Power Ranking Every Coaching Staff Heading into the 2015 NFL Season

The life of an NFL coach is somewhat unenviable. The very best coaches raise the quality of performance from role players. But when expectations far exceed the results, NFL owners have shown they’re willing to pull the plug on a coaching staff quickly.

Not every coaching staff is the same. Elite head coaches are often churning through coordinators as their proteges are given head coaching opportunities elsewhere. Other staffs have unproven coaches who are about to cut their teeth.

Strong coordinators are more important when there isn’t a strong head coach in place. There’s not one perfect way to build a staff, but we can always look back at their coaching record to see whether or not a staff succeeded.

Let’s take a look at coaching staffs across the league and rank them from worst to first. How well each staff has done in the past few years will pay a major role in where they rank. Also, staffs that have made adjustments and improvements to weak spots in recent seasons will rank better for their ability to go beyond their system.

32. Washington Redskins

Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Associated Press

Head coach: Jay Gruden

Offensive coordinator: Sean McVay

Defensive coordinator: Joe Barry

Special teams coordinator: Ben Kotwica

Jay Gruden’s first campaign with the Washington Redskins was a disaster.

The Redskins contemplated firing this staff after their 4-12 debut but decided to give them another chance. 2015 must show more competence from Gruden especially.

Once an offensive coordinator, Gruden must show the ability to build a dynamic game plan that keeps opponents guessing. His play-calling leaves much room for improvement, and he’s tasked with developing quarterback Robert Griffin III.

Coordinators Sean McVay and Joe Barry haven’t shown much promise to this point, either.

31. San Francisco 49ers

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Head coach: Jim Tomsula

Offensive coordinator: Geep Chryst

Defensive coordinator: Eric Mangini

Special teams coordinator: Thomas McGaughey

A year ago, the San Francisco 49ers ranked first in this same list (by colleague Alessandro Miglio). With expectations and pressure high, the cracks in the 49ers’ walls gave way to a disappointing 2014 campaign.

San Francisco stayed within the building for the new head coach, Jim Tomsula. The former defensive line coach did well to develop players like Justin Smith and Ray McDonald, but is he ready to lead this franchise?

The biggest question mark for the 49ers is offensive coordinator Geep Chryst. The former quarterbacks coach will be responsible for game-planning and getting quarterback Colin Kaepernick back on track.

30. Oakland Raiders

Eric Risberg/Associated Press

Head coach: Jack Del Rio

Offensive coordinator: Bill Musgrave

Defensive coordinator: Ken Norton Jr.

Special teams coordinator: Brad Seely

Jack Del Rio isn’t a bad head coach, but he hasn’t shown he can build a long-term winner yet. His career record of 68-71 with the Jacksonville Jaguars is decent enough, and Del Rio had a successful stint in Denver as a defensive coordinator. Maybe he learned enough in Denver to help bump his head coaching talent to an above-.500 level.

What hurts the Raiders’ outlook are the coordinators. Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave was last in the same position with the Minnesota Vikings from 2011 to 2013, where he struggled to create any type of offense outside of Adrian Peterson.

Defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. came from the Seattle Seahawks’ linebackers coaching job, which is a talented position for a great Seattle defense. But he’s largely unknown as far as game-planning and in-game coaching.

29. Cleveland Browns

David Richard/Associated Press

Head coach: Mike Pettine

Offensive coordinator: John DeFilippo

Defensive coordinator: Jim O’Neil

Special teams coordinator: Chris Tabor

The Cleveland Browns have assembled a good group of young players to build around but seem to fumble away key games with boneheaded plays every year. This comes back to coaching. Losing Kyle Shanahan after 2014 certainly won’t help the Browns’ coaching outlook.

It’s easy to appreciate how honest head coach Mike Pettine is to the media, but he needs to teach the X’s and O’s as well. The Browns allowed the most rushing yards in the league in 2014. As a former defensive coordinator, Pettine must place emphasis on that side of the ball.

Shanahan’s replacement, John DeFilippo, was basically the first guy who would take the job. This is unfortunate, as quarterback Johnny Manziel needs a lot of work. DeFilippo has a lot to prove, or he might not get another chance to be an offensive coordinator any time soon.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars

John Raoux/Associated Press

Head coach: Gus Bradley

Offensive coordinator: Greg Olson

Defensive coordinator: Bob Babich

Special teams coordinator: Mike Mallo

It’s been somewhat difficult to properly gauge the coaching efforts for the Jacksonville Jaguars during their recent rebuild. Their roster simply hasn’t had enough NFL-caliber players on it until now.

Head coach Gus Bradley was a great defensive coordinator with the Seahawks. His Senior Bowl practices are loud, fun and efficient. He’ll need to produce more wins in 2015 than he has the last two seasons to start showing that development taking place.

Offensive coordinator Greg Olson replaced Jedd Fisch this offseason, and he figures to be at least a slight upgrade. He played to the strengths of Derek Carr with the Raiders in 2014 more than Fisch did with Blake Bortles. Tailoring a more balanced offense to Bortles’ strengths should bring more success.

27. Tennessee Titans

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Head coach: Ken Whisenhunt

Offensive coordinator: Jason Michael

Defensive coordinator: Ray Horton

Special teams coordinator: Nate Kaczor

Ken Whisenhunt’s recent history as a head coach is worrisome. He’s won just three of his last 28 games, including an abysmal 2-14 campaign in 2014. He must find the winning formula quickly with rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota now in the fold, though.

The Tennessee Titans’ most notable assistant coach is Ray Horton. His bark is more threatening than his bite, but he creates pressure from the front seven well enough. His biggest issue is predictability with blitzes.

Special teams coordinator Nate Kaczor has done well to build a top-15 special teams unit as well. The Titans amassed the seventh-most kickoff return yards in 2014, while allowing the 19th-most kickoff return yards. That’s not terribly easy for a team without great depth. 

26. San Diego Chargers

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Head coach: Mike McCoy

Offensive coordinator: Frank Reich

Defensive coordinator: John Pagano

Special teams coordinator: Kevin Spencer

The Mike McCoy era in San Diego has included a couple of mediocre seasons thus far. One of the major positives that have occurred since he has taken over is how quarterback Philip Rivers has improved his play. With Rivers capable of elite stretches for one-third of the season at a time, the Chargers are a dangerous team.

San Diego’s roster is good enough to compete for the playoffs, but can this coaching staff push this group over the hump? For two years, they haven’t been.

Defensive coordinator John Pagano has the most to prove this year. He has a great secondary to work with, but his front seven hasn’t executed consistently enough. The pressure is on him.

25. Buffalo Bills

Bill Wippert/Associated Press

Head coach: Rex Ryan

Offensive coordinator: Greg Roman

Defensive coordinator: Dennis Thurman

Special teams coordinator: Danny Crossman

New Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan is a players' coach who will always squeeze the best out of his roster. His ability to create a championship-level defense shouldn’t be doubted. The talent he’ll be working with in Buffalo will only make it easier for Ryan to craft a dangerous unit.

The issue is on the other side of the ball. He’s never found an offensive coordinator who is good enough to develop a quarterback.

Unfortunately for Ryan’s outlook in Buffalo, Greg Roman was considered a hindrance in San Francisco. His bland play-calling and unimaginative game plans allowed their opponents to be more aggressive than they ought to be.

Roman must develop a quarterback more effectively in Buffalo than he did in San Francisco or add new wrinkles to his weekly game plans.

24. Arizona Cardinals

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Head coach: Bruce Arians

Offensive coordinator: Harold Goodwin

Defensive coordinator: James Bettcher

Special teams coordinator: Amos Jones

The Arizona Cardinals have a rock-star head coach in Bruce Arians. He is the puppet master pulling the strings on a potent vertical offense. Players also seem to love his brash but straightforward personality.

Losing defensive coordinator Todd Bowles is a major blow to Arizona. He helped develop a top defense despite not having an elite edge-rusher to create consistent pressure. That’s not easy to do, and the Cardinals may see a big drop-off in 2015 without Bowles.

Arizona’s special teams have been below-average in recent years as well. The unit finished dead last in average yards per kick return in 2014. That’s just not good enough.

23. Atlanta Falcons

John Bazemore/Associated Press

Head coach: Dan Quinn

Offensive coordinator: Kyle Shanahan

Defensive coordinator: Richard Smith

Special teams coordinator: Keith Armstrong

Led by rookie head coach Dan Quinn, the Atlanta Falcons have a young and promising coaching staff. Quinn, the former defensive coordinator for the Seahawks, is a passionate coach who invites a variety of personalities into his locker room. He’s able to work with more difficult egos, which is valuable.

The addition of Kyle Shanahan was a huge signing. He was fantastic with the Browns in 2014, even making Brian Hoyer look like a competent quarterback for most of the season. Expect him, Matt Ryan and Julio Jones to have a productive 2015 season.

What holds this group back is Quinn’s inexperience as a head coach. If he can prove he’s more than a good coordinator, the Falcons’ coaching staff will rise this up this list.

22. New York Jets

Julio Cortez/Associated Press

Head coach: Todd Bowles

Offensive coordinator: Chan Gailey

Defensive coordinator: Kacy Rodgers

Special teams coordinator: Bobby April

Instead of going with the opposite approach of their last head coach, the New York Jets are hoping that Todd Bowles can be more than Rex Ryan. Ryan failed to build a competent offense but had stellar defenses.

If nothing else, Bowles’ defense should do quite well. His defenses with the Arizona Cardinals were among the best in the NFL. But will Chan Gailey be the right offensive coordinator to build with?

Gailey has had success with mobile quarterbacks. He does a good job of molding his scheme to the available talent. That’s a sign of good coaching. Now this group must prove they were the right hires.

21. Miami Dolphins

Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press

Head coach: Joe Philbin

Offensive coordinator: Bill Lazor

Defensive coordinator: Kevin Coyle

Special teams coordinator: Darren Rizzi

Despite having enough talent to win the AFC wild card in each of the last two seasons, the Miami Dolphins crumbled down the stretch instead. Their inconsistent play and identity must be brought back on the coaching staff.

Head coach Joe Philbin doesn’t come off well in media sessions as he’s dry and seems aloof. His in-game decisions leave the same feeling. This is largely why 2015 is a make-or-break season for Philbin and the Dolphins.

The most promising member of the coaching staff is Bill Lazor. He overhauled the Dolphins offense last year, helping quarterback Ryan Tannehill achieve a career season. Now armed with better players, Lazor could be at the helm of a good unit in 2015.

20. St. Louis Rams

Michael Thomas/Associated Press

Head coach: Jeff Fisher

Offensive coordinator: Frank Cignetti Jr.

Defensive coordinator: Gregg Williams

Special teams coordinator: John Fassel

It’s quite amazing how average Jeff Fisher has managed to be throughout his career. He’s had almost as many 8-8 seasons (five) as winning ones (six) in 20 seasons. His last winning season was way back in 2008 with the Tennessee Titans.

Fisher isn’t anything special, but he’s built a good staff. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has Bountygate on his resume, but that shouldn’t overshadow his ability to build a solid defense. The Rams’ front seven is fierce and talented, and Williams has developed those players well.

Special teams coordinator John Fassel is highly respected as well. The Rams have consistently done well in special teams categories in his time with the team.

19. Carolina Panthers

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Head coach: Ron Rivera

Offensive coordinator: Mike Shula

Defensive coordinator: Sean McDermott

Special teams coordinator: Bruce DeHaven

A surprising 12-4 campaign in 2013 helped save head coach Ron Rivera’s job at the time, as the Carolina Panthers’ patience was wearing thin. The team's playoff appearance streak has since been extended to two seasons, which should help buy Rivera more job security.

Carolina is a difficult team to beat because of its impressive defense. Rivera and defensive coordinator Sean McDermott have fielded an aggressive and powerful unit. Their defense allowed the 10th-least yards per game in 2014.

Offensive coordinator Mike Shula has been decent but somewhat limited by available talent. Quarterback Cam Newton is capable of doing more, but his receivers have been among the worst in the NFL the last few seasons. Carolina is hoping that changes with Devin Funchess added into the fold.

18. Chicago Bears

Matt Marton/Associated Press

Head coach: John Fox

Offensive coordinator: Adam Gase

Defensive coordinator: Vic Fangio

Special teams coordinator: Jeff Rodgers

There’s a positive and negative way to look at the new Chicago Bears’ coaching staff. Head coach John Fox and offensive coordinator Adam Gase were let go from Denver after failing to meet expectations with a talented roster. But then again, each was able to do his job effectively enough to win.

Fox isn’t a strong enough head coach on his own, so he needs two good coordinators to do some heavy lifting. The Bears have that for him, so this could be a good staff if Gase proves he’s not just a product of Peyton Manning.

We already know that defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is a rock star from his time in San Francisco. He was the architect of one of the most talented and effective defenses in the NFL for a half-decade.

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Head coach: Lovie Smith

Offensive coordinator: Dirk Koetter

Defensive coordinator: Leslie Frazier

Special teams coordinator: Kevin O’Dea

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ coaching staff is filled with individuals with impressive resumes. Head coach Lovie Smith’s greatest success was piloting the Chicago Bears to the Super Bowl with Rex Grossman at quarterback.

Coordinators Dirk Koetter and Leslie Frazier have also had success elsewhere in their respective roles. Koetter replaces Jeff Tedford as offensive coordinator this year. There’s no doubt this is one of the more accomplished groups in the league.

But no one has been overly successful in the last few years. Smith’s roster management in Tampa Bay has been poor, leaving his staff with little to work with. We’ll see if this veteran staff can help the Buccaneers avoid another 2-14 season.

16. Detroit Lions

Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

Head coach: Jim Caldwell

Offensive coordinator: Joe Lombardi

Defensive coordinator: Teryl Austin

Special teams coordinator: Joe Marciano

We’ve now reached the part of this ranking where we’re splitting hairs with good coaching staffs. The Detroit Lions have a coaching staff that has developed several young players on the roster but hasn't yet hit gold with other important ones. That’s why the Lions fall behind several similar staffs.

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has done the most impressive job thus far. He’s developed cornerback Darius Slay, linebacker DeAndre Levy and defensive end Ziggy Ansah to become great players. Detroit’s defense is one of the better ones in the league.

Head coach Jim Caldwell and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi need their offense to catch up, though. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has seen little development throughout his career, and the team is stuck until he improves. Expect their legacies to be tied to how well Stafford plays.

15. Indianapolis Colts

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

Head coach: Chuck Pagano

Offensive coordinator: Pep Hamilton

Defensive coordinator: Greg Manusky

Special teams coordinator: Tom McMahon

The Indianapolis Colts have one of the most explosive offensive units in the NFL. Credit must go to offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton for maximizing quarterback Andrew Luck’s immense skill set. His play-calling and overall designs have been great thus far.

The rest of the Colts’ coaching staff has room for improvement. Despite being known for his defensive acumen, head coach Chuck Pagano has done little to prove he can overcome limited personnel. He hasn’t had much to work with, but no one can argue he’s been impressive as far as maximizing that talent either.

It wouldn’t be surprising if the Colts were to move on from Pagano and promote Hamilton at the end of 2015. He is a potential coaching star and a great fit with the team's franchise player.

14. Denver Broncos

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

Head coach: Gary Kubiak

Offensive coordinator: Rick Dennison

Defensive coordinator: Wade Phillips

Special teams coordinator: Joe DeCamillis

Denver surprisingly cleaned out a coaching staff that went a combined 27-9 the last two years. We’ll be able to judge that move more certainly in a year from now, but the Broncos may not have upgraded their staff. New head coach Gary Kubiak has a conservative nature like his predecessor and a below-.500 career record (61-64).

Offensive coordinator Rick Dennison should be good for the post-Peyton Manning era in Denver, as he’ll commit to the running game to help the next quarterback. But as long as Manning is present, he’ll be the biggest figure in Denver.

Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips could be an upgrade for the Broncos. His aggressiveness should mesh well with the roster and force opposing offenses into more turnovers than before.

13. New York Giants

Frank Franklin II/Associated Press

Head coach: Tom Coughlin

Offensive coordinator: Ben McAdoo

Defensive coordinator: Steve Spagnuolo

Special teams coordinator: Tom Quinn

The New York Giants are led by one of the most respected leaders in the NFL, Tom Coughlin. His ability to lead a locker room and press buttons at the right time has helped him and the Giants win two Super Bowls in the last decade. That can never be taken away from him.

Second-year offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo was excellent in his first season. His ability to adjust his scheme to his talent is notable, as many coaches fail in this aspect. We’ll see if he can help cure the Giants’ running-game woes in 2015.

The Giants’ biggest issues have come on defense. They’ve been ravaged by injuries, so it’s hard to blame Steve Spagnuolo too much. But this defense can’t finish in the bottom 10 as a scoring unit once again this year.

12. Pittsburgh Steelers

Keith Srakocic/Associated Press

Head coach: Mike Tomlin

Offensive coordinator: Todd Haley

Defensive coordinator: Keith Butler

Special teams coordinator: Danny Smith

The last few seasons haven’t been so hot for Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Despite having a veteran-laden roster, the Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2010. Losing Bruce Arians and Dick LeBeau from his staff in recent years hasn’t helped, either.

The good news is that offensive coordinator Todd Haley has been really good for the franchise. He’s helped quarterback Ben Roethlisberger achieve elite status, and Haley has developed several key players. Running back Le’Veon Bell, receiver Antonio Brown and tackle Kelvin Beachum are top positional players under him.

We’ll see how Keith Butler does in his first season as defensive coordinator. His personnel standards are much different than LeBeau’s, so it’s likely the scheme is as well.

11. Green Bay Packers

Matt Ludtke/Associated Press

Head coach: Mike McCarthy

Offensive coordinator: Edgar Bennett

Defensive coordinator: Dom Capers

Special teams coordinator: Ron Zook

When thinking of the identity of the Green Bay Packers, most people would probably think of their offense. Mike McCarthy has been a major reason for that, as well as quarterback Aaron Rodgers and company. McCarthy is one of the brightest offensive minds in the league.

Defensive coordinator Dom Capers has had his ups and downs with the team. Since 2009, the Packers’ defensive ranks have been a roller coaster with little consistency from year to year. Some could argue that if the defense were more reliable, this franchise would have another Super Bowl ring or two.

Special teams coordinator Ron Zook will be looking to improve a porous unit. His first season with the team will be huge, as the Packers are still recovering from a crippling special teams mistake made in the NFC Championship Game.

10. Kansas City Chiefs

Ed Zurga/Associated Press

Head coach: Andy Reid

Offensive coordinator: Doug Pederson

Defensive coordinator: Bob Sutton

Special teams coordinator: Dave Toub

With a head coaching record of 149-105-1, Andy Reid knows how to win football games. He hasn’t yet won a Super Bowl, but he’s built sustained winners everywhere he’s been. That counts for something, as that is very difficult.

Kansas City’s defense has been impressive the last two years, and Bob Sutton deserves credit for that. The Chiefs have some great players on that side of the ball, and he’s helped them succeed.

Special teams coordinator Dave Toub is also highly revered. His reputation as one of the best special teams coaches in the league has been well-earned after 12 years of being a coordinator.

9. Houston Texans

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Head coach: Bill O’Brien

Offensive coordinator: George Godsey

Defensive coordinator: Romeo Crennel

Special teams coordinator: Bob Ligashesky

When the Houston Texans hired Bill O’Brien as their head coach, there was hope that he could be the Bill Belichick protege who actually fulfills his potential. O’Brien’s ability to develop quarterbacks and build an offense were major reasons why. So far, he’s been well.

Houston’s improvement from 2-14 to 9-7 without a good starting quarterback last season was encouraging. O’Brien’s ability to get the most out of his players will go a long way in the win column until the team finds a viable long-term quarterback. If that happens, then the fun will really begin.

Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel is one of the league's finest. He has a great feel for how to call a game. His ability to relate to players and maximize their potential is also a key to his success.

8. Minnesota Vikings

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

Head coach: Mike Zimmer

Offensive coordinator: Norv Turner

Defensive coordinator: George Edwards

Special teams coordinator: Mike Priefer

It’s comical to look back a few years ago when owners wouldn’t even interview current-Minnesota Vikings’ head coach Mike Zimmer. They thought he was too honest and brash to be the top shot-caller. But two years into his job, he looks like a budding star.

The Vikings defense under Zimmer is brimming with positives. Young stars like Xavier Rhodes, Everson Griffen and Harrison Smith are just the tip of the iceberg. This could be a dominant group within the next two seasons.

Offensive coordinator Norv Turner has his faults as a head coach, but he’s well-respected as a coordinator. Expect an offense led by Teddy Bridgewater and Adrian Peterson to really take off in 2015.

7. Philadelphia Eagles

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Head coach: Chip Kelly

Offensive coordinator: Pat Shurmer

Defensive coordinator: Billy Davis

Special teams coordinator: Dave Fipp

The line between genius and maniac is razor-thin, and Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly toes that line every day. But he should be respected for doing things his way. If this is his one chance to be an NFL head coach, then being aggressive and going all-in is better than hoping for the best with a conservative approach.

Kelly’s offensive genius cannot be understated. The design of his plays and efficiency his team plays with is a brand-new change in the NFL. Of all the great NFL minds, Kelly has successfully added numerous new elements. Not many modern coaches can say that.

Defensive coordinator Billy Davis struggled in his first year at the position but rebounded well last year. The Eagles’ young defense has responded well to his coaching and should improve again with more talent injected into the secondary.

6. Cincinnati Bengals

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Head coach: Marvin Lewis

Offensive coordinator: Hue Jackson

Defensive coordinator: Paul Guenther

Special teams coordinator: Darrin Simmons

What the Cincinnati Bengals coaches do compared to the rest of the NFL is impressive. Not only are they responsible for their regular coaching duties, but the Bengals also rely more on their coaches to evaluate the NFL draft and free-agency targets than any other franchise in the league. Despite the workload, Cincinnati has one of the best overall rosters of anyone.

Cincinnati’s limited success in the playoffs is a concern for the outlook of this group. But these coaches have built a sustainable winner out of a franchise that was a bottom-dweller for many years before this group took over.

Head coach Marvin Lewis deserves credit for hiring solid coaches. Coordinators Hue Jackson and Paul Guenther haven’t skipped a beat after their predecessors were hired elsewhere for head coaching jobs. That’s the mark of a strong head coach at the top of the coaching tree.

5. Dallas Cowboys

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Head coach: Jason Garrett

Offensive coordinator: Scott Linehan

Defensive coordinator: Rod Marinelli

Special teams coordinator: Rich Bisaccia

At this point, we’re looking at the very best coaching staffs in the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys made the right decision to stick with Jason Garrett despite a rough start to his career. Now, they have one of the best five staffs, including the coordinators.

Offensive coordinator Scott Linehan has changed the Cowboys’ identity. Instead of allowing quarterback Tony Romo to sling the ball around all game long, the Cowboys now are more efficient. By reducing the pressure on Romo, they are a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

On defense, they haven’t had a great amount of talent to work with. Despite this, defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli has boosted this unit to respectable levels. He’s maximized the skill sets available to him with a solid scheme.

4. New Orleans Saints

Gerald Herbert/Associated Press

Head coach: Sean Payton

Offensive coordinator: Pete Carmichael

Defensive coordinator: Rob Ryan

Special teams coordinator: Greg McMahon

Headlined by quite possibly the brightest offensive mind in the league, the New Orleans Saints coaching staff is one of the finest of them all. Head coach Sean Payton’s ability to create an offensive scheme and then execute it in game separates him from the pack. He always seems to call the right play at the right time.

Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has his detractors, but he is good at his job. Ryan is an ace at creating pressure and covering potential holes on the defense. 2014 was a bad year on his resume, but the players he had to work with weren’t qualified to be on the field as much as they were. He has also helped develop Junior Galette and Cameron Jordan.

The Saints must see improvement from their special teams. New Orleans allowed the sixth-most kick-return yards per attempt in the league last year. That’s not acceptable when the Saints are a high-volume scoring team. It puts the rest of the team in a terrible position.

3. Baltimore Ravens

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

Head coach: John Harbaugh

Offensive coordinator: Marc Trestman

Defensive coordinator: Dean Pees

Special teams coordinator: Jerry Rosburg

A model franchise for many reasons, the Baltimore Ravens continue to be Super Bowl contenders every season. Their coaches deserve massive credit for the number of young players who fulfill their potential when a veteran departs in free agency. That certainly isn’t seen in many other places outside of Baltimore.

The addition of Marc Trestman to the staff really rounds out a great group of coordinators. He was a bad head coach but is revered as an offensive mind. His passing concepts will help quarterback Joe Flacco and his young receivers produce in 2015.

Defensive coordinator Dean Pees and special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg have been producing top units for the Ravens since joining the staff. Pees’ defenses are some of the most physical every single year, and it forces opponents to rethink whether they can play their own game. More often than not, they give into Pees and lose their will to the more physical team.

2. Seattle Seahawks

Joe Nicholson/Associated Press

Head coach: Pete Carroll

Offensive coordinator: Darrell Bevell

Defensive coordinator: Kris Richard

Special teams coordinator: Brian Schneider

What the Seattle Seahawks have accomplished since Pete Carroll took over is nothing short of amazing. The Seahawks churned their roster for two years until they unearthed enough diamonds in the rough to build a team around budding stars. Now, they are a model franchise for how important late-round drafting can be.

Seattle has been throughout numerous defensive coordinators but still has the best unit in the league. That speaks to the talent on that side of the ball, but also Carroll’s coaching prowess to continue creating competent coordinators. Kris Richard will be the next to learn directly under Carroll.

Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell deserves a lot of credit for his work as well. In a time when teams are trying to pass as much as they can, he’s built a power-run football team with creative passing outlets. He hasn’t had great receivers or a solid pass-protecting offensive line to work with, but he’s helped his playmakers succeed.

1. New England Patriots

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Head coach: Bill Belichick

Offensive coordinator: Josh McDaniels

Defensive coordinator: Matt Patricia

Special teams coordinator: Joe Judge

Considering the way the New England Patriots have dominated the NFL landscape over the last 15 years, this isn’t a tough call. The Patriots have one of the best head coaches in NFL history, regardless of the scandals he’s been a part of. Bill Belichick is always ahead of the curve when it comes to trends, and it’s hard to defeat someone who is constantly changing the schemes.

Belichick’s coaching staff is excellent as well. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is his best one yet, as he has worked perfectly with quarterback Tom Brady as his skill set has changed. The Patriots do certain things well, and they hammer those strengths relentlessly every week. Few teams can boast that as well.

Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has done well too. He faces a bigger challenge in 2015 than 2014, as the Patriots defense doesn’t have as much talent in the secondary. But the team's track record of success is hard to bet against.

All stats used are from Pro-Football-Reference.com.

Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. 

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