Continuing with our ranking of all 32 NFL head coaches, we’ll examine placements 21 to 11. On one hand exist those early enough with their respective franchise that they’ll be light on scrutiny if disappointment falls. Besides them, a handful of coaches whose prior success has come into a recent drought. They’ll be striving for a much-needed cure to last year’s disappointments. At the top of this group, head coaches relentlessly strive to elevate their team to a higher position.
Pre-Camp, Ranking Nos. 21-11 NFL Coaches—Who’s Surviving
21. Mike McDaniel (Miami Dolphins)
There’s been a disheartening trend within the walls of the Miami Dolphins’ facility, and that is the distrust in progression. McDaniel faces a harsh truth this season—his job is on the line. No matter his relationship with the media, his standing with the team’s defensive players has been muddied. The Dolphins may have to do the impossible this season just to turn the tide. Win a playoff game. It’s no easy feat considering McDaniel has been given the weakest roster during his time in Miami.
20. Pete Carroll (Las Vegas Raiders)
The return of the energetic, gum-chewing legend has plenty of Raiders fans excited. Rightfully so, too, as Pete Carroll is exactly what the organization needs. Is he capable of leading the team past their glory days, reaching back over four decades ago? Probably not. But he is capable of making them competitive, which is all that Las Vegas can ask for.
19. Mike Macdonald (Seattle Seahawks)
It’s only fitting to find head coach Mike Macdonald beside Pete Carroll here. His subdued confidence led an interesting Seahawks group to a 10-7 season in his first year. Now, working hand-in-hand with G.M. John Snyder, a more complete roster can push Seattle further in competition with its division foes and perhaps guarantee a Wild Card appearance.
18. Mike Vrabel (New England Patriots)
After his hiatus, Mike Vrabel has found a home in New England. And frankly, the move never seemed more obvious. Almost preemptively, analysts have lined up to congratulate the Patriots for a successful 2025 season, even without having played it. That intuition may very well be correct, but we’ll wait to see how Vrabel’s developed his own game after having gone a combined 13-21 in his last two seasons with Tennessee.
17. Kevin Stefanski (Cleveland Browns)
Coach Stefanski has won more AP Coach of the Year awards than NFL postseason games. There’s no doubt in his capabilities, but it’s owner Jimmy Haslam who seems to keep pushing his coach further and further away from winning football. From the acquisition of failed QB Deshaun Watson to the suggestive nudge for drafting Shedeur Sanders, there has been interference all around the board. But at the end of the day, all you have is your record. For Stefanski, that’s a 40-44 regular season standing.
16. Todd Bowles (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Todd Bowles deserves his credit. He was beaten up after Bruce Arians left, taking the failings of the team in stride to two successful seasons under the arm of comeback quarterback Baker Mayfield. Still, Bowles and the Bucs look like the only competent team in the NFC South, but to rise above that, he’ll have to lead the offense past yet another season of losing their offensive coordinator. This year, finally, we’ll find out what came first—Baker Mayfield or his OC?
15. Zac Taylor (Cincinnati Bengals)
At the upper half of this power ranking lies the disputable Zac Taylor, who’s seen major seasons at the talents of quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Even in possession of said talent, Taylor has gone a consecutive 9-8 in the team’s last two games. The Bengals could be hasty and see what other coaches the league has out there, or they can stick with a guy who’s done it before. For all Taylor’s critics, he still proves to be a capable head coach—unless another 9-8 campaign blesses Burrow and company thrice more.
14. Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Are you surprised to find the steel titan this low? Don’t be. For where Coach Tomlin stands in the greater scheme of things pales in comparison to his team’s latest outputs. In fact, it’s been over 8 seasons since the Steelers have won a playoff game, and if the bets they made this offseason don’t pan out, you’re sure to see the hamster wheel continue—above .500; Wild Card Appearance; 1-and-done. Let’s see if 2025 offers a change.
13. Sean Payton (Denver Broncos)
Payton’s return has been nothing short of extraordinary. A seemingly dead-in-the-water franchise, doomed by an irresponsible trade for Russell Wilson and the hiring of the incompetent Nathaniel Hackett, has now been resurrected at the hands of one head coach and a business lustful to spend—thank you, Walmart. Seriously, if Sean Payton can build on the success of a 10-7 season now out of dead cap hell, the Denver Broncos and sophomore QB Bo Nix should have the AFC on high alert. We’ll wait patiently for playoff success.
12. Kevin O’Connell (Minnesota Vikings)
AP Coach of the Year Kevin O’Connell has been at the helm for two very successful regular seasons in Minnesota. Now, we want to see the same in the postseason. Anything. A ticket to the divisional round? Is that too much to ask? Expect turbulence in J.J. McCarthy’s unofficial rookie year, but even if this season doesn’t stack up to 2024, it’ll act as an essential building block to O’Connell’s plans.
11. DeMeco Ryans (Houston Texans)
DeMeco Ryans entered the league like he’d been coaching the last two decades. Taking an organization on the brink of collapse and swiftly turning them into competent division champs. Even in the roughest patches of Ryans seasons, the Texans have won a playoff game in back-to-back years. The franchise will continue to climb, eventually staring teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills eye-to-eye. Growth is inevitable atop the AFC South, especially when it seems their competitors just can’t seem to figure it all out.
Main Photo: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
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