Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to large-area transparent conductive coatings (TCCs) including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanowire composites, and methods of making the same. The σdc / σopt ratio of such thim films may be improved via stable chemical doping and / or alloying of CNT-based films. The doping and / or alloying may be implemented in a large area coating system, e.g., on glass and / or other substrates. In certain example embodiments, a CNT film may be deposited and then doped via chemical functionalization and / or alloyed with silver and / or palladium. Both p-type and n-type dopants may be used in different embodiments of this invention. In certain example embodiments, silver and / or other nanowires may be provided, e.g., to further decrease sheet resistance. Certain example embodiments may provide coatings that approach, meet, or exceed 90% visible transmission and 90 ohms / square target metrics.