A coated article includes a substrate and a metal functional layer over at least a portion of the substrate. The metal functional layer includes a metal alloy, a metal oxide, a metal nitride, a metal oxynitride, or molybdenum. Another coated article includes a glass substrate and a coating over at least a portion of the substrate. The coating includes a dielectric layer, a metal functional layer, and a protective layer. The present invention also provides an insulating glass unit and methods of making a coated article.