The Latest: Ben Johnson is NFL Assistant Coach of the Year

By Canadian Press on February 6, 2025.

Snoop Dogg is set to take center stage at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans for the primetime NFL Honors that recognizes the best of the season.

The ceremony features the announcement of The Associated Press’ annual awards, the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and the Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

Ben Johnson wins AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year

Johnson was a clear choice for Assistant Coach of the Year, receiving 29 first-place votes.

Johnson, who was the Lions offensive coordinator, led a group that was first in scoring (33.22 points per game) and second in yards (409.5). He was hired to coach the Chicago Bears after Detroit lost in the playoffs.

Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores got three first-place votes and finished second in the voting. Former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who was hired to coach the New York Jets, received six first-place votes and came in third.

Eagles DC Vic Fangio (3), Bills OC Joe Brady (2), former Buccaneers OC Liam Coen (2), Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo (2), Ravens OC Todd Monken (1), Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury (1) and Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland (1) also received first-place votes.

Winston is having a blast at Super Bowl week events

Winston was a media darling on opening night, throwing “W” cookies in honor of his Eat the “W” catchphrase. He was again on the red carpet interviewing players and celebrities.

Meanwhile, TV star Terry Crews breezed past reporters on his way to the show.

Fly, Eagles, Fly!

Former Eagles running back LeSean McCoy gave a “Fly, Eagles, Fly” on the red carpet. He said the Giants letting Barkley walk in free agency was surely fuel for this season. Barkley ran for 2,005 yards and broke McCoy’s franchise record for yards rushing in a season.

Lights, camera, action! NFL Honors red carpet is underway

The red carpet is open.

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton and Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston were among the first players to style and profile on the carpet. Slayton wore a pair of Giants sneakers while Winston wore a red cheetah print velvet jacket.

Comeback Player of the Year finalists

Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow, Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins, Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez and Bills safety Damar Hamlin are the finalists.

NFL MVP finalists

Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, Joe Burrow, Jared Goff and Lamar Jackson are finalists for The Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award.

Barkley is the only non-QB of the bunch after running for 2,005 yards, eighth-best for a single season in NFL history.

Jackson, the reigning winner, is seeking his third MVP award after leading the Ravens to an AFC North title.

What awards are being announced at NFL Honors?

There will be eight AP awards presented, including Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, Assistant Coach of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year. A nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league completed voting before the playoffs began.

How to watch the NFL Honors show

The NFL Honors awards show will air on Fox and NFL Network at 9 p.m. EST Thursday night. It’s also available on streaming at NFL+.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

The Associated Press