Can a coach’s
reputation really change in just one season? Not really, but his
ranking certainly can change. Yes, you read correctly, his
ranking. Prior to last season I ranked the top ten coaches.
Because of so many coaching changes every year it would have been
impossible to rank 1-32. Instead, I figure ranking the top ten
would be appropriate. Here are my rankings prior to last season:
1. Bill Belichick- New England Patriots
2. Andy Reid- Philadelphia Eagles
3. Bill Cowher- Pittsburgh Steelers
4. Tony Dungy- Indianapolis Colts
5. Bill Parcells- Dallas Cowboys
6. Herman Edwards- NY Jets
7. Marty Schottenheimer, San Diego Chargers
8. Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati Bengals
9. Jon Gruden, Tampa Bay Buccanneers
10. John Fox, Carolina Panthers
Only one of those coaches, Herman Edwards, is no longer with the same
team (and he was traded to the Chiefs). Because of tight
competition I have changed my rankings to the top fifteen
coaches. Rankings are based on the coach’s status as of
now. We know Joe Gibbs is a Hall of Famer, but how does he
currently rank with the other coaches? Sorry Jeff Fisher, five
years ago you would have been a sure top three coach. Also, all
those new coaches are not eligible. So I present to you the top
fiifteen coaches in the NFL. Or in football words: the NFL
Coaches’ Power Rankings.
1. Bill Belichick,
New England Patriots: Prior to last year, Belichick was on
a whole different pedestal compared to the other coaches.
However, he is no longer the runaway favorite as the best coach in the
league. The competition might have closed the gap, but Belichick
is still the best and still a genius in my book.
2.
Bill Cowher, Pittsburgh Steelers: A Super Bowl win can
certainly help your ranking. Being the longest tenured coach in
the NFL is proof that Cowher is still on top of his game. All he
needs is another ring to compete with Belichick for top status.
3.
Jon Fox, Carolina Panthers: I am so impressed with Coach
Fox. Even though, year after year his team suffers from injuries,
he always seems to win. Last year, I thought I was generous
giving Fox my tenth ranking, after watching him last season, I think
Fox is highly deserving of his ranking. Fox can reach the
echelon of Belichick and Cowher with a ring.
4.
Andy Reid, Philadelphia Eagles: Last year was a
disaster. But T.O. is gone and the Eagles now have a positive
vibe in the locker room. The Eagles may not have the weapons to
make the playoffs, but with Reid behind the clipboard, he may still be
able to lead the team there.
5.
Joe Gibbs, Washington Redskins: It took Gibbs some time to
get comfortable with the game, but Gibbs is back to his old self.
He has brought a winner back to D.C. and after a successful off-season,
Redskins are thinking Super Bowl. I think Gibbs has some
experience getting a team there.
6.
Tony Dungy, Indianapolis Colts: Tony is a winner; he just
has not won the big games. Dungy’s team had an impressive season
last year, but again like so many of Dungy’s teams, they fell
short. The Colts should again be the Super Bowl favorite
(according to me), a Super Bowl win will certainly help Dungy’s ranking.
7.
Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati Bengals: Forget about the
off-season, Lewis is a great coach. He has taken the Bengals from
laughingstocks to playoff contenders. Lewis’ Bengals face a high hurdle
with its tough schedule, off the field issues, and Carson Palmer’s
injury. But good coaches know how to win despite these
misfortunes. This season will test just how good Lewis is.
8.
Bill Parcells, Dallas Cowboys: Parcells is still one of
the best, but his ranking falls because of last season’s
collapse. However, Parcells’ team looks to be much better and if
he can keep T.O. quiet, the Cowboys are going to be serious
contenders. Remember I said, “if.”
9.
Mike Shanahan, Denver Broncos: Finally, Shanahan can
forget about the John Elway talk. Shanahan has the Broncos back
as contenders and is again showing why he may forever be remembered as
the greatest running back coach. I apologize to coach Shanahan
for not including him on last season’s rankings.
10.
Jon Gruden, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Despite injuries from
his starting quarterback, Coach Gruden took his team back to the
playoffs. Before last season, it seemed Gruden’s lust wore
off. All I can say is that it is back.
11.
Mike Holmgreen, Seattle Seahawks: Its helps your ranking
when you make it the Super Bowl. I still have some hesitations on
Holmgreen. For one thing I thought his team should never have
lost the Super Bowl (I blame his coaching). But he deserves
credit for making the Seahawks the beast of the NFC.
12.
Tom Coughlin, New York Giants: He may be the hardest and
toughest coach to play for, but he is a winner. Eli Manning looks
to progressing well, and the future of the Giants look to be bright for
Coughlin.
13.
Lovie Smith, Chicago Bears: Lovie has made the Bear's
defense the most feroicious in the league. Let's see if that
offense can improve. You have to give Smith most of the credit
for reviving the Bears, but it did not hurt being in a very weak
division.
14. Marty Schottenheimer, San Diego Chargers:
Schotteneheimer’s Chargers was the best team last season not to make
the playoffs. That really is not a complement though. I
admit it was gusty to let Drew Brees go and give Phillip Rivers the
starting job (I admit the Saints overpaid for Brees). Let’s see
if it pays off.
15.
Herman Edwards, Kansas City Chiefs: Edwards' last year was
a disaster. It did not help Edwards losing Chad Pennington, but
lets face it, the season sucked, and the Jets were very happy to trade
him. Edwards inherits a very talented Kansas City team, and with
a strong season, can move back up the rankings.
Biggest
Climber: Joe Gibbs/John Fox
Biggest Faller:
Herman Edwards
Most likely to
make the list next season: Dennis Green
Most likely to
fall off the list nest season: Marty Schottenheimer
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