The recipient is chosen by a vote of all coaches at the conclusion of the regular season.
In 2009, the inaugural Coach of the Year award was given to Jeff Hopkins, who guided Queensland Roar to the premiership-championship double.
The current holder of the award is Emily Husband of Central Coast Mariners.
Jitka Klimková was the first female recipient of the award in 2012 with Canberra United.
Only one coach has won the award three times, Jeff Hopkins in 2009 with the Roar, and in 2019 and 2021 with Melbourne Victory.