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The common identity of NFL head coaches has shifted. Not too long ago, the typical coach was primarily a motivator, known for rousing speeches and an outward toughness that embodied football as a whole. With a few notable exceptions, today’s head coaches fit a different mold. The modern NFL head coach is a schematic mastermind, able to pick apart any opposing unit with their play calling. Notably, only three of my top ten head coaches do not call plays. In the midst of this shift, who are the best head coaches in the league?
10. Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins
Mike McDaniel fits the mold of the modern head coach as well as anyone. He has fully leaned into his speed-based, motion-heavy offensive scheme. Though the results have been mixed, he is at the forefront of developing the way offense is played in the NFL. The Dolphins’ struggles in the absence of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa contribute to McDaniel falling lower on my list than he may on others. One way to identify a great coach is by watching what they can do without top players, like Kevin O’Connell with Josh Dobbs or Matt LaFleur with Malik Willis.
9. John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
John Harbaugh is the NFL’s second-longest tenured head coach, having led the Ravens for 17 years and counting. In that time, he’s won one Super Bowl and appeared in four AFC Championship games. Baltimore has made the playoffs in 12 of Harbaugh’s 17 seasons. He’s coached some of the best players in recent NFL history, including Ray Lewis and Lamar Jackson.
8. Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Tomlin has been a head coach for one year longer than his division rival Harbaugh, making him the longest-tenured coach in the league. Famously, he has never had a losing season in his 18 years with the Steelers. Many would rank him higher, but his lack of recent playoff success stands out to me. In the last 13 seasons, Tomlin has led the Steelers to just three playoff wins.
7. Demeco Ryans, Houston Texans
Sure, maybe it’s too early to rank Demeco Ryans this high, but what he was able to do with the 2023 Texans deserves to be recognized. In his first year as a head coach, Ryans led a Houston squad with no expectation of success to a 10-7 record, a division title, and a massive playoff win. He’s picked up where he left off so far this year, as the Texans have won five of their first seven games.
6. Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings
Kevin O’Connell may be the most underrated coach in the NFL. In his two full seasons as the Vikings’ head coach, he’s won 20 games with a very limited roster. His success with Josh Dobbs under center last season is the perfect example of his capability. Dobbs, a career backup, was traded to the Vikings four days before Minnesota faced off with Atlanta. Due in large part to O’Connell’s communication and play-calling abilities, the Dobbs-led Vikings defeated the Falcons that weekend. O’Connell’s lack of playoff success holds him back from entering the top tier of coaches.
5. Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers
In my mind, the top five coaches in the league are a clear cut above the rest. Matt LaFleur has solidified himself as part of that group. Not only is he one of the most innovative offensive play callers in football, he’s an extremely effective communicator. He’s taken the youngest team in the NFL and turned them into legitimate Super Bowl Contenders. Matt LaFleur and this Packers team are here to stay.
4. Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
NFL front offices around the league are searching for “their Dan Campbell,” a coach who can spearhead a rebuild and establish an identity of physicality. Campbell has become synonymous with Detroit football. He’s been able to bring top-level play out of players who were cast out and overlooked. Detroit may have the most clear identity in the league, and it’s because of Campbell.
3. Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
Sean McVay took the NFL by storm in 2017 when he became the league’s youngest head coach at 30 years old. He took the Rams to the Super Bowl in just his second season, then won it in his fifth. McVay is a lead innovator among offensive minds, specifically in the run game. He has thrived on finding value in late-round draft picks, including Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp.
2. Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
The “Shanahan tree” is spreading its branches across the NFL. Two former Kyle Shanahan assistants (Demeco Ryans and Mike McDaniel) are already among the best coaches in the league. Franchises continue to hire his assistants because Shanahan is defining the way modern football is played. Once he finally wins his first Super Bowl, he’ll be considered one of the greatest coaches of all time.
1. Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
The best head coach in the NFL today is Andy Reid, and it’s nowhere near close. Reid has the longevity of Tomlin and Harbaugh paired with the innovation of McVay and Shanahan. Oh, and he’s won three Super Bowls in the last five years. For 20 years, the NFL was defined by the iconic coach-quarterback duo of Belichick and Brady. The next era is being defined by Reid and Mahomes.
