Power Ranking All 32 NFL Head Coaches

You’ve heard it before. There are only 32 men who own the distinction of being NFL head coaches, making them a fraternity that many up-and-coming assistants would love to join.

Annually, there are more than a handful of new men on the job, and this year is no exception, as franchises seem to exercise less patience these days. And the trend has been to hire new blood opposed to recycling coaches who have had their opportunity in the past.

Enclosed for your enjoyment is a ranking of the 32 head coaches, and it takes many things into consideration, including success and tenure. Understandably, the majority of the first-timers are near the bottom of the list numerically, which is hardly an indictment of their skills but rather a case of the unknown. For even the most talented of assistants who excel at his craft hasn’t been a guaranteed success at running the whole show.

32. Dennis Allen (Oakland Raiders)

The Silver and Black have strung together 8-8 finishes, but last year’s mark featured four losses in the final five games after a 7-4 start. But the bottom line is that the Raiders have not enjoyed a winning season since their Super Bowl campaign of 2002.

There’s a totally new approach in Oakland, and it is Allen’s first season at the controls after serving as Denver’s defensive coordinator. He indeed might be the right man for this job, but moving up in the tight AFC West may be harder than it looks, especially if running back Darren McFadden can’t stay healthy and the Raiders’ defense doesn’t make any strides this season.

31. Leslie Frazier (Minnesota Vikings)

Not so long ago, Vikings’ fans were lamenting Brett Favre’s late interception in the 2009 NFC title game in an eventual loss to the Saints.

But the 12-4 NFC North champions have been replaced by a squad that’s gone 9-23 the last two seasons and one that has lost an astounding 11 consecutive games to division rivals Chicago, Green Bay and Detroit. Frazier (6-16 since taking late in 2010) hopefully has answers for a defense that allowed an NFL-high 34 touchdown passes last year despite tying for a league-high 50 sacks.

30. Pat Shurmur (Cleveland Browns)

This marks Shurmur’s second season on the job, his first resulting in a 4-12 finish and numerous problems on the offensive side of the ball as the Browns were limited to 17 or fewer points in all but two games last season.

Coordinator Brad Childress comes aboard, as do offensive rookies Trent Richardson, Brandon Weeden and Josh Gordon. But per usual, it’s a stacked AFC North with the Ravens, Steelers and Bengals in the mix (all playoff participants in 2011), three teams Cleveland failed to beat a season ago.

29. Joe Philbin (Miami Dolphins)

The former Packers offensive coordinator gets his first NFL head coaching opportunity knowing that playoff appearances have been few and far between for this once-proud franchise.

Of course, most are getting to know Philbin quite well via the Dolphins’ current stint on HBO’s Hard Knocks (at least they think they are) and one issue that must be resolved is the quarterback situation between Matt Moore and rookie Ryan Tannehill.

Simply put, it's difficult to get a read this summer on this team, one that could surprise many if the ball bounces the right way.

28. Chuck Pagano (Indianapolis Colts)

Not only is there a new sheriff in town, but new deputies and civilians as well. The overhaul from top to bottom in Indianapolis was massive and it starts with the former Ravens defensive coordinator on the sidelines and No. 1 overall pick Andrew Luck in the huddle.

Pagano brings his 3-4 defense to the Colts, as they look to improve on their erratic run defense. Just as significant is Luck mastering Bruce Arians’ offensive system. Pagano’s team didn’t look like a two-win squad in the preseason opener against the Rams, but looks could be deceiving.

27. Greg Schiano (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Talk about a roller-coaster ride. The Buccaneers were 3-13, 10-6 and 4-12 under former head coach Raheem Morris the past three seasons, and unfortunately Schiano inherits a team riding a 10-game losing streak.

But the franchise has done anything but stand pat this offseason thanks to draft choices such as safety Mark Barron, running back Doug Martin and linebacker Lavonte David, as well as free-agents pickups guard Carl Nicks and wideout Vincent Jackson.

Plenty of new faces, but there also appears to be a new attitude.

26. Mike Mularkey (Jacksonville Jaguars)

After the Falcons, where he served as offensive coordinator, this is Mularkey’s second stint as an NFL head coach. While he was just 14-18 in 2 seasons in Buffalo (2004-05), the team finished 9-7 that first year, which marks the last time the Bills enjoyed a winning season.

He inherits a Jaguars’ team with a respectable defense but lifeless offense and a second-year quarterback in Blaine Gabbert who didn’t look the part of first-rounder as a rookie.

But so far, pretty good this preseason.

25. Chan Gailey (Buffalo Bills)

It appeared that the second year might have been the charm in Orchard Park, as Gailey’s Bills were suddenly 3-0, then 5-2 last season. But the team only won once in their final nine games and it spelled another last-place finish.

But led by a new-look pass rush, many feel that this club may be ready to make its first playoff appearance since 1999.

Coincidentally, that was Gailey’s final season as the Cowboys’ head coach, his brief two-year stint in Dallas resulting in a pair of playoff appearances but no postseason wins.

24. Ron Rivera (Carolina Panthers)

The one-time Chargers defensive coordinator took over for longtime head coach John Fox last season and figured to have an impact in his area of expertise.

But who knew what quarterback Cam Newton would give us as a rookie in 2011, setting a few records along the way and leading an offensive unit that scored nearly three times as many touchdowns (47) than the previous season (16).

But the Panthers also gave up a franchise-record 429 points in 2011, which is something Rivera and Co. desperately need to fix if they are to take another step forward.

23. Jason Garrett (Dallas Cowboys)

It’s extremely difficult to get a grasp of this club, one that had its share of mishaps early last season, rebounded to put itself in contention, then squandered a 7-4 start with four losses in the last five weeks—including a pair to the eventual Super Bowl champion Giants (who they open the season against in less than three weeks).

As interim head coach for the second half of 2010, Garrett stressed the ground attack and that helped produce a 5-3 record. But it was hard to tell what the team’s offensive philosophy was last season on a weekly basis and combine that with a defense that still had some holes and the end results speak for themselves.

22. Pete Carroll (Seattle Seahawks)

Has the former Southern Cal Trojan’s return to the NFL head coaching ranks been everything he and Seahawks’ fans had hoped for?

There have been consecutive 7-9 campaigns, the first good enough to win a woeful NFC West in 2010 and even a playoff game. But despite a 5-3 finish a year ago, those seven overall wins were nearly half of the champion 49ers’ total (13). And it appears the team is not quite settled on its starting quarterback.

More question marks than answers.

21. Mike Munchak (Tennessee Titans)

While the Pro Football Hall of Fame guard and his team had their ups and downs during a 9-7 debut a year ago, there are plenty of positives here as Munchak and his well-known staff appear to have the club headed in the right direction.

And while many have the Texans already penciled in as AFC South champions, don’t be surprised if these Titans put up more than just a good fight. Chris Johnson again looked spry in the preseason win at Tampa, and the quarterback situation is more of a positive than people may think.

We could be seeing Munchak a lot later on this slideshow in 2013.  

20. Romeo Crennel (Kansas City Chiefs)

Off his success with the Patriots, Crennel landed the Cleveland job in 2005 and lasted four full seasons (the longest stint by any Browns’ head coach since the franchise “reappeared” in 1999). And he was the last man to lead that club to a winning campaign (10-6 in 2007).

In Kansas City, where he took over for Todd Haley with three games to go last season and led the Chiefs to wins over the playoff-bound Packers and Broncos, he’ll have double-duty as defensive coordinator.

And that’s good news for a team racked by key injuries last September but one apparently feeling good about their chances in 2012.

19. Jim Schwartz (Detroit Lions)

Three seasons after the organization suffered through the humiliation of a winless season, the Men from Motown reached the playoffs for the first time since 1999. The transformation began with Schwartz, who added four wins to the team’s total each of the last two seasons (2-14 in ’09, 6-10 in ’10, 10-6 in ’11).

But the Lions’ brashness and seeming lack of discipline on the field had this team scrambling a bit after a 5-0 start last season. If Schwartz and Co. are to dethrone the NFC North champion Packers, they will have to find a way to keep themselves in check.

18. Gary Kubiak (Houston Texans)

It finally all came together for a team just when it looked like it all fell apart.

Dealing with injuries to defensive end Mario Williams, wideout Andre Johnson and quarterback Matt Schaub were obviously not easy, but the Texans not only won the AFC South and 10 games for the first time, the franchise also notched a playoff victory.

Now despite some key personnel losses for various reasons, Kubiak and company find themselves in the role of front-runner, and it will be interesting to see how the coach and his team handle a different kind of pressure.

17. Rex Ryan (New York Jets)

They say the third time is the charm, and after 9-7 and 11-5 finishes that didn’t result in a division title but did conclude with appearances in consecutive AFC Championship Games, much was perhaps expected in 2011.

It was hard to get a grasp on the Jets offense last season and even harder for quarterback Mark Sanchez to get a grasp period, his career-high 26 touchdown passes offset with an equal amount of turnovers. But that lack of a ground game didn’t help him on the team's cause at all.

Enter offensive coordinator Tony Sparano and backup quarterback Tim Tebow, but at first or even second glance this team doesn’t appear any closer to dethroning the Patriots in the AFC East.

16. Ken Whisenhunt (Arizona Cardinals)

It’s been a very respectful stint in the desert for Whisenhunt, who is still trying to find a replacement for Kurt Warner as quarterback has become a four-letter word for the Cardinals as of late.

Still, there’s been only one losing season, two division titles and one Super Bowl appearance in five years on this job, and the team finished with seven wins in their last nine games after a dismal 1-6 start.

So far this summer, the question marks behind center remain, and challenging the 49ers for a division title doesn’t look like it’s in the “cards.” But stay tuned.

15. Norv Turner (San Diego Chargers)

Following three straight AFC West titles, including an appearance in the 2007 conference title game, the Bolts have failed to make the playoffs each of the last two seasons.

And while slow starts have been the signature of Turner’s tenure in San Diego, the Chargers opened 4-1 a year ago and then proceeded to lose six straight.

With the Pro Bowl quarterback looking to bounce back from an un-Philip Rivers-like season and the defensive unit looking to do the same, it’s another year of high expectations for Turner and Co. Of course, stop us if you've heard all of this before.

14. Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati Bengals)

Led in part by rookie quarterback Andy Dalton and wide receiver A.J. Green, the Bengals rebounded from a 4-12 season to capture their second playoff appearance in three years.

And although the franchise hasn’t won a postseason game since 1990 (the longest current drought in the NFL) perhaps that dubious distinction will soon come to an end. Although the Bengals were a disappointing 0-4 versus the Ravens and Steelers last season, it wasn’t long ago that this club was a perfect 6-0 versus their AFC North rivals (2009).

13. John Fox (Denver Broncos)

It’s sometimes forgotten that Fox inherited a Panthers’ team that went 1-15 in 2001 and two years later, the franchise made its lone Super Bowl appearance.

Last season, the well-schooled head coach took over in the Mile High City and doubled the team’s wins from the previous season, leading them to a division title and a playoff win.

Now Fox and Co. may have hit the jackpot with quarterback Peyton Manning, and the latest version of “Broncomania” is alive and well in the Mile High City…per usual.

12. Lovie Smith (Chicago Bears)

It wasn’t long ago that the Bears were 2010 NFC North champions and hosting the NFC title game.

Last season, Chicago was off to a 7-3 start and appeared playoff-bound before injuries to Jay Cutler and Matt Forte helped do the team in.

Sometimes underappreciated, it’s always worth mentioning that George Halas and Mike Ditka are the only two head coaches in franchise history with more wins than Smith. And with a few tweaks of the roster this offseason, this is an interesting Bears’ squad capable of some big things.

11. Mike Shanahan (Washington Redskins)

Perhaps it’s a bit unfair to place the two-time Super Bowl winning head coach outside of the top 10 but there’s little doubt that these are different times for Shanahan, whose championship success has seemingly been accredited to John Elway and Terrell Davis.

That may also be unfair, but things did not go well at the end in Denver, his two-year tenure in D.C. reads a disappointing 11-21 and he hasn’t led a team to the playoffs since 2005. But could things be ready to change in the nation's capital?

It will be interesting to see how quickly rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III develops. And Washington's defense wouldn't mind a little support from their offensive counterparts.

10. Jim Harbaugh (San Francisco 49ers)

One season and the Niners’ head coach find himself in the top 10? That’s because we’re giving Harbaugh bonus points for changing the mentality and the atmosphere within the franchise in such a short period of time.

Last season, 13-3 San Francisco was a winning team and a playoff participant for the first time since 2002 and an overtime loss to the Giants from their first Super Bowl appearance. Many feel the 49ers are the NFC favorite to get to New Orleans in early February, and if they’re not, the list is extremely short.

9. Mike Smith (Atlanta Falcons)

Some like to focus on what this team hasn’t done over the past few seasons. But Smith (with the aid of general manager Thomas Dimitroff) has brought a newfound stability to an organization that was lacking it in the past.

The Falcons have enjoyed four consecutive winning campaigns and now back-to-back playoff appearances, both firsts for a franchise that dates back to 1966.

You’re never sure who is supposed to get the blame for the team’s 0-3 record in the playoffs since 2008: Smith or quarterback Matt Ryan? The answer is neither, and perhaps the breakthrough season is upon us.

8. Jeff Fisher (St. Louis Rams)

When last we saw the former Titans’ leader, he was suffering through a 1-8 stretch (following a 5-2 start) and having his issues with starting quarterback Vince Young along the way to a 6-10 finish in 2010 while in Tennessee.

Now after a year’s hiatus, he’s back with the team that denied him a Super Bowl title 13 seasons ago. The Rams have won three games or less four of the last five years and 15 games total since 2007, but you know this club will come after you on defense. And if St. Louis’ attack can be somewhat respectable?...

7. John Harbaugh (Baltimore Ravens)

The Ravens have made the playoffs all four seasons under the former Eagles' special teams whiz, the longest active streak by any team in the league. And a year ago, Harbaugh finally won his first AFC North title thanks to a not only a sweep of the Steelers, but the entire division.

While Baltimore has yet to get back to the Super Bowl, it’s interesting to note that their four playoff setbacks under Harbaugh have been to the eventual AFC champions. That’s little solace to Ravens’ fans, who are perhaps expecting more while perennial Pro Bowl linebacker Ray Lewis is still around.

6. Mike McCarthy (Green Bay Packers)

I’m sure many will be quick to point out that McCarthy might not have had much to worry about in terms of quarterback considering he’s had Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers at the starting helm for a combined 102 of his 104 games (regular and postseason combined).

But there have been four playoff appearances in the last five seasons (after going 12-20 the first two seasons), a hard-earned Super Bowl title and a 15-1 campaign on the resume. Meanwhile, those 19 straight overall wins from 2010-11 is the second-longest streak of all time.

But are these Packers capable of getting back to the Super Bowl with a defense that has some obvious shortcomings and some question marks regarding the ground game? Those are McCarthy's tallest tasks in 2012.

5. Sean Payton (New Orleans Saints)

I’m sure there are more than a few questions or skepticism regarding this slotting considering the Saints’ sideline leader is suspended for the 2012 season.

But you can’t deny the impact that he’s made with quarterback Drew Brees, the duo arriving in New Orleans in 2006. There have been four playoff appearances in six years and a stirring Super Bowl title along the way.

Still, it will be intriguing to see how the team operates with Payton out of the picture. And perhaps this is the season in which we find out how not only truly valuable Payton has been to the franchise, but to Brees as well.

4. Andy Reid (Philadelphia Eagles)

Sometimes you are inclined to hear more about Reid's shortcomings than his accomplishments in the City of Brotherly Love.

Currently the league’s longest-tenured coach with the same team, Reid took over the Birds in 1999 and has led the club to nine playoff appearances the last 12 seasons after a 3-13 debut campaign.

Sure, there’s been four NFC Championship Game losses in five tries and Super Bowl XXXIX didn’t go Philadelphia’s way as well. But he’s done wonders for his quarterbacks, hence Donovan McNabb, Jeff Garcia and Michael Vick have all helped take Reid’s teams to the playoffs.

With the talent on this roster, the expectations are once again pretty big for the Birds. Let's see just how high they can fly in 2012.

3. Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers)

It’s been quite a five-year run for Tomlin, who had big shoes to fill after Bill Cowher’s long tenure (which followed the Chuck Noll Era). Four playoff appearances (including three 12-win seasons), a pair of trips to the Super Bowl (winning XLIII) and no losing record to date.

But 2012 could be a big test for the astute Steelers’ leader, who will be with a new offensive coordinator for the first time (Todd Haley) and with a pair of rookie offensive linemen blocking for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, entering his ninth NFL season.

2. Tom Coughlin (New York Giants)

No, Coughlin was not fired in 2011.

In all seriousness, while there’s been a degree of unevenness to his tenure with Big Blue, and he’s seemingly been on the chopping block since he arrived in 2004, let’s not forget what Coughlin accomplished in Jacksonville as well, leading that franchise to four straight playoff appearances starting with their second year in the league, as well as that team’s last division title in 1999.

But the better-late-than-never approach has been just “Super” for the Giants twice in the last five seasons.

1. Bill Belichick (New England Patriots)

Eleven consecutive winning seasons since 2001 and five Super Bowl appearances over that span are hard to top. And with 192 overall victories with the Browns and Patriots, Belichick is on the verge of entering some rare air in terms of 200 head-coaching wins, a mark only seven men have achieved in league history.

Yes, there have been those two losses to the Giants in the season’s biggest game, but the Patriots continue to get there and remain atop of the AFC power rankings.

The dynasty remains very much intact.