4 Detroit Lions are no-brainer nominees for Associated Press awards

The Detroit Lions have had one of the best seasons in franchise history this year, with at least an NFC Championship Game appearance. With that success comes recognition, and on Thursday four Lions were announced as nominees for Associated Press (AP) NFL awards.

None of the four are surprising.

Detroit Lions have four nominees for AP Awards

Coach of the Year: Dan Campbell

Under Campbell's guidance, the Lions clinched their first division title since 1993 this season. They won 12 games in the regular season, tying the franchise-record for most wins in a season. The Lions' 21 wins over the last two seasons are a new franchise record in any two-season span. He's only the third coach in team history to win multiple playoff games.

The other Coach of the Year nominees are John Harbaugh (Baltimore Ravens), Demeco Ryans (Houston Texans), Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco 49ers) and Kevin Stefanski (Cleveland Browns)

Assistant Coach of the Year: Ben Johnson

Another no-brainer.

Johnson has been at the controls of one of the best offenses in the league for the last two seasons, as he was also nominated for this award last year. He may be gone for a head coaching job as soon as the Lions' season is over, with the proverbial betting money on him getting the Washington Commanders job.

The other nominees for Assistant Coach of the Year are Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: TE Sam LaPorta and RB Jahmyr Gibbs

To the surprise of no one, the Lions have two nominees for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

LaPorta set every single-season record for a Lions' tight end as a rookie (86 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns), while also setting the NFL record for receptions by a rookie tight end. He's a Pro Bowler, a second-team All-Pro and now an easy nominee (and top candidate) for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Not to be outdone, Gibbs had 1,261 yards from scrimmage and 11 total touchdowns during the regular season.

The other Offensive Rookie of the Year nominees are Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.

Winners will be announced at NFL Honors at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8 at Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas.