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Bears' Nagy named top coach by AP panel

Dec 9, 2018; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy reacts after the win against the Los Angeles Rams after the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

First-year Chicago Bears coach Matt Nagy received seven of 10 possible first place votes among a panel of 10 Associated Press football writers asked to name the NFL coach doing the best job this season. Nagy, who was previously the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator, finished ahead of Pete Carroll. In his first year at the helm, Nagy has guided the Bears to a 9-4 record and is on the verge of clinching a playoff berth. The Bears hadn't won nine games in a season since going 10-6 in 2012 and haven't been to the playoffs since 2010. A win in Chicago against Green Bay on Sunday or a loss by the Minnesota Vikings will clinch a playoff spot for the NFC North leading Bears. Carroll's Seahawks can also clinch this week despite a defense decimated by injuries and departures. Carroll didn't receive any first-place votes; Bill Belichick (New England Patriots, 2 votes) and Frank Reich (Indianapolis Colts, 1) were the other coaches picked. Belichick finished in ninth place despite the two No. 1 votes. --Field Level Media