It's very difficult to evaluate coaching in the NFL. Some play calls come from the coordinators and some are audibles by the quarterbacks and linebackers, so it's hard to determine who should get the credit/blame for a good/bad play call. There are also many players and coaches that are responsible for leading a team, but there is no doubt that great coaching is essential to being successful in this league.

Overcoming adversity is an aspect of coaching that we can evaluate with some sort of precision, and each of these coaches has done a fantastic job of that this season.

Offensive Coordinator of the Year: Pat Shurmur

After their dominant win over the Saints in the opening game of the season, it looked like Sam Bradford and Dalvin Cook were going to lead this Vikings offense to a great year in 2017. Both Bradford and Cook have missed most of the season with knee injuries, which has presented a tremendous challenge for offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur.

Shurmur has worked wonders with backup quarterback Case Keenum this season in tailoring the offense to his skillset after Bradford went down. Shurmur has also come up with creative ways to utilize Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon in place of Dalvin Cook to create an efficient running game.

The Vikings' offense has overcome injuries to rank fifth in offense this season, according to Football Outsiders, and Pat Shurmur deserves a lot of credit for their success.

Defensive Coordinator of the Year: Jim Schwartz

The Eagles certainly have some talented personnel on defense, but they had a serious weakness at cornerback heading into 2017 and they also lost their potential Pro Bowl middle linebacker Jordan Hicks to an Achilles injury leaving them without their signal-caller for the rest of the season.

Jim Schwartz has been a great defensive coordinator in the league for quite some time, but this year's Eagles defense may be one of his best units despite dealing with those challenges this season.

According to Football Outsiders, Philadelphia's defense ranks fifth in the league as they've shut down the run and the pass all year long.

With Carson Wentz out for the season, Jim Schwartz will need to continue to work wonders with the Eagles' defense if they want to win the franchise's first Super Bowl.

Coach of the Year: Mike Zimmer

I highlighted some of the adversity that the Vikings have overcome this season when highlighting the job that Pat Shurmur has done with the offense, but the stability of their team this season is a credit to Mike Zimmer's leadership.

Zimmer's specialty is on the defensive side of the ball, and he's crafted Football Outsiders' second-ranked defense this season leading their team to a 13-3 record and an NFC North title. This Minnesota team has a lot of talent, but they wouldn't be the second-seed in the NFC without Mike Zimmer setting the tone with a winning culture and instilling a "no excuses" attitude in each one of his players.
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