Power Ranking NFL Coaches Midway Through the Season
Midway through the season, and perhaps more than in recent years, the discrepancy between talented teams and those limping to the finish is immense.
Head coaches, naturally, are the first to credit or blame, but it isn't all about the records—the best coaches are those who maximize the capabilities of the team they are given.
That principle is evident in the Carolina Panthers' Ron Rivera and New York Jets' Todd Bowles, who have both righted their squad's losing 2014 records into convincing playoff positioning heading into Week 10.
Therefore, expectations heading into this season have been used as a benchmark in judging these coaches' performances as well as their ability to meet challenges and problem-solve. Logically, those at the helm of contenders are likelier to round out the top 10, but an undefeated record is no guarantee for the No. 1 spot.
Check out where your favorite team's head coach ranks among his peers—and in some cases, prepare for life without him.
32. Jim Tomsula, San Francisco 49ers
1 of 32
Team Record: 3-6
Trending: Up (sort of)
Expectations Benchmark: Filling the shoes of former coach Jim Harbaugh was never going to be easy, but the fall of the 49ers has been even greater than what was expected—and they were expected to fall far and hard.
Overcoming Challenges: Heading into 2015, nearly the entire San Francisco team was a challenge. There was the loss of key defensive players like Patrick Willis and Justin Smith, to name only a few, as well as the loss of offensive linchpin Frank Gore. Colin Kaepernick's play has deteriorated to the point where Blaine Gabbert has become the preferred option, and the team has close to no legitimate downfield targets—particularly now that it's dealt Vernon Davis.
Bottom Line: Give credit to Tomsula for yanking Kaepernick from the starting lineup. It was a bold move demonstrating that he's capable of making the tough calls. However, the problem is that the 49ers are dead last in the league in points per game (14) and yards per game (286.2) while coming second-last in passing yards per game (181.6).
31. Chuck Pagano, Indianapolis Colts
2 of 32
Team Record: 4-5
Trending: Up (ironically)
Expectations Benchmark: Without a doubt, the award for falling the furthest from expectations belongs to the Indianapolis Colts. A season ago, they were Super Bowl contenders. Now, their relevance is only prolonged because of the ineptitude of their division.
Overcoming Challenges: Andrew Luck, the thrilling young quarterback we've come to know, has taken a hike. Veteran free-agent signings of Frank Gore and Andre Johnson have seemingly done more harm than good. Before a big victory over the ultra-talented Denver Broncos, it didn't appear as if any adjustments were being made in reaction to the Colts' shocking tailspin. That play was especially ugly.
Bottom Line: With Luck out for the near future and Hasselbeck (2-0 this season) starting in his stead, Pagano has the opportunity to collect his team, settle down and guide the Colts to a playoff berth they don't deserve. It's an opportunity that perhaps only one other team in the league—the Houston Texans—possesses, and Pagano's future with the team may hinge on his ability to capitalize on it.
30. Jim Caldwell, Detroit Lions
3 of 32
Team Record: 1-7
Trending: Way, way down
Expectations Benchmark: It's no secret that in recent history, the Detroit Lions have had an absurd amount of talent on the offensive side of the ball. Calvin Johnson is, well, Megatron, Matthew Stafford is no stranger to high-volume passing and Golden Tate proved to be a sensational second option in 2014. However, for some reason, things have never quite worked out. For that reason, expectations are always tempered. Even by those standards, however, this season has been bad. Really, really bad.
Overcoming Challenges: As fantastic as Johnson is, he can rarely stay healthy, and Stafford hasn't been playing at the same level. The loss of Ndamukong Suh has left a tremendous hole in the defense—although the move to let him walk at that price was still a good call—and Detroit just can't seem to find a consistent back. First Joique Bell, then Ameer Abdullah and now Theo Riddick. The Lions are 1-7. None of these problems have really been addressed.
Bottom Line: The Lions need to blow their entire team up. They have already begun to do so via the firings of their general manager and president. Is Jim Caldwell exacerbating their problems? Perhaps. Is he ameliorating them? Certainly not. There's no reason he should be wearing that headset for Detroit next season.
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29. Mike McCoy, San Diego Chargers
4 of 32
Team Record: 2-7
Trending: Further and further down
Expectations Benchmark: A season ago, the Chargers controlled their own destiny leading up to Week 17, ultimately and narrowly missing the postseason. They're in a mildly challenging AFC West, but there's no excuse for their rapid and sudden fall from grace.
Overcoming Challenges: It's no secret that the Chargers have struggled to balance their pass-heavy offense with a solid ground game. They lost Ryan Mathews in the offseason, while first-round selection Melvin Gordon has offered uninspiring performances. Currently, they rank 30th in the league in rushing yards per game (85.3), rendering their first-place passing attack moot. Now, with No. 1 receiver Keenan Allen out of the lineup for the season, McCoy will be backed into creatively boosting the run, something he has failed to do thus far.
Bottom Line: With Philip Rivers playing at such an incredibly high level—currently leading the league in passing yards with 3,033—it's an injustice that McCoy hasn't been able to capitalize on his quarterback's production.
28. Lovie Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
5 of 32
Team Record: 3-5
Trending: You could say, "Up."
Expectations Benchmark: The Bucs selected rookie quarterback Jameis Winston with the first selection in the 2015 draft. Their three victories are already more than they managed over the entire 2014 season, but expectations were still that they'd be taking off with a bona fide signal-caller under center. Winston has taken some time to develop, but the improvement—thanks in large part to Lovie Smith—has come along. It's too early to call this season a disappointment with such a big change over the offseason, but things have gotten off to a slow start.
Overcoming Challenges: As previously mentioned, Winston is young, and many acknowledged his raw state coming out of college. The development is evident, however, particularly when compared to his first outing against the Titans. The loss of tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins to injury was a hit to the quarterback, but Smith has done a good job of surrounding Winston with a productive run game, ranked seventh in the league (131.9 YPG).
Bottom Line: There's potential this year for Tampa Bay, but the experience that Winston has gained—getting all of his mistakes out of the way and learning—makes this a productive season for Smith either way.
27. John Fox, Chicago Bears
6 of 32
Team Record: 3-5
Trending: Kind of up
Expectations Benchmark: As John Fox probably realizes, this isn't Denver. The Bears had a rough season a year ago, and so far, much is the same. They have terrific pieces—like running back Matt Forte, receiver Alshon Jeffery and tight end Martellus Bennett—but much like with the Lions, nothing or no one seems capable of putting it all together. It's hard to say this isn't the season many predicted, but disappointment happens when you're below .500 either way.
Overcoming Challenges: Matt Forte—arguably the most important player on the team—going down with an injury was a crushing blow, but both Fox and Jeremy Langford have done a good job in his absence. Competing with the likes of the Vikings and Packers in the division has been and will continue to be rough, but despite the result in Week 8, Fox stirred the Bears to a morale-boosting 23-20 loss against Minnesota.
Bottom Line: Fox has turned in a mediocre performance in his first year in Chicago, but with rookie Kevin White in the lineup next season and more experience with the team, the Bears could see themselves going through a fair bit of growth.
26. Mike Pettine, Cleveland Browns
7 of 32
Team Record: 2-7
Trending: Down, as always
Expectations Benchmark: It's not easy being a Cleveland Browns head coach, and in his second season, Mike Pettine continues to prove that theory's validity. Despite expectations being consistently low, things are still looking ugly. When your team tries to trade away its prized offensive lineman, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, you know things are just awful.
Overcoming Challenges: Everything seems to be a challenge at this point in the season. Josh McCown is injured, then he isn't. At least tight end Gary Barnidge has been a silver lining. Pettine hasn't done a whole lot to ameliorate the offensive stuttering this team has been experiencing, as it sits near the bottom of three out of four major offensive categories. Some of it is just an issue of talent. There is really only so much that he can do.
Bottom Line: Pettine continues to try to churn out some decent moments with little to work with, but there's not much that can be said for this team in 2015. Perhaps this year's draft selections will right the ship.
25. John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
8 of 32
Team Record: 2-6
Trending: Down (with a slim chance of eventually going up)
Expectations Benchmark:
After sneaking into the postseason in a strong AFC North a season ago, this season comes as a huge disappointment. The Ravens have not looked a bit like themselves, and that sort of lost direction starts at the top in coaching. Harbaugh does have less talent to work with than the likes of Mike McCoy, but there's no other way to account for the sudden switch from playoffs to bottom-feeding with essentially the same roster without looking to the sideline.
Overcoming Challenges:
The Ravens lost defensive identity Terrell Suggs fairly early in their season, taking much of the wind out of their sails. Now, with spunky wide receiver Steve Smith out as well, they'll be searching for answers in places they didn't have any to begin with. They aren't the only ones dealing with the loss of key players, but John Harbaugh's response has been much less successful than many, including those of Ron Rivera or Mike Tomlin.
Bottom Line:
This has been far from a memorable season for the Ravens, who will have a high pick in next year's draft to look forward to. Harbaugh's been a good coach during his tenure, but unless he does something to make his team look more respectable soon, he may find his seat warming.
24. Bill O'Brien, Houston Texans
9 of 32
Team Record: 3-5
Trending: Technically up
Expectations Benchmark:
Houston narrowly missed the postseason a season ago, and after the tremendous improvement from 2-14 to 9-7 in Bill O'Brien's first season, it seemed as if this year would lead more growth. So far, no dice. The Texans have one of the best offensive and defensive players in the league in DeAndre Hopkins and J.J. Watt. Despite their deficiencies in other areas, such as their struggle under center, they shouldn't be this bad.
Overcoming Challenges:
Offensive linchpin Arian Foster began the season injured, returned, and then was officially ruled out for the season. Thus far, O'Brien has found few ways to get a decent ground game going without him. Quarterback, too, has been an issue of concern, and the head coach seems to have done nothing but exacerbate the issue by waffling between Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett.
Bottom Line:
Houston, like Indianapolis, has the unique opportunity to capitalize on its weak division, starting the season anew coming out of a bye. With Hoyer performing more consistently, it's time for O'Brien to shape his team into salvaging their uninspiring season.
23. Jason Garrett, Dallas Cowboys
10 of 32
Team Record: 2-6
Trending: Spiraling down
Expectations Benchmark:
After the-catch-that-wasn't ended their postseason plans, the Cowboys had aspirations of chasing a title in the 2015-16 year. Injuries, however, prevented that from happening. Obviously, those sort of things are entirely out of Jason Garrett's control, but a six-game tailspin of losses isn't entirely excused by his hobbled roster.
Overcoming Challenges:
Next to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Dallas Cowboys have experienced the worst case of the league-wide injury plague. First No. 1 receiver Dez Bryant, then quarterback Tony Romo and now others (as if dealing with life after DeMarco Murray wouldn't have already been bad enough). The difference between the Cowboys and the Steelers, however, is that Mike Tomlin has managed to keep the Steel Curtain afloat.
Bottom Line:
Garrett has been scrambling for answers, that much is obvious. None of them, not Matt Cassel or Brandon Weeden, have proven fruitful, but you can't fault him for trying.
22. Dan Campbell, Miami Dolphins
11 of 32
Team Record: 3-5
Trending: Decidedly down
Expectations Benchmark:
In his first game as interim head coach, Dan Campbell rallied the Dolphins to an absurd 44-26 victory over the Texans at home. Since, however, have come two losses, division losses, to the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills, both by significant margins. With explosive talent like receivers Jarvis Landry and Rishard Mathews on the roster, there's little room to blame poor player production on anyone else but Campbell.
Overcoming Challenges:
The AFC East has been fairly competitive this season, and climbing out from the bottom, as Campbell was tasked to do, is not easily said nor easily done. Unfortunately, the season-ending injury to defensive end Cameron Wake, the heart and soul of the defense, will surely take some passion out of the team. It's still been little time since his midseason promotion, but things have gone downhill as of late.
Bottom Line:
Campbell is more than likely not the long-term answer for this Dolphins team, but his first victory must still be acknowledged. He needs to tap into that sort of leadership again in order to possibly challenge for wild-card positioning (still currently open to many).
21. Mike Mularkey, Tennessee Titans
12 of 32
Team Record: 2-6
Trending: Up, down, all around
Expectations Benchmark:
In only his first game as interim head coach, Mike Mularkey came out with a convincing game plan, his team executed and together they snatched the W (in a high-scoring tilt against the rising Saints, no less). It's really too early to pass very much judgement on Mularkey, particularly with quarterback Marcus Mariota making his return the same week, but so far, things are headed in the right direction.
Overcoming Challenges:
Stepping into the role of head coach midseason is challenging enough, but with Mariota also missing time, the two had to adjust to one another and to being back out on the field simultaneously. In the victory, the Titans looked sharp, efficient and virtually everything they hadn't before—inspired.
Bottom Line:
In one week, Mularkey gave the Titans as many wins as they had prior to his being named head coach. Interpret whatever you will.
20. Gus Bradley, Jacksonville Jaguars
13 of 32
Team Record: 2-6
Trending: Want to say up, but it's down
Expectations Benchmark:
The expectations for the Jaguars have been typically woefully low in recent years, but just because Bradley has neared the total wins from last season, doesn't mean that, in this particular case, that expectations have been met. They haven't. Quarterback Blake Bortles is beginning to consistently perform well, as are receivers Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns. The team is still very much in a state of growth, but Bradley is falling short on coaching up his team to its potential.
Overcoming Challenges:
Free agent acquisition tight end Julius Thomas missed several weeks prior to the start of the season, and while he's proven to be a great addition, it shouldn't be any reason the team was held back. Bradley, compared to many coaches, has has very little to overcome—he should capitalize on that fact before he does.
Bottom Line:
The Jaguars are technically still in the playoff race, with the AFC South up for anyone eager to make a run at it. While the experience and maturation of the team are not quite there, the motivation should be, in Bradley's mind, to make a push for it.
19. Jay Gruden, Washington Redskins
14 of 32
Team Record: 3-5
Trending: Closer to down
Expectations Benchmark:
Like many of the aforementioned teams, the Redskins have established a recent history of mediocrity, meaning that meeting expectations is somewhat easier. Unlike those teams, however, Jay Gruden has less talent on his roster to work with. That he's actually managed to keep his team semi-relevant in the race for the NFC East crown deserves some minor amount of acknowledgement.
Overcoming Challenges:
Well, obviously, the starting quarterback position has been an issue for Washington. All the credit to Gruden for doing what Houston's O'Brien could not—picking his man and sticking with him. Kirk Cousins should receive a boost from the return of deep threat DeSean Jackson, whose presence has been sorely missed. Gruden, however, could have done a better job emphasizing the run to help his quarterback, with backs like Alfred Morris and Matt Jones.
Bottom Line:
It's been a decent outing for Gruden in 2015. There still remains a lot of football left to be played, particularly in Washington's division, and despite the team's discrepancies, the head coach has at least set it up for a fighting chance.
18. Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
15 of 32
Team Record: 3-5
Trending: Surprisingly, up
Expectations Benchmark:
Like so many underachieving AFC teams, the Chiefs were among the few that had an opportunity to clinch the conference's final postseason spot a year ago. Now at 3-5, they're technically still in the race, but down a major piece. Reid has done nicely incorporating his wide receivers (by Kansas City standards), but the silence of the immensely talented tight end Travis Kelce is a disadvantage to the team.
Overcoming Challenges:
Losing running back Jamaal Charles has been as big a hit to a team as any, if not the single most impactful loss of the season. Despite this, Reid has successfully leaned on backup Charcandrick West, and, amazingly, receiver Jeremy Maclin. The Chiefs seemed to have all of the life sucked out of them, but now, on a two-game winning streak, they seem to have found the spark they needed.
Bottom Line:
Kansas City, after losing by far its most talented player, could have very well rolled over and died, particularly with quarterback Alex Smith's average contributions. With Reid leading the way, however, the Chiefs have decided to kick back into gear and have begun stringing Ws together.
17. Chip Kelly, Philadelphia Eagles
16 of 32
Team Record: 4-4
Trending: Gradually rising
Expectations Benchmark:
This summer saw the Eagles making a lot of moves, most notably grabbing the Cowboys' star running back DeMarco Murray. Murray's lack of fit into the offense, however, raises questions about Chip Kelly's motivations for pursing the player, particularly during Philly's slow start. Without a doubt, the Eagles' head coach has veered substantially from his notorious break-neck offense, something that has led to a somewhat disappointing midseason turnout.
Overcoming Challenges:
Beyond his fit, Murray has taken some time to gear up. Fortunately for the Eagles, Kelly, to his decision-making credit, utilized and continues to utilize backup Ryan Mathews. The loss of speedy receiver Jeremy Maclin, too, has been great, and the gamble for Sam Bradford has not proven to be too lucrative. Philly is mid-pack at 18th in pass yards/game (244.8). Kelly has adapted his offense to fit the players he has, but it isn't working to the same level of success.
Bottom Line:
The Eagles are directly on the heels of their NFC East rivals, the Giants, and are by no means out of title contention. Considering their drastic offseason changes, it's a fair place to be.
16. Tom Coughlin, New York Giants
17 of 32
Team Record: 5-4
Trending: Up enough
Expectations Benchmark:
Did the Giants even have expectations before the postseason? It seems as if, as long as they can get to January, they don't so much mind what happens from September to December. By that standard, Tom Coughlin is doing his job. His Giants are currently in first place in the NFC East (by a modest lead, but nonetheless), and they've still got plenty of time to ramp up for a final winter push as they so often love to do.
Overcoming Challenges:
Second-year receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is a sensational athlete, but it would undoubtedly be nice for New York to have Victor Cruz healthy and out on the field as well. Coughlin has done a solid job incorporating guys like Rueben Randle and Shane Vereen to pick up the slack in the passing game. The defensive line has been stout, even in the absence of Jason Pierre-Paul, now returned.
Bottom Line:
With few exceptions, all Giants seasons seem to have the same narrative, ending in a crazy December fight for the NFC's third or fourth seed. New York fans have little to complain about. Coughlin is still getting it done.
15. Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints
18 of 32
Team Record: 4-5
Trending: Up and in a hurry
Expectations Benchmark:
The Saints limped into the 2015 season, but they now own a 3-2 record in their last five outings, including an unbelievable, high-octane shootout against the Giants. They're only two games back from second place in the NFC South and, although somewhat behind, within striking distance of an NFC wild-card spot. For a team that traded away its elite offensive downfield weapon, it's looking pretty darn good.
Overcoming Challenges:
As mentioned, the greatest challenge for the Saints was becoming accustomed to life without tight end Jimmy Graham. Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees, after some initial trouble, conspired to elect a new passing favorite, except they picked three—Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead and Benjamin Watson. Not convinced that they've moved on? New Orleans is currently first in the league in yards/game (421.7), second in passing yards/game (326.7) and sixth in points/game (26.8).
Bottom Line:
Payton and Brees have always seemingly had a terrific connection and mutual understanding of what and how things need to be done. As long as that continues to go on, things won't stay bad for New Orleans forever.
14. Rex Ryan, Buffalo Bills
19 of 32
Team Record: 4-4
Trending: Somewhere in between up and down
Expectations Benchmark:
With a new head coach and no real starting quarterback, expectations for the Bills this season were pretty low (despite all of Rex Ryan's preseason hyping). Difficult as it may be for many to admit, however, he's done well so far, all things (including injuries) considered.
Overcoming Challenges:
And those injuries have been frequent. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor missed some time, as did receiver Sammy Watkins and running back LeSean McCoy. Ryan has relied on the two things he knows well: defense and ground attacks, both which he has used to guide Buffalo through some banged-up moments.
Bottom Line:
The Bills will face stiff competition from the Pats and Jets, so although their record suggests that they're still in the race for a postseason berth, the odds are slim. This season does, however, bode well for the future with Ryan (and hopefully better luck with health).
13. Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks
20 of 32
Team Record: 4-4
Trending: Up, I guess
Expectations Benchmark:
After back-to-back Super Bowl appearances, you'd expect better than .500 from this formerly dominant Seahawks team. With the majority of the pieces still intact, minus its offensive line, this team could take off any day, but safe money would bet that it won't. Carroll has completely under-utilized the talents of tight end Jimmy Graham, and the spark, which often starts from the top, just hasn't been there.
Overcoming Challenges:
Star running back Marshawn Lynch has been short of Beast Mode this season, adding pressure on quarterback Russell Wilson, making him all the more susceptible to pass-rushing attacks. Carroll hasn't been able to think up a manner to get his signal-caller some breathing room in the slightest. Even early drama with safety Kam Chancellor contract holdout was handled poorly from an on-field perspective; Carroll couldn't keep his defense together without him.
Bottom Line:
An even record puts the Seahawks in an "alright" place within the league, particularly in a challenging NFC West division, but it's not hard to see that, thus far, this season has fallen flat.
12. Jeff Fisher, St. Louis Rams
21 of 32
Team Record: 4-4
Trending: Climbing
Expectations Benchmark:
Being as they are in the ultra-challenging NFC West, the Rams are typically always a mixed bag. They more often than not find a way to beat the most difficult teams on their schedule, while dropping the "guaranteed wins."
At .500, they're essentially where you'd expect them to be, but with the emergence of rookie running back Todd Gurley, boosting the team's rushing yards/game average to fourth best in the league (135.5), their projected finish looks considerably brighter. Jeff Fisher deserves a ton of credit for giving the young player the best opportunity to succeed and recognizing that the best place for the ball to be is in his hands.
Overcoming Challenges:
Despite trading for Nick Foles, the team's passing attack has been dim. Not a whole lot besides talk has been thrown at that problem, but sooner or later, Gurley's outrageous production should quite successfully open play-action passing.
Bottom Line:
Fisher has done a solid but not exceptional job thus far in his career with the Rams. His team is always competitive no matter what its record. This year, however, he has the potential to push for playoff positioning, and for that reason deserves the extra nod.
11. Dan Quinn, Atlanta Falcons
22 of 32
Team Record: 6-3
Trending: Actually, down
Expectations Benchmark:
The NFC South was abysmal a season ago, and the Atlanta Falcons were a big part of that. This year saw them getting off to a surging start, but that has since tapered off somewhat with two consecutive losses ushering them into the midway point of the season. In his first season with the team, however, Dan Quinn has turned this team around. Whether the Falcons can live up to the expectations they reset for themselves in the early weeks is more in doubt.
Overcoming Challenges:
Atlanta has been granted a fairly smooth passage. Its greatest challenge will be facing its division0rival Panthers in the homestretch of the season twice. With the Falcons entering a lull in their productivity now, it will be interesting to see how the coach chooses to reignite his team.
Bottom Line:
The Falcons should be happy with how their team has responded after a poor 2014 campaign, but it's unlikely that their early level of success will be sustained throughout the remainder of the season.
10. Gary Kubiak, Denver Broncos
23 of 32
Team Record: 7-1
Trending: Crawling Up
Expectations Benchmark:
Since a man named Peyton Manning came to Denver, expectations have essentially been "Super Bowl or bust" year in and year out for the AFC powerhouse. Despite a coaching switch, the prevailing theory that they'd stand in the top few seeds remained. Their record would suggest that they're on that path, but their victories have been much less impressive than those of the offensive machine of a few seasons ago. Without a doubt, the defense has been electric, but that credit should be bestowed upon defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.
Overcoming Challenges:
Manning's aging arm has been the topic of many discussions and a prevailing issue. So, too, has been the gaping hole left behind by tight end Julius Thomas. Kubiak has attempted to defer to the run in order to alleviate some of the pressure on his quarterback, but thus far, Denver ranks 28th in rushing yards/game (88.1).
Bottom Line:
How much has Kubiak really contributed to Peyton's team (a squad that has been known to run itself)? Perhaps his greatest play thus far has been not getting in the way.
9. Mike McCarthy, Green Bay Packers
24 of 32
Team Record: 6-2
Trending: Down (surprisingly)
Expectations Benchmark:
The Packers, despite being on a two-game losing streak, are essentially right where they're supposed to be. For nearly a decade, McCarthy has helped them maintain their consistent postseason trips, but with a team as good as Green Bay, the hope is always to end the season with a ring. Due to matters not entirely in his hands, that just doesn't seem as if it will be the case this time around.
Overcoming Challenges:
In the days immediately following the loss of receiver Jordy Nelson, it seemed as if the Pack had lost a limb. McCarthy, however, has done a tremendous job coaching up and utilizing James Jones in his stead. The decline of last year's prominent running back Eddie Lacy also has been a challenge, but the head coach's bold decision to start backup James Starks instead demonstrates the breadth of McCarthy's problem-solving characteristics.
Bottom Line:
Green Bay is still well in the playoff picture, thanks in large part to the veteran leadership of McCarthy. The Packers aren't storming to the hunt as they perhaps have been known to do, but there can't be too many complaints on their performances.
8. Jack Del Rio, Oakland Raiders
25 of 32
Team Record: 4-4
Trending: Up—wait. Yup, up!
Expectations Benchmark:
The Oakland Raiders went 3-13 after an 0-4 start a season ago, so, without much explanation, it's fair to say that Del Rio deserves a pat on the back for this turnaround. Second-year quarterback Derek Carr looks fantastic, running back Latavius Murray fits right in, and rookie receiver Amari Cooper is every bit as advertised. Even the questionable receiver Michael Crabtree has found new life in the Black Hole.
Overcoming Challenges:
Oakland has embraced character-issue guys like Aldon Smith for its talent, and thus far, they've been kept cool—something that should be attributed to Del Rio and the coaching staff. On the flip side, despite the challenge of working with a lot of young talent, the team has looked polished and experienced.
Bottom Line:
Have you seen this Raiders team? It's already got teeth this year with a playoff conversation surrounding it, but the most terrifying thing is that the Raiders have plenty of time to keep growing. Del Rio has done a great job nurturing that growth.
7. Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings
26 of 32
Team Record: 6-2
Trending: Up...for real?
Expectations Benchmark:
Did even Vikings fans expect this kind of start to the season? In his sophomore season, Zimmer has without a doubt guided Minnesota to a sensational jump, midway through the season. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater looks great, Adrian Peterson is returning to form and hello Stefon Diggs. Minnesota is looking playoff-bound.
Overcoming Challenges:
The Vikings have mostly been free and clear of too much controversy after the return of star running back Peterson. With Bridgewater knocked out cold in Week 8, however, the team may be dealing without him come this Sunday's matchup.
Bottom Line:
The purple and gold are currently first place in their division. Yes, first place in the NFC North, at the halfway point of the season, no less. If that doesn't warrant a hat tip to Zimmer, than I don't know what will.
6. Bill Belichick, New England Patriots
27 of 32
Team Record: 8-0
Trending: Up, per usual
Expectations Benchmark:
If the Patriots aren't in the playoffs, something's gone horribly wrong. After a summer that left New England feeling spurned by the league, every expectation was that the Pats would be on a warpath. Eight mangled opponents later, and it's fairly safe to say that they've lived up to that standard.
Overcoming Challenges:
Aside from the recent news of running back Dion Lewis' ACL tear, the Pats have thus far been spared from the horrendous injury plague sweeping the league. Their biggest challenge was confronting all of the cheating claims and investigations prior to the season's start. Bill Belichick kept his troops focused on the big picture, and they were ready despite the hubbub.
Bottom Line:
Belichick is one of, if not the best, football coaches there ever were in the NFL. He regularly turns trash into treasure, water into wine and coal into diamonds—the kind he wears on rings. He's doing what you'd expect he would with a grumble and a hoodie.
5. Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
28 of 32
Team Record: 5-4
Trending: Down...like, fast
Expectations Benchmark:
After the deadly Ben Roethlisberger, Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown triumvirate took command of the league's attention a year ago, expectations that they would pick up where they left off were high, despite Bell's early two-game suspension. The Steelers are perennial playoff contenders, and thus far, Mike Tomlin has done everything in his power to keep it that way (the football gods, however, have not).
Overcoming Challenges:
Is there any other coach in the league who has more successfully combated this great a rash of injuries? No. With Big Ben in-and-out and arguably the NFL's best running back sidelined for the remainder of the season, things are working hard against Tomlin's favor. Still, with Michael Vick and Landry Jones, the head coach has kept the Steelers' season alive.
Bottom Line:
That Pittsburgh still has a legitimate shot at a playoff berth at this point is the ultimate testament to Tomlin's capabilities.
4. Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati Bengals
29 of 32
Team Record: 8-0
Trending: Up (and on the prowl)
Expectations Benchmark:
After many years of unproductive postseasons, many were questioning whether the Bengals would ever get over the early-round hump. Despite a stacked roster, questions about quarterback Andy Dalton and even Marvin Lewis himself shut down talks of them being a contender. The contender chatter has now started, however, as Cincinnati's balanced and methodical approach, more seasoned and mature, makes it look something fierce.
Overcoming Challenges:
There were many suspicions that Dalton was not, nor would ever be, the guy—the one to finally bring the Bengals to the Promised Land. That talk should be put to bed. The young quarterback has the second-highest passer rating in the league with an 111.0. Experienced as well as better targets (looking at you, Tyler Eifert) have helped, but Lewis has stood by him and coached him up since Day 1.
Bottom Line:
The many years that Lewis has put into the team are finally translating into real success. He's had faith in a relatively young crew. This may very well be the year they repay him.
3. Todd Bowles, New York Jets
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Team Record: 5-3
Trending: Up (but at a cruising altitude)
Expectations Benchmark:
With the page on the Rex Ryan era turned, New York had modest expectations for a modestly talented roster, particularly under center. Todd Bowles has already blown those predictions to pieces, guiding the team to more wins thus far than their entire 2014 campaign.
Overcoming Challenges:
Ryan Fitzpatrick is the Jets' starting quarterback. The journeyman signal-caller has perhaps never looked better, and he's getting the job done. Brandon Marshall continues to sip from the fountain of youth; the connection between he and Fitzpatrick, what on paper should be mediocre, has been exceptional. Chris Ivory as the No. 1 back? No problem! New York is defying the confines of its roster's talent, the lack of which has been the issue for quite some time.
Bottom Line:
The Jets currently find themselves well entrenched in the playoff picture with a balanced team and zero drama. When was the last time you could say that?
2. Ron Rivera, Carolina Panthers
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Team Record: 8-0
Trending: Rocketing up!
Expectations Benchmark:
A year ago, the Panthers backed into a postseason appearance. Now, they've already surpassed their regular-season win total entering only Week 9. Needless to say, particularly with summer injuries, expectations have been shattered.
Overcoming Challenges:
Before the 2015-16 season even began, Carolina was without their breakout star receiver Kelvin Benjamin. With Rivera at the helm, the Panthers have thrived, even with Ted Ginn Jr. as their No. 1 pass-catcher. Star linebacker Luke Kuechly also missed some time, but the Panthers didn't miss a beat. On paper, this team should not be doing what it is, but the proof is in the pudding—the Panthers are on the prowl.
Bottom Line:
Quarterback Cam Newton certainly deserves his share of kudos for the influx of success the Panthers are receiving, but Rivera gets the lion's share for making something much greater than the sum of its parts.
1. Bruce Arians, Arizona Cardinals
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Team Record: 6-2
Trending: Up, up and away!
Expectations Benchmark:
The 2015 Coach of the Year had not only team expectations but expectations for his own personal capabilities, and thus far, he's delivered. In one of the toughest divisions in football with an aging Carson Palmer and apparently ageless Larry Fitzgerald, Arians has put together a team that is in the top 10 of every major offensive category—points/game (32.9), yards/game (417.4), passing yards/game (292.6) and rushing yards/game (124.8).
Overcoming Challenges:
Aside from relying on two 30-plus players for aerial offensive production, the Cardinals are getting it done on the ground with a third-round rookie, David Johnson, and Chris Johnson who has been resurrected back to relevance. Fortunately, Palmer is still upright, something that has been the nail in Arizona's coffin in the past.
Bottom Line:
Arizona is a talented team, but it's far from the most loaded roster in the league. Despite this, Arians has made the Cardinals one of the most reliable and well-balanced contenders.
Unless otherwise noted, statistics courtesy of NFL.com.
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