With a lot emphasis on gamers when previewing the NFL season, we thought it’d be pertinent to see the 2023 NFL head coaches ranked as a part of our preseason preparations.
Extra instances than not, it’s one of many prime coaches within the NFL who finally ends up lifting the Lombardi Trophy on the finish of the season. In any case, the expertise within the NFL is so widespread that the very best soccer head coaches at the moment find yourself making the distinction ultimately.
Rating All 32 NFL Head Coaches Forward of the 2023 Season
Who’s the very best NFL head coach proper now? There’s definitely no scarcity of nice candidates for that title. That’s why we needed to create an inventory of the 2023 NFL head coaches ranked from 32 down to at least one.
Bearing in mind all the established veterans, in addition to the first-time head coaches, right here is our rating of all 32 NFL head coaches heading into the 2023 season.
32. Jonathan Gannon
After two seasons because the defensive coordinator of the Eagles, Jonathan Gannon landed a head teaching job with the Cardinals. Oddly sufficient, Gannon was criticized for the play of his protection within the Tremendous Bowl.
In fact, that recreation was after Gannon interviewed with the Cardinals, main many to suppose he was distracted heading into the Tremendous Bowl. All of that apart, Gannon has simply two years of expertise as a coordinator. He’s additionally stepping right into a state of affairs wherein the Cardinals are anticipated to be one of many worst groups within the NFL this season.
31. DeMeco Ryans
As a participant, DeMeco Ryans has a powerful resume. He was Defensive Rookie of the Yr in 2006 and a two-time Professional Bowler throughout his 10-year profession. In fact, he’s solely been a coach since 2017 and has simply two years of expertise as a defensive coordinator.
In equity, he coordinated a San Francisco protection that was among the finest within the league final 12 months. The Texans are hoping {that a} younger coach like Ryans might help them to rebuild sooner somewhat than later. With a six-year contract, Houston is giving him some slack, particularly with Ryans being the group’s third coach in as many seasons. However he clearly has loads to show as a coach and comes into a troublesome state of affairs.
30. Matt Eberflus
In his debut as a head coach final 12 months, Matt Eberflus went 3-14. In his protection, he didn’t have a lot to work with and expectations had been fairly low.
Then once more, the Bears began the season 2-1, together with a Week 1 upset over the 49ers. With a 10-game shedding streak to finish the 2022 season, Eberflus is fortunate to be ranked forward of a number of the first-year head coaches within the NFL.
29. Shane Steichen
After serving to to develop Jalen Hurts over the past two seasons, Shane Steichen accepted the duty of turning the Colts round.
Needless to say Steichen was the offensive coordinator for the Chargers in 2020, serving to to groom Justin Herbert early in his profession. His monitor file is definitely spectacular. However he’s solely 38 and has taken on a tough problem in Indianapolis.
28. Dennis Allen
Regardless of having a variety of success as an assistant and coordinator within the league, Dennis Allen has been a failure when given an opportunity to be a head coach. He was simply 8-28 with the Raiders earlier than getting fired early in his third season in Oakland. However after some good years because the defensive coordinator in New Orleans, Allen obtained a second probability final season, going 7-10 in 2022.
In case you’ve performed the mathematics, Allen’s file as a head coach is 15-38, a .283 profitable proportion. Some persons are simply higher assistants than they’re head coaches. If Allen can’t flip issues round this season with Derek Carr at quarterback, it could be time to simply accept that he belongs in that class.
27. Robert Saleh
The 2023 season might be an enormous take a look at for Robert Saleh as a result of the Jets have excessive expectations heading into the season. Additionally, he’s gone 11-23 over his first two seasons, so after going 7-10 final season, the Jets have to take an enormous step ahead if Saleh hopes to stay away from the recent seat.
The excellent news is that Saleh coordinated some nice defenses throughout his time with the 49ers. If he can do the identical for the Jets in 2023, it’ll function a powerful basis that may assist Aaron Rodgers succeed throughout his first 12 months in New York.
26. Josh McDaniels
When he’s been an offensive coordinator, Josh McDaniels has all the time been one of the crucial sought-after individuals for head teaching vacancies. However as a head coach, he’s by no means delivered.
That’s why on our checklist of 2023 NFL head coaches ranked, he’s far nearer to the underside than the highest. In his first season with the Raiders, he took a group that made the playoffs the earlier 12 months and went 6-11. The Raiders misplaced 4 video games that they led by at the least 13 factors, which doesn’t mirror effectively on McDaniels. Heading into 2023, his all-time file as a head coach is 17-28, giving him loads to show.
25. Todd Bowles
For a head coach who took his group to the playoffs and gained a division title final 12 months, Todd Bowles isn’t held in excessive esteem. In any case, Tom Brady was his quarterback final 12 months, but Bowles and the Bucs completed with a shedding file.
Bowles additionally gained 5 video games or much less in three of his 4 seasons as head coach of the Jets final decade. He finds himself in a somewhat precarious place heading into subsequent season, particularly with a 34-50 all-time file as a head coach.
24. Arthur Smith
There’s not a lot to be mentioned about Arthur Smith after a pair of 7-10 groups in Atlanta. Even when he had a few good years because the offensive coordinator of the Titans, his technique in that position was to simply give the ball to Derrick Henry.
Clearly, that’s been laborious to copy with the Falcons, particularly with a number of beginning quarterbacks over the previous two seasons. To his credit score, the Falcons might have been a lot worse than 7-10 final season. Nevertheless, Smith absolutely has to discover a approach to rise above mediocrity heading into his third season.
23. Kevin Stefanski
In comparison with a few of Cleveland’s different head coaches over the past decade or so, Kevin Stefanski would possibly as effectively be a deity. He introduced the Browns to the playoffs in 2020 and almost upset the Chiefs to succeed in the AFC Championship Sport.
However, the Browns are simply 15-19 over the previous two seasons and completed final within the AFC North final season. For the Browns this century, Stefanski would possibly belong on Mount Rushmore. However in comparison with the very best soccer head coaches at the moment, Stefasnki doesn’t maintain a lot water.
22. Brandon Staley
Over his two years as coach of the Chargers, Brandon Staley has began to make some progress. He got here with a powerful monitor file as an assistant within the years earlier than getting the job, so he can nonetheless be thought of a younger coach who’s on the rise. Nevertheless, massive video games have been an issue for Staley.
In 2021, the Chargers misplaced a win-or-go-home recreation in opposition to the Raiders within the last week of the common season. A 12 months in the past, the Chargers blew an enormous lead within the playoffs in opposition to the Jaguars. These two video games are absolutely black marks for Staley’s profession and causes to be skeptical about him.
21. Mike McDaniel
Even with only one season as a coordinator, Mike McDaniel had a powerful rookie season as a head coach in 2022. Regardless of not having a wholesome quarterback all season, he led the Dolphins to a 9-8 file and a playoff berth. However injured quarterback or not, a five-game shedding streak in December and January is difficult to swallow.
However, McDaniel has proven indicators of being one of many smartest younger coaches within the league, maybe giving him a shiny future.
20. Frank Reich
With lower than 5 full seasons as a head coach underneath his belt, it’s laborious to know what to make of Frank Reich. He has a 40-33-1 profession file, though that file would have been a lot worse had the Colts stored him till the tip of final season.
He’s by no means gained a division title and gained only one playoff recreation in two journeys. That’s to not say different coaches might have performed higher in Indianapolis. However Reich definitely isn’t among the many elite head coaches within the NFL.
19. Dan Campbell
Based mostly on the extent of issue, Dan Campbell definitely belongs excessive on an inventory of NFL head coaches. No person gave the Lions a lot of an opportunity after going 3-13-1 in 2021. However Campbell obtained them circled shortly, going 9-8 final 12 months and almost making the playoffs within the course of.
His profession file nonetheless leaves loads to be desired. However Campbell’s groups in Detroit have all the time performed laborious and he’s within the course of of doubtless doing one thing particular.
18. Brian Daboll
Even these excessive on Brian Daboll in all probability didn’t suppose he’d lead the Giants to the playoffs in his first season, a lot much less a playoff win. Remember the G-Males averaged 4.4 wins per season over the 5 years earlier than Daboll’s arrival, so a 9-7-1 file as a rookie head coach is spectacular.
With an excellent encore in 2023, Daboll may very well be on the quick monitor to changing into one of many NFL’s prime younger head coaches.
17. Kevin O’Connell
Because the offensive coordinator of the Rams in 2020, Kevin O’Connell helped Los Angeles win a Tremendous Bowl. He additionally made a powerful first impression throughout this primary season as head coach of the Vikings, going 13-4.
Clearly, a house playoff loss to the Giants stings. However O’Connell nonetheless had among the finest seasons of any rookie head coach in NFL historical past. If he can get the very best out of Kirk Cousins, O’Connell and the Vikings might be arrange for one more good season in 2023.
16. Ron Rivera
Sadly for Ron Rivera, his time in Washington hasn’t been as fruitful as his years in Carolina. He as soon as led the Panthers to the playoffs 4 instances in 5 seasons. Nevertheless, he’s but to guide Washington to a profitable file regardless of going to the playoffs as a 7-9 NFC East winner in 2020.
To make issues worse, the remainder of the NFC East appears to have handed the Commanders, giving Rivera a tall activity in 2023. However with over a decade of head-coaching expertise underneath his belt, don’t underestimate Riverboat Ron.
15. Mike Vrabel
Simply two years in the past, Mike Vrabel was the NFL Coach of the Yr, guiding the Titans to a 12-5 file and a second straight division title. Granted, Tennessee has been the highest group within the AFC South by default lately. However Vrabel almost took the Titans to the Tremendous Bowl in 2019.
Over 5 seasons, he’s 48-34, doing so principally with Ryan Tannehill at quarterback. With all due respect to Tannehill, that has to rely for one thing, which is why Vrabel ought to be thought of an above-average coach.
14. Zac Taylor
Not way back, Zac Taylor was on the recent seat after going 6-25-1 over his first two seasons. However a wholesome Joe Burrow, the arrival of Ja’Marr Chase, and some different issues have modified that.
Taylor is now seen in a special gentle after back-to-back AFC Championship Video games, together with one win. It’s nonetheless just a little unclear if it’s Taylor’s teaching or if he simply has the best gamers. However 12-win seasons don’t occur accidentally, so he deserves a number of the credit score for Cincinnati’s current success.
13. Matt LaFleur
Regardless of a 47-19 file over his first 4 seasons as a head coach, Matt LaFleur faces his greatest take a look at in 2023. After three straight 13-win seasons, the Packers went 8-9 and missed the playoffs final season.
They now not have Aaron Rodgers main the way in which, so LaFleur must discover a approach to win with Jordan Love. There are additionally some disappointing playoff losses on LaFleur’s resume.
However, LaFleur has a extra spectacular resume than a variety of NFL coaches, so he deserves the good thing about the doubt heading into the 2023 season.
12. Nick Sirianni
After main the Eagles to the Tremendous Bowl final season, Nick Sirianni undoubtedly climbed a couple of spots on the teaching hierarchy. Together with the playoffs, he’s 25-13 over two seasons and has already turned two coordinators into head coaches.
In fact, it takes greater than two seasons to make somebody an amazing coach. However Sirianni has absolutely created a basis for an amazing profession as a head coach.
11. Mike McCarthy
It’s just a little laborious to grasp why Mike McCarthy isn’t given extra respect as a coach. In 16 seasons as a coach, he’s gained six division titles and a Tremendous Bowl whereas solely having 4 shedding seasons.
Regardless of a tough first season in Dallas when Dak Prescott solely performed 5 video games, McCarthy has gained 12 video games in back-to-back seasons with the Cowboys. Even when he typically leaves extra to be desired, it’s powerful to argue with these outcomes.
10. Sean McDermott
In six seasons, Sean McDermott has already performed sufficient to be one thing of a legend in Buffalo. He broke the group’s epic playoff drought and has now introduced the Payments to the playoffs 5 instances in six seasons.
The Payments have additionally averaged 11.8 wins per season over the past 4 years, which isn’t too shabby both. In fact, he nonetheless must get the Payments over the hump by profitable a Tremendous Bowl. Nevertheless it’s laborious to complain in regards to the stage of success McDermott has present in Buffalo.
9. Doug Pederson
It’s attainable that Doug Pederson is among the most underrated coaches within the NFL. He gained a Tremendous Bowl with the Eagles in 2017 however couldn’t survive one dangerous season a couple of years later.
Nevertheless, he shortly turned Jacksonville round throughout his first season with the Jags, main them to a 9-8 file, a division title, and a surprising playoff win. Needless to say Pederson stored his group mentally within the season regardless of being 3-7 heading into their bye week. That’s the signal of an excellent coach.
Pederson additionally deserves some credit score for the progress Trevor Lawrence made in his second season, which additionally bodes effectively for Jacksonville’s probabilities in 2023.
8. Sean Payton
There might be a variety of eyes on Sean Payton as he makes his return to the NFL in 2023. Clearly, the reminiscence of the bounty scandal hangs over his profession just a little. However his file of 152-89 with New Orleans speaks for itself.
Payton took the Saints to the playoffs in 9 of his 15 seasons and by no means had a file worse than 7-9. That’s a powerful quantity of consistency over an prolonged interval. The one query is whether or not he can have comparable success with Russell Wilson or if he simply had the fortune to hitch his wagon to Drew Brees.
7. John Harbaugh
Let’s face it, John Harbaugh hasn’t had a straightforward time over the past couple of years with Lamar Jackson’s accidents and contract negotiations. However he’s nonetheless managed to take the Ravens to the playoffs in 4 of the final 5 seasons.
Even with a few shedding seasons throughout his tenure, Harbaugh has a Tremendous Bowl win and a profitable file within the playoffs. He’s a type of coaches who’s straightforward to take with no consideration. However when trying on the 2023 NFL head coaches ranked, Harbaugh must be close to the highest.
6. Kyle Shanahan
Amongst NFL coaches who haven’t gained a Tremendous Bowl, Kyle Shanahan absolutely ranks as the very best. After a few tough seasons early in his tenure, he’s taken the 49ers to the NFC Championship Sport thrice within the final 4 years due to a 6-3 playoff file.
He’s gained 13 video games through the common season twice within the final 4 seasons as effectively. Shanahan, the son of a legendary coach, has performed this whereas beginning six completely different quarterbacks in six years and with no Professional Bowl quarterback.
Despite the fact that Jimmy Garoppolo has supplied some stability, he’s solely began greater than 10 video games for the 49ers twice within the final six years. San Fransisco’s sustained success throughout that point is a testomony to Shanahan’s teaching, which is why he’s one of many NFL’s greatest proper now.
5. Sean McVay
Absolutely, Sean McVay deserves a move for final season. It’s not straightforward to repeat as Tremendous Bowl champs, and McVay shouldn’t be blamed for all the accidents the Rams had in 2022. It’s loopy to suppose that the Rams even thought of firing him.
In case you erase final season, McVay is 55-26 with a 7-3 postseason file. He’s the youngest head coach to win a Tremendous Bowl and remains to be among the many youngest head coaches within the league. Plus, he’s had 5 assistants develop into head coaches within the final 4 years. In different phrases, it’d be silly to wager in opposition to McVay bouncing again from a poor 2022 season.
4. Pete Carroll
There’s no means Pete Carroll will get almost as a lot credit score as he deserves. In his 13 seasons with the Seahawks, he’s had simply two shedding seasons and been to the playoffs 10 instances. Only a 12 months in the past, he turned the Seahawks into one of many greatest surprises within the league.
There aren’t a variety of coaches who can get to the playoffs with Geno Smith and a mediocre protection the way in which Carroll did final 12 months. On prime of that, his consistency over the long term has been spectacular to look at, which is why he nonetheless belongs among the many greatest coaches within the league.
3. Mike Tomlin
After 16 seasons, one has to marvel if Mike Tomlin’s tenure with the Steelers is approaching its finish. Pittsburgh hasn’t gained a playoff recreation since 2016, which is a very long time for a franchise with such a wealthy custom.
However, the Steelers have by no means completed with a shedding file underneath Tomlin’s watch. It’s additionally value mentioning that if the Steelers let him go, groups could be lining as much as rent him. Even when his group isn’t among the finest, Tomlin remains to be among the finest coaches within the league.
2. Invoice Belichick
When all is claimed and performed, Invoice Belichick goes to be one of many greatest head coaches in NFL history. As a head coach, he’s been to the Tremendous Bowl 9 instances, profitable six of these 9 video games.
He additionally owns the NFL file for 31 playoff wins. His monitor file alone places him larger than nearly each different coach within the league. Clearly, two shedding seasons prior to now three years through the post-Brady period have brought on his fame to take just a little little bit of a success.
However the Patriots haven’t precisely had elite expertise lately and Belichick nonetheless has them within the playoff hunt, so he’s nonetheless one of many prime coaches within the NFL.
1. Andy Reid
In a historic sense, Belichick remains to be the highest lively coach, however when it comes to the very best soccer head coaches at the moment, Andy Reid belongs on the prime.
Granted, his job is just a little simpler as a result of he has Patrick Mahomes. However he’s nonetheless gained two of the final 4 Tremendous Bowls, doing so final season with a hobbled Mahomes late within the playoffs. He’s additionally had a median protection to work with all through his time in Kansas Metropolis, which helps to stability out the components of his job which are simpler due to Mahomes.
There’s additionally the matter of 9 division titles throughout his 10 years with the Chiefs and 5 straight journeys to the AFC Championship Sport, together with three Tremendous Bowl appearances. For the time being, no one is teaching his group higher than Reid.
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