NFL Playoffs 2011: Power Ranking Divisional Round Head Coaches
NFL playoffs 2011 are here and we're counting down to the playoff games this weekend by power ranking the best coaches left in the big dance.
A good coach can make you a Super Bowl team while a mediocre one can keep you from reaching the mountaintop. With that in mind, we've broken all eight coaches down with reasons why they are ranked they way they are.
Who do you think is the best coach left?
No. 8: Pete Carroll
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Pete Carroll comes in last on this just for sheer inexperience.
He's a rookie coach and even though he had an awesome playoff debut against the New Orleans Saints, he has to come in last. Seattle was a 7-9 and his inexperience will hurt him at some point. While he's been impressive, he's still a rookie.
I think this is where Carroll's ride comes to an end.
No. 7: Mike McCarthy
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I like Mike McCarthy, I really do, just sometimes he confuses me.
During the Eagles game, McCarthy let up on the gas as it looked like the Packers were in full control of the game against Philadelphia. He gave Michael Vick a chance and he almost came back to beat Green Bay at the very end.
I worry that he might doom a very good Green Bay team at some point.
No. 6: Mike Smith
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Mike Smith has his team poised to make a deep playoff run, but inexperience will bump him down this list.
He's only been to the playoffs one time and that's not enough for me to put him over some of the coaches on this list. Smith has done a heck of a job with the Falcons and it's been impressive to say the least, but there are better coaches in the playoffs.
You could certainly do worse than Smith though.
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No. 5: Lovie Smith
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Lovie Smith has made a Super Bowl, but something isn't right here.
Smith always seems to be on the hot seat and this year might have cooled things for him, but Bears fans have had a love/hate relationship with the coach and to be honest, he's a guy that I could take or leave. I think someone else could get the same out of this Chicago team.
You could do worse, but you could do better as well.
No. 4: Rex Ryan
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Now this pick might be a little bit controversial, but I think Rex Ryan has done one heck of a job.
He's turned the Jets around quickly and has won multiple playoff games on the road. There aren't many coaches out there that could do that and it's a testament of how he connects with his players and how he gets them ready for game day.
Ryan may talk a lot, but he's backed it up as well.
No. 3: John Harbaugh
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John Harbaugh has made the playoffs each of the past three seasons.
Those happen to be the only years he's been with Baltimore. When you think about that, it's an impressive feat. He took over for Brian Billick, who took the team to a Super Bowl, and hasn't skipped a beat. Harbaugh has done a great job and has Baltimore rolling right now.
He could be one of the best coaches in the league.
No. 2: Mike Tomlin
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Mike Tomlin didn't step into an easy situation.
He took over for Bill Cowher, who was a legend in Pittsburgh and was coming off of a Super Bowl win. However, Tomlin stepped in and created a legacy of his own and got the Steelers another Super Bowl win just a couple of years ago.
Tomlin has represented the team and the city well and the Steelers couldn't have asked for more.
No. 1: Bill Belichick
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You knew it had to be the man in the hoodie.
Bill Belichick has created a modern-day dynasty in New England and now he's done something more amazing this year. He got rid of Randy Moss and built an entire defense from scratch this year and those young players are coming into their own at just the right time.
He is the best coach in football and every team would love to have him on their sideline.
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