With multiple successful coaches, is the Earthquakes' Frank Yallop the Bay Area coach of the year?

In an area that has some of the best coaches and managers in sports, the one that might be having the best season shouldn't be overlooked. Frank Yallop, coach of the San Jose Earthquakes, has brought his team to the brink of reaching the Western Conference Finals and is the best coach in the Bay Area this year, according to Mark Pundy.

Last season, the Earthquakes struggled, going 8-12-14 and missing the playoffs. This year, San Jose turned around to finish as the top team in the entire MLS, amassing 66 points with a 19-6-9 record.

Along with coaching, personnel changes have been key to the Earthquakes' run. After getting rid of Bobby Convey, San Jose filled in its roster with midfielders Marvin Chavez and Shea Salinas in the offseason. The moves were part of a culture change in the locker room which leading goal scorer Chris Wondolowski describes as "a fun time."

Now, the Earthquakes will take on the L.A. Galaxy in the series finale on Wednesday night after claiming the first leg with a 1-0 win. The winner will face either the Seattle Sounders or Real Salt Lake in the West finals.