the past two seasons, including the loss of starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo during Week 3 last year.
The 49ers finished with a 4-12 record last season but will be getting several injured players, including Garoppolo, back. The team also improved its defensive line by adding pass rushers Dee Ford and Nick Bosa, created a deep group of running backs with the addition of Tevin Coleman, and drafted two wide receivers in Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd.
Most expect the 49ers to reach and possibly even surpass the .500 mark for the first time since 2014 with some even seeing the squad as a potential playoff contender. Much of that has to do not only with the returning and added talent, but with Shanahan, who is widely considered to be one of the brightest young offensive minds in football.
The 49ers open exhibition play on Saturday at Levi's Stadium against the Dallas Cowboys and the regular season on September 8 in Tampa, Florida, where they will play the Buccaneers.
More San Francisco 49ers News
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49ers injury updates: Kyle Shanahan discusses Renardo Green, Nick Martin, others following preseason win over Chargers
The San Francisco 49ers took on three injuries of note during their 41-17 preseason win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Cornerback Renardo Green left the game with a hamstring injury in the first half and did not return.... -
Recap: 49ers win all three phases to cruise to 41-17 preseason win over Chargers
Reports from this week's joint practice between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers suggested the Chargers had a clear edge, particularly against the 49ers' defense. But when the teams faced off at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on Thursday night, it was... -
Kyle Shanahan, Brock Purdy share updates after 49ers-Titans joint practice
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy spoke with reporters after Tuesday's joint practice with the Tennessee Titans. Here's everything they had to say. Transcripts provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. Head Coach Kyle... -
Crucial 49ers training camp battle receives update from Kyle Shanahan
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