Posted on: Sunday, January 4, 2004

Belichick picked AP's top coach

Associated Press

Bill Belichick owns three Super Bowl titles, and after leading the New England Patriots in his best coaching job, he was honored yesterday as The Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year.

In a year of masterful coaching throughout the league, Belichick led the Patriots to the NFL's best record, 14-2. The Patriots, fighting off injuries almost from the outset of the schedule, won their final 12 games, setting franchise records for winning streak and victories in one year.

They did so in great part because of Belichick's brilliance as a game-planner, motivator and in-game strategist.

"I am honored to accept this award as recognition of the tremendous work of our entire coaching staff, personnel department and (owner) Mr. (Robert) Kraft," Belichick said.

Belichick, with 35› votes from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL, easily beat Cincinnati's Marvin Lewis, who received seven votes.

PRO BOWL

• Starters picked: Steve McNair, Jamal Lewis and Ray Lewis, all NFL postseason award winners, will start for the AFC in next month's Pro Bowl.

McNair, who shared The Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award with Peyton Manning, was chosen yesterday to start at quarterback. McNair guided Tennessee to a 12-4 record and a wild-card playoff berth.

Jamal Lewis, who rushed for 2,066 yards this season, second most in NFL history, was one of three Baltimore Ravens to win AP awards. The NFL Offensive Player of the Year will start at running back.

Baltimore inside linebacker Ray Lewis, the AP Defensive Player of the Year, also will start the game Feb. 8 at Aloha Stadium.

Chicago Bears center Olin Kreutz, a Saint Louis School and University of Washington alum, will start for the third year.

RAVENS

• Modell retires: The final day of Art Modell's 43-year career as an NFL owner began with a warm celebration and ended with a bitter defeat yesterday.

For Modell, the most memorable part of yesterday's game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Tennessee Titans occurred before the opening kickoff. During a rousing pregame ceremony, the 78-year-old owner had his name placed in the Ravens' Ring of Honor.

Modell isn't yet a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, perhaps because he is known for moving the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore before the 1996 season.

After spending most of his career as an owner in Cleveland, Modell moved his team to Baltimore, claiming the relocation was the only way he could field a competitive team.

Modell bought the Browns in 1961 for $4 million and helped shape the NFL into a multibillion dollar industry. He chaired the television committee, was a driving force behind "Monday Night Football" and helped bring about the AFL-NFL merger.