NFL Rankings: The 10 Best QB-Head Coach Combinations in the League

The head coach and quarterback are the only people involved with an organization that have a win/loss record attached to their resume. While football is a team sport, quarterbacks and head coaches have the power to drag a team into ruins or launch them into a championship team.

When you take a look at the past winners of recent Super Bowls, it is very easy to see just how critical the combination of head coach and quarterback is. A field general and guru can bring a good team to a Super Bowl team.

Let's take a look at the best combinations around the league, starting with number ten.

# 10 Donovan McNabb And Mike Shannahan

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ASHURN, VA - APRIL 6: Mike Shanahan, head coach of the Washington Redskins presents Donovan McNabb with his new jersey during a press conference on April 6, 2010 at Redskin Park in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Donovan McNabb and Mike Shannahan have both had their fair share of wins throughout their career. They completely resurrected the Redskins franchise and have made a culture change by providing leadership that was sorely missed prior to their arrival.

McNabb hasn't been playing to his potential and there seems to be a rift between Shannahan and McNabb. McNabb was benched in the final minutes of a close game. Does Shannahan trust McNabb? While both the head coach and quarterback in this situation have proven themselves individually, the bond between head coach and quarterback isn't quite there.

If the two were able to demonstrate some cohesion, they would probably be higher on the list, but their disparity is a cause for concern.

#9 Vince Young and Jeff Fisher

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 20: Head coach Jeff Fisher of the Tennessee Titans talks with Vince Young #10 after he threw a touchdown pass against the Miami Dolphins at LP Field on December 20, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Dolphins 27

Vince Young is a quarterback who began his career as the future franchise quarterback, only to wind up playing a backup role to Kerry Collins. After Collins struggled, Young was called upon and the Titans could not be happier with his performance at this point.

Jeff Fisher is a coach who has been there and done that. He constantly puts the Titans in a position to win and is one of the most underrated coaches in the league. His tenure with the Titans is the longest among active coaches.

The Lombardi Trophy has eluded Fisher, though he came one yard away from obtaining it. Perhaps Young is the solution. After a scary incident involving Young and a gun, there seems to be a bond between the two. Jeff Fisher has the support of his entire locker room, but Young should find comfort in the fact that he can trust his coach unabashedly.

This combination looks like they will have a long, prosperous future together.

#8 Michael Vick and Andy Reid

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles talks with head coach Andy Reid during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field on September 12, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Ge

Everybody knows Michael Vick's story, but his performance this season has been nothing short of incredible. The unquestionable comeback player of the year, Vick shows some people really can succeed with a second chance at life.

Andy Reid had a long tenure with Donovan McNabb under center. The two appeared to be attached until retirement pried one of them away from the other, but the Eagles decided to trade McNabb while he still had value and go young, with talented quarterback Kevin Kolb eagerly awaiting his chance to showcase his talents and begin his reign as the franchise quarterback.

A few odd turns of events later and Michael Vick is at the helm. He remains one of the most exciting players in the NFL. While McNabb helped Andy Reid reach three consecutive NFC Championships and a Super Bowl, can Vick push the franchise over the edge and help Reid win a ring?

#7 Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - AUGUST 14: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets shakes hands with head coach Rex Ryan prior to the preseason game against the St. Louis Rams at Giants Stadium on August 14, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham

Both Mark Sanchez and Rex Ryan receive a lot of flack. The Jets brought in Ryan because they admired his savvy defensive mind and his leadership abilities. Ryan does not care about public perception and made his presence in New York felt right away by calling out everyone and making bold proclamations about where his franchise was headed.

Ryan's biggest gamble as head coach was trading up to get Mark Sanchez in the draft. Many think Sanchez was selected far too high, which gave him the overrated tag from the very start of his career. It also made Sanchez and Ryan a unit. Ryan invested in Sanchez and a bust at quarterback would not sit well with ownership, since Ryan was so adamant about pulling the trigger.

Sanchez and Ryan might be seen as all smoke and mirrors to some, but this combination is for real. The early success they have encountered to begin their careers as a head coach and quarterback is just the tip of the iceberg.

Their brief career has not produced any tangible results just yet, which keeps them down in the seven spot. The entire Jets organization is packed with talent, but the accomplishments of Sanchez and Ryan should not be looked at as any less impressive when they come. They play a major role in any success the Jets incur throughout the rest of the season and beyond.

#6 Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin

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GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 03: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots 17 0 14 after Super Bowl XLII on February 3, 2008 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ar

Eli Manning could be the most criticized quarterback in the NFL. He led what could easily be seen as the greatest game winning drive in NFL history, in his heroic performance in his Super Bowl victory against the then undefeated Patriots. It seems that no matter what Manning does, he will always live in the shadow of his older brother. A Super Bowl MVP was not enough to sway the vast majorities' opinion.

Tom Coughlin is an old school guy, who somehow gets overlooked when people talk about the Giants. If you take a look at the cast the Giants won the Super Bowl with, it is impressive they were able to accomplish such a feat. Coughlin utilizes the talent he has and finds a way to win, even when key players transition out of the franchise.

Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin won't get the credit for what they accomplish, but they were at the forefront of the Super Bowl victory against the heavily favored New England Patriots. Coughlin has a certain style of football that he likes to play and the Giants are in sole possession of first place in the NFC East because of the way they have bought in to Coughlin's hard nosed aura. Coughlin's persona resonates throughout the locker room and a steady Eli Manning under center has pushed this combo into the six slot.

#5 Peyton Manning and Jim Caldwell

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INDIANAPOLIS - DECEMBER 27: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts and Head Coach Jim Caldwell are pictured on the sideline during the NFL game against the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 27, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Manning an

This list would have Peyton Manning and anyone else in the top five. Peyton Manning is much like a head coach in his own rite. He has limited talent on offense and a defense that allows a ton of points. Manning calls his own plays and has created an offense that has been unseen throughout the league in the history of the NFL. Nobody has more MVPs than Peyton Manning and nobody is more valuable to his team than Manning is. He is the entire franchise.

Jim Caldwell was hired from within, after being named the coach in waiting under Tony Dungy. Caldwell has little experience coaching at the professional level. That being said, he is only the 5th rookie coach to take his team to the Super Bowl. His body of work is yet to be completed and his accomplishments will be trivialized because of Peyton Manning.

Caldwell and Manning are ranked fifth because we just don't know how good Caldwell is as a head coach. He made a Super Bowl appearance, but fell short despite having Peyton Manning under center. I'm not sure what lies ahead for Caldwell, but as long as he has Manning, it looks like he will continue to watch his wins as a head coach pile up.

#4 Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy

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GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 18: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers talks with head coach Mike McCarthy during a game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field on October 18, 2009 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Lions 26-0. (Photo b

McCarthy and Rodgers compliment each other in a way that might be unparalleled throughout the NFL. Rodgers has all the tools to be successful as a quarterback in the NFL. McCarthy has quarterback roots and has been instrumental in his development. McCarthy has a refined quarterback to mentor and Rodgers is able to learn from a guy who is an offensive mastermind.

McCarthy and Rodgers both deserve high praise for keeping the franchise afloat after the departure of Brett Favre. Rodgers has gained the respect of the fans in Green Bay who had very high standards, after watching one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time lead the Packers for over a decade. Rodgers has done extremely well in his time at Green Bay and the Packers were lucky to have him slide all the way to the late first round when they drafted him back in '05.

McCarthy looks the part of a head coach. He is an offensive guy, but with Dom Capers at defensive coordinator, the Packers organization is among the elite in coaching in all departments. McCarthy and Rodgers will likely see a Super Bowl before their run is over.

#3 Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Tomlin

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TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 01: (L-R) Head coach Mike Tomlin and Ben Roethlisberger #7 of of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate on the field after their 27-23 win against the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium

Ben Roethlisberger has encountered trials this season, to say the least. Suspended for the first part of the season, Big Ben had to watch as a spectator as his team got off to a great start with virtually no quarterback. Since his return, the Steelers have added a new dimension to their team and no longer have to rally around each other. They have a true leader and play maker at quarterback once again. Roethlisberger has returned with hunger he hasn't had since early in his career.

Mike Tomlin came into the head coaching position behind Pittsburgh legend Bill Cowher. Tomlin wanted to made it clear that he was not simply coming in and taking over Cowher's football team. He made the Steelers his own by putting them through the most physical practices they had ever seen. He sent a message for the very beginning. This was his team and Tomlin was all business.

Tomlin is the youngest head coach in history to win a Super Bowl. The Steeler organization believes in having long term head coaches and it appears they have scored with their selection of Tomlin. Roethlisberger also encountered success early in his career. His career and work ethic declined after he won the Super Bowl and a suspension might have been just what he needed to rejuvenate his career.

Tomlin has made the Steelers the most physical team in football. With Big Ben at the helm, the Steelers are able to be a bruising football team and still have big play potential. The early success in their careers make Tomlin and Roethlisberger a promising tandem.

#2 Drew Brees and Sean Payton

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - FEBRUARY 07: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints and quarterback Drew Brees #9 celebrate after defeating the Indianapolis Colts during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (P

Drew Brees was written off by the Chargers because they were unsure of how he would respond to injury. Whoops. Brees is the unquestioned leader of the Saints. He commands an explosive offense and gets the ball to a number of different targets. The Saints have not surrounded Brees with talent, but even with a limited run game, Brees manages to distribute the ball to many receivers who probably wouldn't see a lot of action on another football team.

Sean Payton has been making noise in New Orleans since he arrived. The Saints have been widely viewed as a snake bitten franchise. Payton complete changed the way not only New Orleans perceived the Saints, but how the Saints perceived themselves. Hurricane Katrina decimated the state of Louisiana and Payton took it upon himself to instill hope in the city.

The Saints bought in to the cause and as a result are the defending Super Bowl Champions. Payton is not a players coach, but he still appeals to his locker room. He has complete command of his locker room and is heralded as the savior of the franchise and city of New Orleans.

With Brees taking control of the offense, the Saints appear to have the tools to consistently make playoff appearances. It is nice to see a city who has seen so much loss -on and off the field- have something to hope for.

#1 Tom Brady and Bill Belichick

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SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 14: (L-R) Head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots meet after the game against the San Diego Chargers after the AFC Divisional Playoff Game held on January 14, 2007 at Qualcomm Stadium in San

Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are both going to wind up in Canton one day. The two have combined for four Super Bowl appearances, three championships, and the longest win streak in NFL history among other accolades.

Tom Brady is the ultimate winner. He was passed on in the draft over and over again, which has given him a chip on his shoulder throughout his career. After he entered the game when Drew Bledsoe went down, the Patriots have never looked back. He is the face of the franchise and his leadership is unmatched in the NFL. Brady is a perfectionist and he wants to be the absolute best he can be. His play and desire to win were a huge part of the Patriots dynasty.

Bill Belichick is the smartest person in football since Bill Walsh. He accumulates draft picks every year and makes unpopular decisions that always seem to work out. Belichick wins with a cast of players who are not high profile guys. The team has taken on his personality and has dominated football for the last decade while remaining humble.

Belichick and Brady are the lone super stars on a Patriots team that always puts themselves in a position to make a Super Bowl run. While they have talent scattered on their roster, Brady brings the best out of everyone on the football field. Belichick and Brady are both elite in their respective areas. The team can have confidence in having one of the very best quarterbacks and a coach who they can feel comfortable under. The cast of Patriots has changed over the years, but the Patriots find themselves in the Super Bowl discussion year after year because nothing moves at the top of the organization.

The Great Debate

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BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 7: A fan of the Baltimore Ravens cheers against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins 26-10. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

Who was too high? Who was too low? Who got snubbed? Let the debate begin.