"Jim Harbaugh, whose strategic wizardry and catchy slogans propelled the 49ers to the brink of the Super Bowl, was honored as the NFL Coach of the Year on Saturday night at a lavish ceremony in Indianapolis.

Harbaugh became just the second 49ers coach to win the Associated Press honor, joining his late mentor Bill Walsh, who won the award in 1981.

Quarterback Alex Smith accepted the hardware on his coach's behalf at the "NFL Honors," a new gala event to be held annually on the eve of every Super Bowl. The Oscars-style night even included a star-studded red carpet outside the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre.

"He probably would say he doesn't deserve this." Smith told the crowd. "That's the type of guy he is. He would give all the credit to the players, to the assistant coaches.

Smith added, "As someone who has had one or two coaches in his career, I would just like to tell you that this is well-deserved."

Several other 49ers were in the running for honors, but none won. Aldon Smith finished second to Denver's Von Miller as Defensive Rookie of the Year. Alex Smith finished third in voting for Comeback Player, won by Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford. Justin Smith, Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman all received votes for Defensive Player of the Year, won by Baltimore's Terrell Suggs. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees was named Offensive Player of the Year."