Head coaches are the faces of their teams. They carry so much responsibility that it can be hard for us on the outside to truly grasp the scope of their impact.
Still, we can see which head coaches are producing better results, which ones are maximizing the available talent and who might be squandering it. We can see how coaches respond to adversity and how they develop the players they draft.
It’s almost impossible to win a Super Bowl with a bad head coach, while a good head coach can elevate the entire team. With that in mind, here’s a ranking of all 32 NFL head coaches:
1: Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
Since being hired in 2013, Reid has been a key part of the Chiefs’ dominance in the last several years. He spent 13 seasons as head coach of the Eagles from 1999 to 2012 and though he turned them into perennial contenders, he was never able to finish the season on top. That changed in Kansas City, where he’s won eight straight division titles, made six consecutive AFC Championship games and won three Super Bowls. Reid is considered one of the premier offensive minds in football today — he and QB Patrick Mahomes will go down in history as one of the most successful head coach/quarterback pairings of all time.
2: Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
The youngest head coach in the NFL for years, McVay was the former offensive coordinator in Washington before being hired by the Rams in 2017. In seven seasons with the Rams, McVay has won three division titles and made the playoffs five times. He reached the Super Bowl following the 2018 and 2021 seasons, hoisting the Lombardi trophy on his second try. McVay has flirted with early retirement and has expressed interest in being a TV analyst, but seemingly recommitted to Los Angeles this offseason. With an influx of young talent now sprucing up an aging roster, McVay and this version of the Rams are primed to make another run at the title.
3: John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
A surprise hire in 2007 after serving for years as the Eagles’ special teams coordinator, Harbaugh has been one of the best coaches in the NFL ever since. His best season was in 2012, which culminated in a Super Bowl victory, but his Ravens have been consistently competitive every year. In 15 seasons, Harbaugh has five AFC North titles and made four conference championship games. He also has the most road playoff wins for a head coach in NFL history with eight.
4: Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
After eight seasons as an offensive coordinator at four stops (Houston, Washington, Cleveland and Atlanta), Shanahan became known as one of the best offensive minds in the game. San Francisco hired him in 2017 and he helped develop the team into a perennial contender. In seven seasons, Shanahan has four division titles, four NFC Championship game appearances and two Super Bowl appearances, though he has yet to win it all. Despite his lack of a Super Bowl title, Shanahan is one of the most widely respected coaches in the game and has the 49ers knocking at the door seemingly every year.
5: Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
The record-setting head coach of the Steelers, Tomlin was hired in 2007. With seven division titles and a Super Bowl win, his most impressive accolade might be the fact that he’s never had a losing season in Pittsburgh in 17 years at the helm. Though the Steelers have struggled to be a true contender the last half-decade or so, Tomlin still routinely leads them to playoff berths and surprise upsets. He’s a truly positive force as a head coach, one of the few you can point to as consistently elevating their squads year after year.
6: Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers
Following stints with the Rams and Titans as offensive coordinator, LaFleur joined the Packers in 2019 and revitalized a franchise that had fallen a bit from their usual lofty heights. LaFleur helped QB Aaron Rodgers reach new heights, with the quarterback winning back-to-back MVPs in 2020 and 2021. Though they have made the playoffs in four of his five seasons in Green Bay, LaFleur’s teams have never advanced to play in a Super Bowl. But with the Jordan Love era underway and off to an excellent start in 2023, LaFleur’s Packers look to be a mainstay in the NFC playoff picture.
7: Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
Hired in 2021 from the Saints’ staff, Campbell went viral in his introductory press conference for saying his teams would “bite off kneecaps.” Clunky as it was, that phrase has captured the grit and tenacity Campbell has instilled in the Lions over the last three seasons. Last year was his best season yet with the Lions winning the NFC North and making the NFC Championship game, though they came up just short of a Super Bowl appearance. Expectations are sky-high once again in 2024, and Detroit should be one of the top teams in the NFC.
8: Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins
After spending three seasons as an offensive assistant with the 49ers, McDaniel was promoted to offensive coordinator for a year before being snatched up by the Dolphins. Though he’s only been there two years, McDaniel has led Miami to back-to-back wild card berths and turned them into one of the AFC’s strongest teams. His unique offensive system has taken the NFL by storm — he pioneered the “cheat” motion last year, for example, which had spread to nearly every NFL offense by the end of the season. Though his ability to win the biggest games of the year is still in question, McDaniel has revitalized a Dolphins team that was struggling mightily before he arrived.
9: Sean McDermott, Buffalo Bills
McDermott has been a model of consistency since taking over the Bills job in 2017. Formerly the Panthers’ defensive coordinator, he oversaw a roster being stripped to its studs in his first year and still managed to end the franchise’s record playoff drought while starting QB Tyrod Taylor. The following year, Buffalo drafted QB Josh Allen and McDermott landed his franchise quarterback. The Bills have made five straight playoff appearances and won four straight division titles. That stretch does coincide with Tom Brady leaving the AFC East, but the Bills have nonetheless been one of the NFL’s premier teams during this stretch.
10: DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans
Serving as the defensive coordinator for the 49ers from 2021-2022, Houston hired Ryans to be their head coach in 2023. A star linebacker for the Texans during his playing career, Ryans brought his innovative defensive system to his new team, with tremendous results. No. 2 overall QB C.J. Stroud was sensational as a rookie, with Ryans leading the team to a division title and playoff win in his first season. Armed with a roster filled with veteran talent and young studs, he’ll look to build on his successful first season and continue the Texans’ ascent in the AFC.
11: Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts
After former HC Frank Reich’s tenure and a bizarre 2022 season that involved former Colts C Jeff Saturday being brought on as interim coach, the Colts hired Steichen, the Eagles offensive coordinator, to be their guy. Steichen had a track record of impressive results with young quarterbacks, including Justin Herbert in Los Angeles and Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia. Indianapolis and Steichen drafted Anthony Richardson, the most athletic quarterback in NFL Combine history, to be their future under center. Though Richardson missed most of his rookie year with a shoulder injury, Steichen’s first year in Indianapolis was a major success, despite falling just short of the playoffs in the final game against Houston. Year 2 is a big one, with Richardson healthy and expectations high.
12: Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings
Poached from the Rams after two years as their offensive coordinator, O’Connell is entering his third season at the helm of the Vikings. His first year was a major success, winning 13 games and the NFC North despite weaker underlying metrics. Those metrics proved right, as Minnesota fell to the Giants in the wildcard round, and the team took a step back in 2023 largely due to QB Kirk Cousins’ Achilles injury. O’Connell is now guiding the Vikings through a more serious rebuild than they’ve undergone in a long time, with first-round QB J.J. McCarthy and some younger talent on the defense.
13: Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns
The Browns hired Stefanski in 2020 after he previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Vikings. In four seasons at the helm in Cleveland, he’s won AP Coach of the Year twice and made two playoff appearances despite some turnover at the quarterback position. However, despite this impressive resume, he’s only won a single playoff game and failed to elevate one of the NFL’s best rosters into a true contender. Stefanski signed a massive contract extension this offseason, so it’s not like his job is in jeopardy, but it’s fair to wonder if a better coach could have accomplished more during this span.
14: Sean Payton, Denver Broncos
After fifteen years in New Orleans alongside future Hall-of-Famer Drew Brees, with a Super Bowl win to his name, Payton retired from the Saints in 2021 a year after Brees hung up his cleats. A year later, he was traded to the Broncos to take over that franchise, and he now enters his second season in Denver. Payton is an old-school coach, demanding firm control over his team’s personnel moves, and his time with the Broncos has been somewhat controversial so far. While it’s too early to say how he’ll be viewed in Denver, he has one of the best and most successful resumes of any coach in the league.
15: Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders
After his time as the head coach of the Falcons, during which he made a Super Bowl appearance and was a regular participant in the playoffs, Quinn was the defensive coordinator for the Cowboys and waited for the right opportunity to jump back into the head coaching game. That time came this past offseason when the Commanders hired him to oversee their rebuild. His experience and savvy should be huge for a young team. Quinn will need to show growth from the issues that plagued his later Falcons teams, but he was the right hire for Washington.
16: Doug Pederson, Jacksonville Jaguars
In five years as the head coach of the Eagles, Pederson won a Super Bowl and made the playoffs three total seasons. He was fired after the 2020 season, and Jacksonville hired him in 2022. Their quarterback of the future, Trevor Lawrence, was subjected to a rocky rookie season, and Pederson was brought in to provide stability and guidance to a young roster. After two seasons, the outlook for Pederson is unclear. While 2022 was a successful year, with a division title and playoff win, the team took a big step back in 2023 and missed the playoffs entirely. Pederson may not be able to survive another mediocre season, and the competition in the AFC South is expected to be much tougher this year.
17: Jim Harbaugh, Los Angeles Chargers
Escaping a series of controversies and investigations at the University of Michigan, Harbaugh returns to the NFL to helm a Chargers team in desperate need of direction. Formerly the head coach of the 49ers from 2011-2014, Harbaugh spent nine seasons running his alma mater before taking the Chargers job. Harbaugh led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance, losing to his brother in Baltimore, and won a national championship with Michigan in 2023. Despite having one of the league’s premier quarterbacks, Los Angeles hasn’t yet won a playoff game with Herbert. Harbaugh has been tasked with not wasting more of his star quarterback’s prime and has already begun shaping the roster to his liking.
18: Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals
Following stints as an assistant coach with the Dolphins, Bengals and Rams, Taylor joined Cincinnati as the head coach in 2019. A dismal first year turned out to be a blessing in disguise when the team selected QB Joe Burrow at No. 1 overall in 2020. Together, Taylor and Burrow have revitalized the dormant franchise, appearing in multiple conference title games and coming up just short in the Super Bowl following the 2021 season. Despite the greater team success, Taylor has often been criticized for his poor game management and lackluster offensive system. Many analysts believe he is holding Burrow and the team back, although many defend his contributions, arguing he played a key role in turning the team around.
19: Robert Saleh, New York Jets
A supremely successful defensive coordinator with the 49ers from 2017-2020, Saleh got his chance to be a head coach in 2021 with the Jets. Inheriting one of the worst rosters in the NFL, Saleh whipped them into shape quickly. New York fielded arguably the best defense in the league the last two seasons, though offensive line and quarterback issues have prevented the team from making the playoffs. Saleh and GM Joe Douglas bet on QB Zach Wilson with the No. 2 pick in 2021, but shipped him off to Denver after three poor seasons and tried to pivot to Rodgers last year before he tore his Achilles. With a healthy roster and a healthy Rodgers, the Jets project to be among the AFC’s best in 2024, and a big year is important for Saleh’s job security.
20: Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals
Gannon was an NFL assistant for 13 seasons and was serving as the Colts’ defensive backs coach when Nick Sirianni brought him along to Philadelphia to be his defensive coordinator. After two successful seasons in Philly, Gannon was the candidate of choice for the Cardinals in 2023. Despite some viral awkward moments in the offseason, Gannon’s first season in Arizona was a resounding success — though the bar was exceptionally low. Instead of being the worst team in football, Arizona was competitive throughout the season and had multiple notable upsets. Arizona is still in a rebuild entering his second year, but the arrow is pointing up for this staff.
21: Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons
Passed over during Atlanta’s last hiring cycle despite a successful run as interim head coach, Morris gets a second shot with the Falcons in 2024 following a stint as the Rams’ defensive coordinator. Hopes are high in his first season, with the team signing Cousins with the expectation that he can be the quarterback they’ve been missing. Morris does have previous head coaching experience, serving at Tampa Bay’s helm from 2009-2011. Morris was just 33 when he was hired and has admitted he could have benefited from more experience. That should be less of an issue the second time around.
22: Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders
Following former HC Josh McDaniels’ firing last season, Pierce was promoted from linebackers’ coach to interim head coach. The players loved him and he exceeded expectations, leading the Raiders to retain him as the full-time head coach starting in 2024. Pierce’s coaching experience is somewhat limited, as his first experience as an NFL assistant was in 2022, but his connection to his players is a promising sign, as is the loyalty he inspires.
23: Dave Canales, Carolina Panthers
Canales served as an offensive assistant in various roles with Seahawks for 12 seasons before the Buccaneers hired him to be their offensive coordinator in 2023. Part of the NFL’s latest batch of intriguing “quarterback whisperers,” Canales helped revitalize the careers of both Geno Smith in Seattle and Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay, leading to the Panthers hiring him to be their head man in 2024. Carolina hopes he can do similar work with Bryce Young, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, who struggled mightily in his rookie season. With better offensive infrastructure now than a year ago, Canales’ future in Carolina likely rests on what Young becomes.
24: Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks
Taking over for the retired legend Pete Carroll in 2024 after two years as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator, Macdonald takes the helm of a Seahawks team looking to get back to the playoffs after a year away. His defenses in Baltimore were exceptional. Macdonald knew how to maximize his players and his scheme confounded opposing offenses on a weekly basis. He takes that expertise to a young Seattle defense looking to improve, and according to his players, he has the leadership qualities to succeed as a head coach.
25: Brian Callahan, Tennessee Titans
Callahan was the offensive coordinator of the Bengals for four seasons under Taylor before accepting the Titans job in 2024. He’s often credited with being a key part of the deadly Bengals attack during this span, helping Burrow adjust to the NFL, and scheming a large portion of the Bengals’ playbook. He now controls a Titans squad with an odd mix of young, developing players and older stars at the tail-ends of their careers. How he manages to balance this team and develop his talent will be interesting to watch.
26: Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots
With future Hall-of-Famer Bill Belichick ousted after last season, the Patriots stuck to their plan and hired Mayo, who had been groomed as a defensive assistant for years, to be his replacement. Mayo has been coveted as a defensive coordinator for years but clearly knew his day in New England would come. Since Brady’s departure following the 2019 season, the Patriots have struggled to maintain relevancy, with no playoff wins and just one appearance in four seasons. Mayo is tasked with returning the Patriots to their former glory, though the rebuild looks to be a long one.
27: Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
A veteran NFL coach, Bowles has had many stops in his career, including previous head coaching experience with the Jets. He was the defensive coordinator for the Buccaneers for two seasons prior to taking over as head coach in 2022 for Bruce Arians following his retirement. Bowles is often criticized for his quiet demeanor and lack of in-game adjustments, but Tampa Bay exceeded expectations last season and won a playoff game as the NFC South champs. Bowles has led the team to playoff berths in each of the past two years. Another strong year and Bowles will move up this list.
28: Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles
Three years into his Eagles tenure, Sirianni has been all over the place. After three years as the offensive coordinator in Indianapolis, Sirianni took the Eagles job in 2021 and led them to a wild card spot. The following season, Philadelphia dominated on the way to a division title and Super Bowl appearance, coming up just short against the Chiefs. However, Sirianni was forced to replace both of his coordinators in 2023. It did not go well; despite a 10-1 start, the team never looked right, and they limped down the stretch to a first-round playoff loss. Sirianni is a big personality, though his antics may wear thin in Philadelphia without the winning that has accompanied them so far. With two new coordinators again in 2024, Sirianni hopes he can recapture the magic of his previous staff.
29: Matt Eberflus, Chicago Bears
Formerly the Colts’ defensive coordinator from 2018-2021, Chicago hired Eberflus in 2022. Over two seasons, he’s delivered mixed results. Former first-round QB Justin Fields never panned out, and the team earned the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft which they later traded to Carolina for a package that included the eventual 2024 No. 1 pick. However, Eberflus engineered an excellent defense in 2023, and despite many changes for the organization this offseason, they elected to keep him on as coach. With the heralded No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams stepping under center for Chicago this season, Eberflus will be under some pressure to prove he can be the guy long-term.
30: Mike McCarthy, Dallas Cowboys
McCarthy won a Super Bowl with the Packers during his 12 years as head coach in Green Bay before declining team performance led to his firing following the 2018 season. After a year away from football, Dallas hired him in 2020 and he’s been their head man for four seasons. The McCarthy hire was controversial at the time and the narrative hasn’t changed much since. Although he’s won two division titles and won 36 games over the past three years, the Cowboys only have one playoff win in that time, with repeated unceremonious exits from the playoffs. Last year’s was the worst with a blowout loss to the seventh-seeded Packers in the wildcard round. Dallas’ leadership stuck by McCarthy, but did not extend his contract which goes into its final year this season. The stakes for McCarthy in 2024 are pretty clear.
31: Dennis Allen, New Orleans Saints
Allen spent six seasons as the Saints’ defensive coordinator before replacing Payton following his retirement. Though he’s only been there two seasons, the Saints have fallen short of expectations both years. With the best roster in the NFC South by a margin last year, the Saints went 7-10 and looked completely outmatched against the better teams they faced. Though the front office bears some responsibility for this, Allen enters 2024 firmly on the hot seat. Without a playoff appearance this year, he may struggle to keep his job into 2025.
32: Brian Daboll, New York Giants
Talk about a fall from grace. Daboll spent three years as the offensive coordinator in Buffalo and was credited for helping turn Allen into a star. When the Giants hired him in 2022, he revitalized a defunct roster, winning a playoff game and AP Coach of the Year. Last season, however, everything fell apart. Injuries and a lack of talent caught up with the team, and Daboll seemed completely unable to handle it. The Giants lost a lot of games, and Daboll came unraveled, screaming at assistants and players on the sidelines and throwing them under the bus during press conferences. With the Giants looking to be on the path of a long rebuild, winning won’t be a quick cure for last season’s ails. Daboll will need to work hard to erase the memory of the 2023 season.
