Ranking Every NFL Head Coach From Worst To Best

By Seth Lassen

Ranking Every NFL Head Coach From Worst To Best

Bill Belichick Patriots — Of the four major sports, NFL coaches have the most important job and the biggest impact on the outcome of games. They have huge rosters to coach, coaching staffs to manage, and for some coaches, plays to call. Being an NFL head coach is clearly no easy task and in the end it’s all about winning. With that said, here is a ranking of every NFL head coach from worst to best.

32. Tony Sparano - Oakland Raiders

Tony Sparano Raiders

32. Tony Sparano - Oakland Raiders

Tony Sparano Raiders — Sparano is the interim coach, so it’s not entirely fair placing him last since he took over a terrible situation that he had no part in creating. Dennis Allen started the season as the Raiders' head coach, but was fired after the team’s 0-4 start. In two-plus years, Allen “led” the Raiders to an 8-28 record.

31. Jay Gruden - Redskins

Jay Gruden Redskins

31. Jay Gruden - Redskins

Jay Gruden Redskins — Jon’s little brother walked into a tough situation in Washington, and the Redskins have disappointed in Gruden’s first year at the helm. He was a good coordinator with the Bengals and won championships in the Arena League, so Gruden does have a fairly good track record. It is still too early to call Gruden a bust as a head coach, but he still has a ways to go to be the best coach in the family.

30. Ken Whisenhunt - Titans

Ken Whisenhunt Titans

30. Ken Whisenhunt - Titans

Ken Whisenhunt Titans — Whisenhunt’s coaching career got off to a terrific start after taking over for the Arizona Cardinals in 2007. In his second season in the desert, the Cardinals, led by Kurt Warner, reached the Super Bowl and came within one play of taking home the Lombardi Trophy. Whisenhunt was fired in 2012 after three straight non-playoff seasons before being hired by the Titans in 2014. He is 3-21 in his last 24 games.

29. Gus Bradley - Jacksonville Jaguars

Gus Bradley Jaguars

29. Gus Bradley - Jacksonville Jaguars

Gus Bradley Jaguars — Even Vince Lombardi probably couldn't get the Jaguars to win, so it’s hard to really say what kind of job Bradley is doing. The Jaguars hired Bradley after he served just one season as defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. The Jaguars had a 4-12 record in his first season in Jacksonville.

28. Mike Zimmer - Minnesota Vikings

Mike Zimmer Minnesota Vikings

28. Mike Zimmer - Minnesota Vikings

Mike Zimmer Minnesota Vikings — This year marks Zimmer’s first as a head coach at any level. He took over a difficult situation with no stable quarterback in place in Minnesota, and the team has been inconsistent as a result. Zimmer has been one of the best defensive coordinators in the league for years, and he finds himself here simply because he has yet to have any real success as a head coach.

27. Marc Trestman - Chicago Bears

Marc Trestman Chicago Bears

27. Marc Trestman - Chicago Bears

Marc Trestman Chicago Bears — Trestman is known as somewhat of an offensive mastermind and dominated the CFL for five years with the Montreal Alouettes. The former University of Minnesota quarterback took over a 10-6 Bears team and they plodded their way to an 8-8 record in his first year in the Windy City.

26. Lovie Smith - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Lovie Smith Tampa Bay Buccaneers

26. Lovie Smith - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Lovie Smith Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Smith was the head coach of the Bears from 2004 to 2012 and led them to the Super Bowl in 2006. The Bears fired Smith after the team began the 2012 season with a 7-1 record, but failed to reach the playoffs. Known for his calm and collected demeanor on the sideline, Smith has failed to calm the nerves of fans and make an impact in his first year in Tampa Bay.

25. Ron Rivera - Carolina Panthers

Ron Rivera Carolina Panthers

25. Ron Rivera - Carolina Panthers

Ron Rivera Carolina Panthers — Rivera was named the 2013 AP NFL Coach of the Year, so it may surprise some to see his name this early on the list. The Panthers won 11 of their last 12 games in 2013 before falling to the San Francisco 49ers in Rivera’s first playoff game as a head coach. “Riverboat Ron” and the Panthers have failed to repeat the same success in 2014.

24. Rex Ryan - New York Jets

Rex Ryan New York Jets

24. Rex Ryan - New York Jets

Rex Ryan New York Jets — It’s surprising that Rex has lasted this long in the Big Apple, and it’s becoming a lock that he’ll be fired at the season’s end. Ryan and the Jets have failed to post a winning record since 2010, his second year in New York.

23. Mike Smith - Atlanta Falcons

Mike Smith Atlanta Falcons

23. Mike Smith - Atlanta Falcons

Mike Smith Atlanta Falcons — Smith has been the head honcho in Atlanta since 2008 and was regarded as one of the best coaches in the league after his first season with the Falcons. The Falcons made the playoffs in four of his first five seasons, but have gone a combined 9-19 the past two seasons. It’s safe to say he may not be back with the franchise in 2015.

22. Mike Pettine - Cleveland Browns

Mike Pettine Cleveland Browns

22. Mike Pettine - Cleveland Browns

Mike Pettine Cleveland Browns — Pettine’s pressed all the right buttons in his first season in Cleveland, as evidenced by the team’s surprising 7-5 start. The Browns were expected to be one of the worst teams in the league at the start of the season, especially with a new head coach and question marks at quarterback. As he piles up some more wins on his resume, expect to see Pettine’s name move closer to the top of this list.

21. Jim Caldwell - Detroit Lions

Jim Caldwell Lions

21. Jim Caldwell - Detroit Lions

Jim Caldwell Lions — Caldwell went 24-8 and led the Colts to the Super Bowl in his first two years as their head coach, but much of that success can be credited to some guy named Peyton Manning. His detractors argue that Caldwell was unable to save the Colts from a 2-14 record after Manning was injured and missed the 2011 season.

20. Doug Marrone - Buffalo Bills

Doug Marrone Buffalo Bills

20. Doug Marrone - Buffalo Bills

Doug Marrone Buffalo Bills — Marrone is in his second season as the head coach of the Bills. After a 6-10 record in 2013, he has the Bills knocking on the door of the playoffs in year two. Prior to joining Buffalo, Marrone was the head coach at Syracuse University for four years and went 25-25 in his tenure.

19. Miami Dolphins - Joe Philbin

Joe Philbin Miami Dolphins

19. Miami Dolphins - Joe Philbin

Joe Philbin Miami Dolphins — Before being hired by the Dolphins in 2012, Philbin spent nine years on the Green Bay Packers' coaching staff, including the last five as offensive coordinator. The Packers' offense ranked in the top 10 in points scored and total yards every year with Philbin, including their Super Bowl-winning season in 2010. His current record with Miami is 22-22.

18. Bill O'Brien - Houston Texans

Bill O'Brien Texans

18. Bill O'Brien - Houston Texans

Bill O'Brien Texans — Taking over for a team that went 2-14, Bill O’Brien has led the Texans to a surprising 6-6 record so far in 2014. He took over a difficult situation at Penn State following the Jerry Sandusky scandal and took home several Coach of the Year honors in his first year with the Nittany Lions.

17. Jason Garrett - Dallas Cowboys

Jason Garrett Dallas Cowboys

17. Jason Garrett - Dallas Cowboys

Jason Garrett Dallas Cowboys — Before this season, Garrett’s name would’ve appeared somewhere around 30. In his first three full seasons as the Cowboys' coach, the team was nothing if not consistent; the problem, however, was that they were consistently mediocre with an 8-8 record all three years. If the Cowboys make the playoffs as they should, both Garrett and Tony Romo will be judged on if they can finally make a run in the playoffs.

16. Mike McCoy - San Diego Chargers

Mike McCoy San Diego Chargers

16. Mike McCoy - San Diego Chargers

Mike McCoy San Diego Chargers — McCoy is one of the rising stars in the NFL coaching ranks. Currently the youngest coach in the NFL, he led the Chargers in 2013 to their first playoff win since 2008 and has them on the cusp again in 2014.

15. Chuck Pagano - Indianapolis Colts

Chuck Pagano Indianapolis Colts

15. Chuck Pagano - Indianapolis Colts

Chuck Pagano Indianapolis Colts — Having a quarterback like Andrew Luck makes any coach look good, but there’s no doubting Pagano has been a big part of the Colts' success after Peyton Manning’s departure. It’s clear the Colts players play for their coach, as was evident in 2012, when Pagano missed most of the season while undergoing cancer treatment.

14. Marvin Lewis - Cincinnati Bengals

Marvin Lewis Bengals

14. Marvin Lewis - Cincinnati Bengals

Marvin Lewis Bengals — Lewis has been the head coach of the Bengals since 2003, and the team has only endured three losing seasons during his tenure. The big glaring spot on Lewis’ resume is his postseason record, 0-5.

13. Jeff Fisher - St. Louis Rams

Jeff Fisher St. Louis Rams

13. Jeff Fisher - St. Louis Rams

Jeff Fisher St. Louis Rams — The Rams have lost over half their games with Fisher in charge, but there’s still been a huge improvement since the former Titans coach took over. Fisher’s teams have an identity of playing hard, and the Rams have been surprisingly not awful this season, even with the season-ending injury to quarterback Sam Bradford.

12. Bruce Arians - Arizona Cardinals

Bruce Arians Arizona Cardinals

12. Bruce Arians - Arizona Cardinals

Bruce Arians Arizona Cardinals — Arians did a masterful job with the Colts after serving as their interim coach, when Chuck Pagano took his leave of absence. Hired away by the Cardinals the following season, he led Arizona to a 10-6 record and has them in front in the ultra-competitive NFC West this season.

11. John Fox - Denver Broncos

John Fox Denver Broncos

11. John Fox - Denver Broncos

John Fox Denver Broncos — The Broncos' head coach has made it to two Super Bowls, but his greatest achievement might be winning a playoff game with Tim Tebow as his quarterback. Fox was successful in a difficult situation in Carolina and although Peyton Manning gets a lot of the credit for the Broncos' success in recent years, Fox deserves every bit as much.

10. Chip Kelly - Philadelphia Eagles

Chip Kelly Philadelphia Eagles

10. Chip Kelly - Philadelphia Eagles

Chip Kelly Philadelphia Eagles — Kelly is one of the most fascinating coaches in the NFL, and his progress over the next couple of years will be something to watch. Some think there is a shelf life on how successful his unique offense can be, while others think he’s on his way to becoming one of the best coaches in the league.

9. Jim Harbaugh - San Francisco 49ers

Jim Harbaugh San Francisco 49ers

9. Jim Harbaugh - San Francisco 49ers

Jim Harbaugh San Francisco 49ers — At the beginning of the season, Harbaugh would've been much closer to the No. 1 spot. There have been reports of extreme dysfunction in the 49ers organization and locker room. It has become clear Harbaugh is tough to get along with, and it’s looking as if he will not be back with the 49ers in 2015 -- even after taking the team to three NFC Championship Games in three years. There’s no doubt he will be the biggest name on the coaching market.

8. Tom Coughlin - New York Giants

Tom Coughlin New York Giants

8. Tom Coughlin - New York Giants

Tom Coughlin New York Giants — Coughlin has been a head coach in the NFL every year since 1995 save one, 2003. He led the Jaguars to two AFC Championship Game appearances in the 90s and the Giants to Super Bowl Victories in 2007 and 2011. He’s currently the oldest coach in the league, and the team’s terrible 2014 season may be his last with the Giants. Even if he’s gone after this season, he will always be a hero in New York for bringing home two Lombardi Trophies.

7. John Harbaugh - Baltimore Ravens

John Harbaugh Baltimore Ravens

7. John Harbaugh - Baltimore Ravens

John Harbaugh Baltimore Ravens — The elder Harbaugh came out on top in the Super Bowl matchup between the brothers, and he comes out on top again here. The Ravens have the second-most victories in the NFL behind only the Patriots since Harbaugh took over in 2008. Like his brother, John has great fire and passion on the sideline, but is able to keep his emotions in check. Except for 2013, Harbaugh has led the Ravens to the postseason every year.

6. Mike Tomlin - Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Tomlin Pittsburgh Steelers

6. Mike Tomlin - Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Tomlin Pittsburgh Steelers — The best coaches are great leaders, and that’s exactly what the Steelers' head coach is to his organization. Tomlin became the youngest head coach to ever win a Super Bowl in 2008, and even though his teams have lacked that kind of talent in recent years, the Steelers have never had a losing record since he took over.

5. Andy Reid - Kansas City Chiefs

Andy Reid Kansas City Chiefs

5. Andy Reid - Kansas City Chiefs

Andy Reid Kansas City Chiefs — Reid is the only coach in the top eight without a Super Bowl title, proving just how much he has won even without a Super Bowl ring. He went to five NFC Championship Games with the Philadelphia Eagles and took the Chiefs to the playoffs in his first season in Kansas City.

4. Sean Payton - New Orleans Saints

Sean Payton New Orleans Saints

4. Sean Payton - New Orleans Saints

Sean Payton New Orleans Saints — To know how good Sean Payton is, just look at the Saints' 2012 season. Payton was suspended the entire year and the team struggled to a 7-9 record, one season after going 13-3 with Payton. When their coach returned the following season, the Saints went 11-5 and made the playoffs -- as they have done every season since Payton led the Saints to a Super Bowl victory in 2009.

3. Mike McCarthy - Green Bay Packers

Mike McCarthy Green Bay Packers

3. Mike McCarthy - Green Bay Packers

Mike McCarthy Green Bay Packers — In his nine seasons as the Packers' head coach, McCarthy has produced eight winning seasons, six playoff appearances and a Super Bowl Championship. Having Aaron Rodgers certainly helps, but McCarthy calls the plays and has been able to win with varying emphases on offense and a lack of talent on the defensive side of the ball.

2. Pete Carroll - Seattle Seahawks

Pete Carroll Seattle Seahawks

2. Pete Carroll - Seattle Seahawks

Pete Carroll Seattle Seahawks — The head coach of the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, Pete Carroll is on top of the coaching world. His players absolutely love playing for him, and he deserves a lot of the credit for the Seahawks' defensive scheme that has dominated teams over the past few years.

1. Bill Belichick - New England Patriots

Bill Belichick New England Patriots

1. Bill Belichick - New England Patriots

Bill Belichick New England Patriots — It’s an easy call picking Bill Belichick as the best coach in football. The Patriots have had 11, going on 12, consecutive winning seasons and three championships with Belichick. You could say the team “lucked” into Tom Brady in the sixth round of the draft, but the ability of Belichick to coach any position group and all three phases of the ball sets him apart from all the other coaches in the NFL.

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