Wow! Did I really get a picture of Bill Belichick smiling? Actually, the Associated Press did. And for that, they deserve some sort of award. But my blog entry today is actually about the award bestowed by the Associated Press on the Patriots Head Coach.

Bill Belichick wins Associated Press coach of the years honors for the second time in 4 years. Now to some of you, myself included, this is a no brainer. But the "Spygate" conspiracy theorists will argue otherwise.

I have no problem with the way the NFL punished Belichick and the Pats for their alleged video taping and "spying" on the Jets. I think losing a first round pick and fining Belichick and the Pats was the right thing to do. But how can you not give this guy coach of the years honors?

Belichick led the Pats to the first "16-0" regular season in history. The '72 Dolphins went 14-0. In hindsight, we can all question the rest of the league for not going after Randy Moss and Wes Welker. But would these guys have done this well catching the football elsewhere? Probably not. Sure, Belichick has Tom Brady throwing to these guys. But the coach, known for his defensive schemes, ultimately calls the shots on offense too. And his decision to use Welker as much as he has a possession receiver has been nothing short of brilliant. Moreover, how many Randy Moss incidents have there been. Zero off the field . 23 in the endzone--his record total of receiving td's. Belichick has gotten one of football's most talented, yet selfish players, to buy into the concept of team. The results speak for themselves. Even with "Spygate" on Belichick's '07 resume. He totally deserves coach of the year honors.

As an aside, if you ever want to know more about Belichick, read the late David Halberstam's book "The Education of a Coach." It is an absolutely fantastic read.

Lastly, kudos to you UConn fans who flew to the Meineke Car Care Bowl in Charlotte. Good call. With much of my family having migrated to the Charlotte area, we opted to pack the three kids into the family mini-van and drive down. Yikes. 17 hours on the way down! "Only "13 1/2 coming back. My wife was right...again. The dvd player in the car was a good investment.

Happy New Year everyone!