Post by TheShadow on Jul 19, 2006 4:56:30 GMT -5
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By Connor J. Byrne
These days, NFL fans tend to argue back and forth as to who the best head coaches in the league are. Although obvious names always come up, there are plenty of others who deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as the game's foremost coaches.
In this piece the league's 25 veteran head coaches will be ranked from strongest to weakest, with first-time leaders rated separately at the end. And for those who think they know the answers as to which coaches are the best and worst, think again.
1.) Joe Gibbs (Washington Redskins ) - Gibbs won a pair of Super Bowls in the 1980s and another in the 1991 season. He famously did so with three veteran quarterbacks who were never premier players - Joe Theismann, Doug Williams and Mark Rypien. Gibbs, who returned in 2004 from a 13-year hiatus, led the 'Skins back to relevance last season, going 10-6 and earning a playoff bid. With more talent now on the roster, look for Gibbs to contend for a fourth championship. It's certainly fitting that Gibbs will rely on 35-year-old QB Mark Brunell in 2006, since the signalcaller has been dismissed by many lately, much like Williams and Rypien years ago. (Regular season record: 140-76; playoffs: 17-6).
2.) Bill Belichick (New England Patriots ) - To many, Belichick is the game's greatest head coach. It's difficult to argue that point, as the 54-year-old has won three Super Bowls over the last five seasons in an era of pro football known mostly for its parity. At the same time, though, it's easy to point out that Belichick was a sub-.500 coach before quarterback Tom Brady entered the Patriots' fray early in the 2001 season. Still, the legendary defensive coordinator for the Giants will be a Hall of Famer, and he deserves it. (Regular season record: 99-77; playoffs: 11-2).
3.) Bill Cowher (Pittsburgh Steelers ) - At the moment, "The Jaw" is tied with Gibbs as the league's longest tenured head coach with one team (14 seasons). Last year, Cowher finally had the opportunity to hold up the Lombardi Trophy, as his wild card Steelers capped off a tremendous playoff run with a victory over the Seahawks in Super Bowl XL. The beloved Pennsylvanian has led his teams to nine playoff appearances. (Regular season record: 141-82-1; playoffs: 12-9).
4.) Mike Shanahan (Denver Broncos ) - A two-time Super Bowl winner, Shanahan has been the Broncos' No. 1 man since 1995. Of course, the former 49ers assistant and Raiders head coach has been known by most in Denver for consistently having great offensive units. Many are expecting the 53-year-old's team to contend for another championship this season. (Regular season record: 122-74; playoffs: 8-5).
5.) Bill Parcells (Dallas Cowboys ) - Also a two-time Super Bowl champ, Parcells has been one of the league's all-time best nomadic head coaches. Rather than remain in one spot for long periods of time, "The Tuna" has spent periods with the Giants, Patriots, Jets and Cowboys. In three seasons with Dallas, the 64-year-old has gone a disappointing 25-23, which has hurt his legacy. Whether or not Parcells will successfully deal with spoiled wideout Terrell Owens this year is a major question (Regular season record: 163-123-1; playoffs: 11-7).
6.) Mike Holmgren (Seattle Seahawks ) - In 14 seasons as a head coach with the Packers and Seahawks, Holmgren has never had a team finish worse than 6-10 in an individual season. More impressively, Holmgren-led teams have made 10 playoff appearances. He came very close to a second Super Bowl title against the Steelers in February, but watched his team lose on some questionable officiating. (Regular season record: 138-86; playoffs: 11-9).
7.) Tony Dungy (Indianapolis Colts ) - The mild-mannered 50-year-old has earned a reputation as one of football's classiest coaches. Dungy spent five seasons making the Buccaneers a relevant entity between 1996-2000 before moving on to Indy, where he's become a revered figure. Although he's yet to win a title, it'd be hard to imagine Dungy not winning one soon, especially with a vastly talented Colts roster. (Regular season record: 102-58; playoffs: 5-8).
8.) Andy Reid (Philadelphia Eagles ) - Prior to the beginning of the Reid era in Philly from 1993-1998, the Eagles battled mediocrity. However, Reid--a disciple of Holmgren--stepped in and instilled a terrific offensive approach in his squad. Teaming with former All-Pro QB Donovan McNabb, Reid led the Eagles to four straight appearances in the NFC Championship Game and a Super Bowl showing. At only 48 years old, Reid has plenty of time left to win a title, which he'll likely do at some point. (Regular season record: 70-42; playoffs: 7-5).
9.) Jon Gruden (Tampa Bay Buccaneers ) - Gruden spent four seasons in Oakland between 1998-2001, where he kept the Silver and Black tradition alive and well. Thereafter, he was traded to the Bucs' for numerous draft picks and made the Raiders pay with a 48-21 victory over Oakland in Super Bowl XXXVII. With great young talent on the Tampa roster, there's no reason why Gruden won't make it back to the biggest stage in sports eventually. (Regular season record: 73-55; playoffs: 5-3).
10.) John Fox (Carolina Panthers ) - The only reason Fox is so low on this list stems from his youth as a head coach. As more time passes for the 51-year-old and more accomplishments roll in, he'll join the elite in the top five. Fox's Panthers are thought of by many as the favorites to win a title this year, and that's thanks in no small part to the cool and collected coach. (Regular season record: 36-28; playoffs: 5-2).
11.) Jeff Fisher (Tennessee Titans ) - Although Fisher has fallen on hard times in the last two years, he's unquestionably one of the league's premier head coaches. In fact, the Houston/Tennessee organization has hung its hat on Fisher since 1994, and he's made the team look intelligent for it. A four-time playoff coach, the 48-year-old is leading a rebuilding Titans organization. When their young talent begins developing, Fisher will begin his ascent up the mountain of head coaching's elite. (Regular season record: 97-85; playoffs: 5-4).
12.) Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati Bengals ) - Much like Fox, Lewis hasn't proven enough to be much higher than this. He's spent only three seasons as an NFL head coach, which makes being 12th on this list quite an accomplishment. The only downside to Lewis' 49-game tenure in Cincinnati is the amount of troublemakers he's brought into the fold. Still, reviving a Bengals team that was awful for a dozen years before he showed up is a special feat. (Regular season record: 27-21; playoffs: 0-1).
13.) Tom Coughlin (New York Giants ) - In 10 seasons as a head coach for the Jaguars and Giants, the 59-year-old has earned the reputation as a leader with a drill sergeant mentality. That approach doesn't work with some players, but making five playoff appearances is impressive. Coughlin was also key in putting the expansion Jaguars on the map between 1995-2002. However, his welcome will eventually wear out in New York. (Regular season record: 85-75; playoffs: 4-5).
14.) Lovie Smith (Chicago Bears ) - One of the game's best defensive minds, Smith spent time as an assistant working with the likes of Monte Kiffin, Herman Edwards and Tony Dungy. He was named the Bears' head coach in January 2004, and has since become a beloved figure in Chicago. The Bears wallowed in mediocrity and worse from 1992 until last year, when Smith's Bears won the NFC North. They are expected to remain atop the suspect division for years to come. (Regular season record: 16-16; playoffs: 0-1).
15.) Dennis Green (Arizona Cardinals ) - A 12-year head coaching veteran with the Vikings and Cardinals, Green is one of the game's better players' coaches. However, his playoff disappointments have too often overshadowed regular season accomplishments. The Arizona ship should be righted soon, but Green's a tad overrated. (Regular season record: 108-83; playoffs: 4-8).
16.) Jack Del Rio (Jacksonville Jaguars ) - Many have become convinced that the former star linebacker for the Vikings is a top 10 head coach, but he has a long way to go. The Jags finished a surprising 12-4 last year; however, they went just 3-3 against teams with records at .500 or above. Another big season from Jacksonville will be all the exuberant 43-year-old needs to skyrocket up the charts. (Regular season record: 26-22; playoffs: 0-1).
17.) Marty Schottenheimer (San Diego Chargers ) - While it's true that Schottenheimer is a well above-average head coach, he still has never won a championship in 20 years with highly-talented rosters in Cleveland, Kansas City, Washington and San Diego. In fact, his conservative "Martyball" approach has crippled numerous chances in playoff games. (Regular season record: 186-124-1; playoffs: 5-12).
18.) Art Shell (Oakland Raiders ) - Shell became the first African-American head coach in pro football in 1989. After, he had the Raiders competing each week and made three playoff appearances between 1990 and 1993. The Hall of Fame offensive lineman's tenure as a head coach ended after the 1994 season, but he was rehired by owner Al Davis this offseason. It will take time for Shell to adjust to the current league; however, the mental and physical toughness he'll instill in the Raiders' players will pay off soon. (Regular season record: 54-38; playoffs: 2-3).
19.) Jim Mora (Atlanta Falcons ) - This may seem low for Mora, but he still has much to prove in Georgia. He'd have ranked much higher on this list if his Falcons would have followed up a terrific 2004 season with a great 2005. Instead, Mora regularly lost his cool on the Falcons' sideline in an 8-8 campaign. The 44-year-old has plenty of talent on his roster, so the Falcons need to revisit the postseason in 2006. (Regular season record: 19-13; playoffs: 1-1).
20.) Brian Billick (Baltimore Ravens ) - Although Billick's Ravens won a Super Bowl in 2000, that had less to do with him than it did one of the greatest defenses ever. The fact is, Billick entered Baltimore prior to the 1999 season as a supposed offensive guru, but the 54-year-old's Raven offenses have been lower-echelon throughout his tenure. Billick has a new starting QB in former MVP Steve McNair, which means it's time for the team's offense to start producing. (Regular season record: 62-50; playoffs: 5-2).
21.) Nick Saban (Miami Dolphins ) - Saban's only been a head coach at the pro level for one year, but he showed some great signs last season. After stumbling out to a 3-7 record in 2005, the former Michigan State and LSU head man rallied a mediocre Dolphins roster to six straight victories. Many are calling Saban a Super Bowl-caliber head coach, but judgment should be reserved until he can consistently win in South Florida. (Regular season record: 9-7; playoffs: N/A).
22.) Romeo Crennel (Cleveland Browns ) - Similar to other relatively inexperienced head coaches on this list, Crennel is low because he has quite a bit left to prove. Although, the former long time assistant under Parcells and Belichick earned plenty of respect in Cleveland as a rookie leader last season. Look for the 58-year-old to make the Browns into a big-time contender soon enough. (Regular season record: 6-10; playoffs: N/A).
23.) Herm Edwards (Kansas City Chiefs ) - The former Jets head coach was brought in this offseason to replace the now retired Dick Vermeil, who is among the NFL's all-time coaching greats. The enthusiastic Edwards has a difficult act to follow, but he's been a terrific motivator in the past. At the same time, Edwards still has a high hill to climb if he wants to be thought of as a higher-echelon sideline general. (Regular season record: 39-41; playoffs: 2-3).
24.) Dick Jauron (Buffalo Bills) - The former Bears head coach and Lions interim leader was hired in January by the Bills' current general manager, Marv Levy (a Hall of Fame head coach). Jauron's teams in Chicago experienced great struggles in four of his five seasons, but did win the NFC Central with a 13-3 record in 2001. Jauron's the ultimate players coach, which some NFL-er's don't necessarily respond to. However, he'll be an improvement over the Bills' last two coaches, Gregg Williams and Mike Mularkey. (Regular season record: 36-49; playoffs: 0-1).
25.) Mike Nolan (San Francisco 49ers ) - Unfortunately, somebody had to finish dead last on this list. In reality, though, Nolan is gradually instilling discipline and competitiveness back into the 49ers. His team went just 4-12 last season, but they came on in terms of competing toward the end of the year. It's not easy to win with low amounts of talent, so don't expect the former Ravens defensive coordinator to take San Francisco to the playoffs anytime soon. When it's all said and done, Nolan will become an appreciated member of the 49ers' all-time coaching ring. (Regular season record: 4-12; playoffs: N/A).
That's the complete list of the best head coach in the current league to the weakest. Keep in mind that past glory doesn't always guarantee a high ranking. Just ask Schottenheimer, Mora, Billick and Edwards.
The newcomers -
Having ranked the 25 head coaches in the league who have head coaching experience, it's time to take a look at the seven first-timers set to take over organizations officially in September. Like the other 25, they'll be ranked from strongest to weakest. Prior credentials as assistants, and the likelihood of short and long-term success were all taken into account.
1.) Gary Kubiak (Houston Texans ) - The soon-to-be 44-year-old has spent the last 11 seasons as an assistant under Mike Shanahan in Denver. As the offensive coordinator, Kubiak has been instrumental in two Super Bowl wins and numerous high-ranked units. In Houston, he'll have the opportunity to work with plenty of young stars and guide the Texans from the league's doldrums all the way to prominence.
2.) Brad Childress (Minnesota Vikings ) - Childress was the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia for the last four seasons, where he helped McNabb and the rest of the offense achieve big things. The unit fell apart on Childress last season, thanks to Terrell Owens' behavioral malfeasance and key injuries. As the newest Vikings head coach, Childress will have a chance to succeed immediately and quickly make the team's fans forget about Mike Tice, who was always an object of frustration in Minneapolis.
3.) Scott Linehan (St. Louis Rams ) - The former offensive coordinator for Minnesota and Miami certainly has enough credentials to be a head coach. Having signal-caller Marc Bulger, running back Steven Jackson and receiver Torry Holt should be a field day for Linehan, who has led top offenses in the past. However, the Rams will need a year or two before becoming a real title contender again.
4.) Sean Payton (New Orleans Saints ) - An ex-assistant for the Giants and Cowboys, Payton is one of football's foremost experts on the QB position. With free agent signee Drew Brees under center for the Saints, Payton won't have any difficulty with inexperience at the helm. Add in running backs Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister and receiver Joe Horn, and the Saints' offense could be terrific for the foreseeable future. If the defense can do enough, Payton may find himself contending for a wild card spot in his first year as a head coach.
5.) Rod Marinelli (Detroit Lions ) - The hard-nosed Marinelli spent the last decade as the finest defensive line coach in the league with Tampa, but his style has already rubbed some players the wrong way in Detroit. On Marinelli's side is the solid amount of talent he is inheriting with the Lions. The 59-year-old should be a playoff coach in Michigan before it's all said and done.
6.) Mike McCarthy (Green Bay Packers ) - Thanks to the return of future Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre, this rookie head coach has an opportunity to contend for a playoff berth in 2006. However, McCarthy never proved much of anything as an offensive coordinator for the Saints and 49ers. In short, Green Bay GM Ted Thompson may come to regret firing Mike Sherman and replacing him with McCarthy.
7.) Eric Mangini (New York Jets ) - The 35-year-old became the youngest head coach in the league when the Jets hired him to replace Herm Edwards in January. Unfortunately for New York, Mangini spent just one season as a coordinator - albeit under Bill Belichick. The Hartford native will have plenty of frustrating moments with the Jets but should follow Belichick's path eventually as a top-flight leader.
The main thing these power rankings reveal is the coaching strength in the current NFL. In the past numerous head coaches have been thought of as inept or unqualified. Nonetheless, all 25 on the list have had plenty of success at one time or another in their respective careers. As for the new seven, all appear to be bright spots in a large class of greenhorn head coaches.