Report Cards for All 32 NFL Coaches After the First Quarter of the Season

The first quarter of the 2011 NFL season featured some of the most electrifying storylines in recent years. We are witnessing the rise and fall of certain teams right in front of our very eyes—and it's exciting to watch.

Teams such as the Eagles, Colts and Rams have disappointed their fanbases and not lived up to expectations, while the Bills and Lions franchises have been resurrected by installing young, athletic players. The two are, once again, forces to be reckoned with after years of struggling.

The onus for the performance falls on the coaches (and general managers).

So, we're going to rate each head coach and assign a grade based on their first quarter performance.

Spoiler alert: The coaches ranked in the bottom five have failed to live up to expectations, whereas those in the top five have far exceeded them.

As always, feel free to comment and voice your opinion regarding the report cards. What do you think is a fair (and correct) grade for your favorite team?

No. 32: Tony Sparano (Miami Dolphins)

Has Tony Sparano been fired yet?

I was perplexed when the Dolphins offered him a contract extension back in January.

Sparano has no control over his team and has yet to establish an identity for the Dolphins.

It’s hard to make player and personnel moves when you don’t know what your team strategy is on offense and defense.

Sparano brought in RB Reggie Bush to be a “feature” back. He’s already realized that Bush is damaged goods and cannot handle 20 carries per game. The move backfired.

Sparano has continued to show confidence in QB Chad Henne, but many analysts are wondering what film he has been watching.

Henne is not a winning starting quarterback, and he never will be. He makes too many impulsive decisions and has not displayed any leadership qualities. But Sparano still can't come to terms with being wrong. 

Remember when the Dolphins scored on their opening drive of the season against the Patriots and Sparano beat his chest and pumped his fist like his team had won the Super Bowl?

Unfortunately, Miami lost that game 38-24, as Tom Brady threw for 517 passing yards against them.

Sparano will not last the entire 2011 season, and I would be surprised if the Dolphins organization isn’t looking for potential replacements right now. He provides bravado but nothing else. It’s all bark and no bite.

When looking at the Dolphins' abysmal pass defense, maybe Sparano should have told CB Vontae Davis to keep his mouth shut about him and Sean Smith being the "best cornerback tandem in the NFL." Know your team, Sparano!

2011 record: 0-4

Report card grade: F-

No. 31: Leslie Frazier (Minnesota Vikings)

Going into Week 4, the Vikings had outscored opponents 54-7 in the first half. Yet somehow, they had an 0-3 record to show for it.

So the Vikings tried something different and went into the half in Kansas City trailing 9-7, but they still lost.

You really have to wonder if the players have any confidence left in Frazier.

The Vikings could be a contender in the Luck Sweepstakes this year (although they already have a solid, young quarterback in Ponder). They are that bad.

Leslie Frazier is one of the worst coaches in the NFL as far as in-game adjustments—he’s on the hot seat—and he very likely won't return to coach the team in 2012.

Yeah, Zygi Wilf (Vikings owner), it’s safe to say this experiment was a failure. It's nearing the time to blow this up, try something new and pursue a big-name head coach to lead this team.

For God's sake, Frazier—can you please at least start Ponder behind center? We're all tired of watching McNabb throw the ball into the ground every other play. 

2011 record: 0-4

Report card grade: F

No. 30: Jack Del Rio (Jacksonville Jaguars)

How did the Jack Del Rio experiment not end years ago? He's become a lame, dead-head coach.

Entering his ninth season with the organization, Del Rio’s Jaguars have just one playoff win in his tenure.

Let's face it—Jacksonville's team is struggling to even sell tickets right now and almost blacked out this weekend's game as a result.

From watching the film, it appears Del Rio's players don’t believe in his system anymore and that he has lost respect from some of his team, including RB Maurice Jones-Drew.

Del Rio has always been a defensive-minded coach. Maybe that’s why the Jaguars offenses over his tenure have been anemic.

And the David Garrard fiasco was a complete embarrassment. That’s a decision teams make before the season begins!

Del Rio has a good football mind, but he’s not a head coach (the total package).  He’ll be lucky to survive the season.

2011 record: 1-3

Report card grade: D-

No. 29: Jim Caldwell (Indianapolis Colts)

Jim Caldwell was very lucky when he first became the Colts’ head coach and inherited Tony Dungy’s team.

Since the team's Super Bowl victory (when Peyton Manning led the way and backed Caldwell into a ring) though, the organization has been on a downslide.

Caldwell's player and personnel decision-making in his time with the team has been nothing short of awful—evident in the organization’s most recent decision to release CB Justin Tryon.

The Colts built their team around three core players, and they are paying for it now.

Caldwell’s in-game adjustments have historically been awful. He was lucky he had Peyton Manning to bail him out of big spots in the fourth quarters of games.

Sorry, Jim Caldwell, you'll likely be fired by December and may not receive another NFL head-coaching gig in your lifetime ever again. 

2011 record: 0-4

Report card grade: D-

No. 28: Todd Haley (Kansas City Chiefs)

Todd Haley has looked like a deer in headlights in every game this season. He really is clueless in certain aspects of the game.

Haley started off the season with a genius game plan—give his best offensive weapon (RB Jamaal Charles) just 10 carries in Week 1’s 34-point drubbing by the Buffalo Bills.

Haley also instilled his faith in Matt Cassel as the quarterback to lead this team in 2011. It was clear he was wrong here, too.

Judging by skill level, Cassel is a backup quarterback at best and was only the product of a system in New England that even Donovan McNabb could succeed in. (Talk about selling high, eh? Maybe that's why Belichick cracks the top three on this list.)

We can't forget when Jonathan Baldwin was fighting veterans in the locker room

So are there any guesses on when Todd Haley will coach his final game in Kansas City? Will he last the entire season? My Magic Eight Ball points to yes because of the bad luck the team suffered with injuries, but I think he will be fired in the offseason.

The Haley experiment was an epic fail. This guy is not one to lead a team in all aspects of the game, and players just don't seem to play hard for him.

Bring in a head coach with more experience and a better understanding of the game.

2011 record: 1-3

Report card grade: D

No. 27: Andy Reid (Philadelphia Eagles)

Reid has been the Eagles head coach since 1999, but still has no Super Bowl ring to show for it. How long is too long?

The Eagles were the most active team in the offseason and snatched up a lot of the high-profile free agents. Vince Young even nicknamed them the “Dream Team.”

But the Eagles have started 1-3. And blowing a 23-3 lead at home to the 49ers is inexcusable.

Reid has historically been known for his awful game management and lack of accountability for letting down in big games.

He’s had Super Bowl-caliber teams, yet he could never get the deed done, and the boo-birds at Lincoln Financial Field are letting him know.

He has a history of over-thinking things and failing in short-yardage downs.

Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden could be headed to Philly next season. What does Reid's trusted "clipboard" (which he always consults) say about that?

2011 record: 1-3

Report card grade: D+

No. 26: Steve Spagnuolo (St. Louis Rams)

Steve Spagnuolo’s team has been very unfortunate and was hit hard by the injury bug this season.

Still, that shouldn’t excuse critics from putting him on blast.

Last year, the Rams had arguably the most talented team in the vaunted NFC West, but the young team looked the part in Week 17 against the Seahawks and choked badly in a game which would have landed them a postseason berth.

I still see the same errors from the Rams, game after game—dropped passes, turnovers and penalties.

Eventually, the coaching staff has to take some heat for that.

“Spags” has a great defensive mind, and his tenure with the Giants featured many exotic blitz looks to confuse quarterbacks—but I’m not sure if the head coaching experiment will work out for him.

If the Rams can put things together and get some wins when they get a bit healthier, maybe we can move him up a couple spots.

For now, he sits low.

2011 record: 0-4 

Report card grade: C-

No. 25: Pete Carroll (Seattle Seahawks)

Did Pete Carroll ever have success as a head coach in the NFL? Not really.

He has a career record of 41-43, and his teams’ performances have always been mediocre at best. 

While some of Carroll's players and the media may buy into his charismatic personality and constant smiling, his offensive knowledge of today's game is limited, which is why the Seahawks offense is anemic and struggles immensely in the red zone.

Carroll has a history of over-thinking things, which was manifested in the more than 200 roster moves he made last season. The result was a 7-9 record.

Don't buy into the one lucky win in the wild-card round during Drew Brees' worst season in his entire NFL career (22 interceptions).

Carroll’s brand is better than his actual resume. Don’t buy into the hype. Buy into the picture above.

2011 record: 1-3

Report card grade: C-

No. 24: John Fox (Denver Broncos)

John Fox is a great defensive mastermind, but his coaching style is not effective in today's day and age.

It's a passing league now, and his style of play is not a winning one.

His reluctance to start Tim Tebow while continuing to start Kyle Orton doesn’t make sense. The Broncos continue to struggle in penalties and easily correctable mistakes.

Panthers GM Jerry Richardson knew what he was doing when he declined to offer Fox an extension in the offseason.

Fox hit his ceiling years ago, when he led the Panthers to a loss in Super Bowl XXVIII. He's a defensive coordinator, not a head coach.

2011 record: 1-3

Report card grade: C-

No. 23: Ken Whisenhunt (Arizona Cardinals)

Ken Whisenhunt is an offensive genius, but it doesn’t appear he knows how to coach a defense.

He has blown leads late against NFC East teams, and his defensive unit's secondary struggles in coverage late in games are hurting them when it counts most.

The team could easily be 3-1 right now, but they're not.

Whisenhunt's primary objective in the offseason was to acquire QB Kevin Kolb. But at what cost? The team's secondary is awful.

I worry about him coaching with a lead late, and in making in-game adjustments. 

Whisenhunt does not have the knowledge to manage all three units in a game effectively.

2011 record: 1-3

Report card grade: C

No. 22: Pat Shurmur (Cleveland Browns)

Shurmur is one head coach I have trouble rating because of his small sample size as a team’s head honcho.

His team is 2-2 but has had one of the easiest schedules in the NFL and was recently blown out by the Titans.

Shurmur needs to get the best player on his offensive unit (RB Peyton Hillis) more touches. He even acknowledged it after Sunday’s game.

While he was previously under the tutelage of his uncle (Fritz Shurmur), the Browns coach’s resume is very small, and it’s hard to tell if this boom-or-bust move will work out.

I’m thinking it won’t. 

2011 record: 2-2

Report card grade: C

No. 21: Ron Rivera (Carolina Panthers)

Ron Rivera has changed the identity of the Panthers franchise, and the team that won only two games last season could triple that this year.

They have been involved in many close games this season and their luck should turn around some.

While many doubted his and the organization’s choice of taking Cam Newton with the No. 1 draft pick—me included—it is clear the decision was the correct one.

The team seems resurrected, and they have competed in every game thus far this season. 

Rivera has a young team, and mistakes along the way are expected. However, he has done a great job changing the team’s identity, and they may compete in the NFC South for a postseason berth next year.

The defensive unit still has some issues, though. 

2011 record: 1-3

Report card grade: C

No. 20: Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati Bengals)

Why was Lewis not fired after his team’s atrocious showing last season?

­While the Bengals do field a great defense, Lewis continues to see the same issues year after year (player motivation, penalties, arrests, etc.).  

As a result, the Bengals cannot finish games in the fourth quarter.

The question is, does one blame the franchise, which hasn’t won a playoff game in over two decades? Or should we blame the head coach, who continues to allow the same mistakes year after year?

Blame the coach. It's time for a change in Cincinnati.

This team has some young players with bright futures, and they need guidance.

2011 record: 2-2 

Report card grade: C

No. 19: Jason Garrett (Dallas Cowboys)

Can someone please call Jason Garrett and tell him to run the football in the second half?

If he had been doing this, the Cowboys likely would have won in Weeks 1 and 4 and could actually be 4-0 right now!

But they’re not, and Garrett and Tony Romo are to blame.

I continue to scratch my head when looking at Garrett’s second-half coaching strategy.

With a quarterback who has the propensity to throw into coverage and make bad decisions, and an excellent running back in Felix Jones, why is he not running the ball more in the second half to protect a lead?

The goal should be to shorten the game and get off the field with a victory.

Well, he now has the bye week to think things over, and hopefully he will make the necessary adjustments after watching film.

Garrett is to blame for the team’s poor start. This ranking reflects that.

2011 record: 2-2

Report card grade: C

No. 18: Lovie Smith (Chicago Bears)

Smith has always been a great defensive coach, but his ineptitude on offense caused the organization to bring in Mike Martz at offensive coordinator to help matters.

The team did back into an NFC Championship game last season, but one has to question if the Bears have hit their ceiling with this coaching staff.

Smith is a conservative play-caller, yet his offense still struggles to consistently move the chains, and in short-yardage situations.

Smith is now in his eighth year as the Bears’ head coach, and one has to wonder how many years he will get before it’s time for a change.

I look at his situation as similar to that of Andy Reid’s—a long tenure and some positive moments in the postseason (reaching two NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl) but when will the organization draw the line?

2011 record: 2-2

Report card grade: C+

No. 17: Hue Jackson (Oakland Raiders)

Hue Jackson has resurrected the Raiders franchise.

The team is competitive again, and the offensive is loaded with talent.

The Black Hole is energized once again and a hell hole for any road team to come in and face a 12th man of sorts.

The new system Jackson has installed seems to be working. It makes sense on paper, too, as they have a lot of balance on offense.

With the power running game and vertical receiving targets to stretch opposing defenses, they are capable of hanging 30 points on any team they face. 

And the tenacious defensive front is a problem for any opposing quarterback or offensive line.

Jackson is already doing a great job in his first season as head coach. He made a big statement yesterday, citing Raiders will win the AFC West. 

But the secondary is still a big issue with the team, as their poor tackling and bad coverage is resulting in big plays for opposing offenses. This is why they have struggled to get stops late in games.

However, that could definitely improve as the season goes on, and I wouldn't be surprised to be moving Jackson up the ranks in the coming weeks.

2011 record: 2-2 

Report card grade: C+

No. 16: Rex Ryan (New York Jets)

In 2009, Rex Ryan brought his bravado to New York and installed a swagger the team hadn't seen since Joe Namath guaranteed victory against the Colts 40 years before.

It worked, as the Jets reached back-to-back AFC Championship games and the franchise appeared headed on the right track.

Ryan has since scaled back a lot of his trash-talking and is trying to motivate his team in other ways.

It hasn’t worked thus far, as the Jets are lucky to not be 1-3 at this point in time.

The head coach is transparent and will always call out his team’s mistakes, but he rarely talks about the actual solutions to the problems.

Ryan is a defensive mastermind, but one has to question his knowledge of the team’s offense (continuing to strive for "ground-and-pound" behind a suspect offensive line) and some of his in-game decisions.

He burned a timeout last week on Monday Night Football solely to yell at the officials.

This season will be a big gut-check for Ryan (as well as Mark Sanchez). The fact remains that the Jets have lost their identity on offense, and it will be up to Ryan and defensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to fix things.

2011 record: 2-2

Report card grade: C+

No. 15: Mike Smith (Atlanta Falcons)

The Falcons have had some great regular season finishes in the last few seasons.

In fact, they have finished .500 or better in each of Mike Smith's three seasons—but their inconsistent play has stopped them from being anything more than that.

And his team has always struggled to win on the road. That’s a problem.

This season, Smith is lucky to be 2-2, as both wins were close and could have gone either way. The Falcons will have to make adjustments on defense to compete and stay alive in the NFC South.

Right now, the defensive unit is susceptible to both the run and the pass.

Smith always fields a good regular season team, but he still has yet to win a game in the postseason. He needs to get off the hump and prove doubters wrong this season. Only time will tell.

2011 record: 2-2

Report card grade: C+

No. 14: Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Mike Tomlin started his head coaching career by winning a Super Bowl in just his second season with the team. 

Throughout his tenure, the Steelers have fielded one of the top three defensive fronts in the NFL.

He has since installed a young offensive unit that quickly developed chemistry and nearly won a Super Bowl last season.

I think Tomlin is a decent coach in making in-game adjustments. He and defensive mastermind Dick LeBeau are a solid tandem and complement each other well.

One cannot discount his big-game experience, either.

However, the injury bug is starting to catch up to the Steelers, which is the result of being the oldest team (in terms of age of players) in the NFL. 

Tomlin and the organization should have been a bit more aware of the team's situation.

2011 record: 2-2

Report card grade: B-

No. 13: Norv Turner (San Diego Chargers)

How many years can the Chargers finish over .500 yet fail in the postseason?

Fans are getting antsy, and Norv Turner is on the hot seat this year.

It was a shock that he wasn’t fired last season after the 2010 team had the No. 1 offense and No. 1 defense yet somehow missed the postseason!

Turner’s in-game adjustments are lackluster, and some of the decisions he makes are head-scratching. If the Chargers don’t at least make it to the AFC Championship game, it’s likely he’ll be fired as head coach.

His career postseason record is 4-4, but Turner's teams historically have struggled to win the big game when it mattered. His ship as a head coach may sail soon.

For now, he does have two things going for him—the Chargers are off to a good start and were actually winning games in September!

2011 record: 3-1

Report card grade: B-

No. 12: Mike Munchak (Tennessee Titans)

Was Munchak just a stop-gap coach because the organization wanted Jeff Fisher out as soon as possible? Or is he a viable candidate to lead his team to the postseason?

Bill Parcells used to say, “You are what your record says you are,” and the Titans are 3-1.

They field the No.1 scoring defense, too. 

I find it amazing at how well Munchak already knows his team’s strengths and weaknesses.

It seems he has successfully installed a new system in Tennessee. While I’m basing this theory on a small sample size and there are still many games to be played, hope could be on the horizon for Titans fans.  

Let's wait to pass more judgment until the Titans face some real competition, and maybe we'll be moving him down a few spots in the future—but he's off to a great start.

2011 record: 3-1

Report card grade: B

No. 11: Tom Coughlin (New York Giants)

Tom Coughlin’s status is similar to that of Gary Kubiak’s. He has been on the hot seat for over a year now.

Don’t believe me? Listen to former Giants LB Antonio Pierce, who said it in May 2010.

Coughlin is a hothead and has been involved in verbal altercations with various Giants players over the years, including DE Osi Umenyiora, RB Brandon Jacobs and former LB Antonio Pierce.

While the Giants didn’t respond well to his over-aggression in the past, he has them off to a 3-1 start right now.

The Giants have suffered a lot of injuries this season, but the team has endured through it, and their record speaks for itself. Coughlin’s hot seat has cooled down—for now.

2011 record: 3-1

Report card grade: B

No. 10: Raheem Morris (Tampa Bay Bucs)

The Bucs are currently $27.2 million under the salary cap.

Yet somehow, Raheem Morris has continued to have great success with a team full of young players and devoid of high-profile free agents.

Last season, Morris achieved the biggest turnaround in franchise history, as the Bucs won 10 games compared to just three the year before.

Morris is a player’s coach—he is a motivator and the perfect fit for the young Bucs team.  His record as head coach has spoken for itself, and he is one of the best young minds in the NFL.

Morris does a lot with a team that isn’t necessarily “loaded” with talent. I give him props for doing so. 

He is clear in his direction, and his speed-based game plan on both sides of the ball makes sense. If the defense can limit the big plays being given up and improve against the run, they will compete for a playoff spot all season, and may get in via a wild-card berth.

2011 record: 3-1

Report card grade: B

No. 9: Mike Shanahan (Washington Redskins)

It seems like the Redskins have gone through hundreds of coaches in the last two decades.

However, has Mike Shanahan finally returned the Redskins franchise to its winning ways?

It seems that way, as the Redskins are 3-1 and currently in first place in the NFC East (tiebreaker).

They have, however, been the beneficiaries of a very easy schedule, so it will be interesting to see what transpires as the season progresses.

However, Shanahan has built one of the best defensive units in the NFL, combined with a strong power-running game.

This is a recipe for success, even with the inconsistent Rex Grossman behind center. The Redskins were unlucky to lose a lot of close games last season and now the ball seems to be bouncing their way, so to speak.

Shanahan has done a good job building his team the right way, rather than just signing the most high-profile free agents, which owner Dan Snyder previously had a propensity of doing.

Even with Snyder hindering success of the Redskins franchise, Shanahan has the team off to a great start this year. He deserves credit for that accomplishment.

2011 record: 3-1

Report card grade: B

No. 8: Jim Harbaugh (San Francisco 49ers)

Jim Harbaugh has quickly turned the 49ers franchise around and already has them back to winning ways.

The team that won only six games all of last season—even in the lackluster NFC West—has already won three this year, including a big comeback win in Philadelphia against the “Dream Team.”

Harbaugh resurrected the Stanford football team and may have done the same thing in San Fran. He is an in-your-face coach who has high expectations for his players and settles for nothing less.

His decision to remain in Ohio for the entire week before the Philadelphia Eagles game proved to be a genius one, as the team did not have to endure the tough West Coast to East Coast travel.

The new 49ers head coach is the exact change the organization needed.

The head-scratching Mike Singletary era is over, and Harbaugh already has the team in first place in the division.

2011 record: 3-1

Report card grade: B+

No. 7: Chan Gailey (Buffalo Bills)

Who predicted the Bills to be 3-1 heading into Week 5? Not I!

I can’t explain enough how great of a job Chan Gailey has done turning this franchise around.

Last season, the Bills sustained a lot of injuries and shut some players down early for the year.

They used that to come in under the radar this season, and it worked. Teams paid them no attention early on, and they have shocked the world.

This team has speed and athleticism on both sides of the ball and has re-asserted itself as a contender to win the AFC East. Kudos to Chan Gailey for doing so. 

The only chink in his armor is the letdown loss in Cincinnati after building a 17-3 lead, as well as the tackling and coverage issues in the secondary.

2011 record: 3-1

Report card grade: B+

No. 6: Gary Kubiak (Houston Texans)

Gary Kubiak was lucky to survive last season without being fired.

The Texans have historically done everything in their power to lose games late, no matter the situation (goal-line fumbles, turnovers, even Hail Mary passes).

Many even wondered if the franchise was cursed.

Kubiak entered the 2011 season on the hot seat, but has since cooled off as the Texans are off to a 3-1 start.

Still, the spotlight is on him this season, and if the Texans fail to win the AFC South (which is gift-wrapped for them), his tenure in Houston could be over. 

Props to him for the good start, though. Now he has to keep it up before we instill trust in him.

2011 record: 3-1

Report card grade: B+

No. 5: John Harbaugh (Baltimore Ravens)

Another Harbaugh who has his team playing great football.

Harbaugh has a great football mind and knows the game inside and out, on both sides of the ball.

I love his mannerisms. He is a down-to-earth, personal guy, but is still demanding and his players know what he expects—the definition of a player’s coach for sure.

The Ravens have finished .500 or better in each of his three seasons with the team.

If Troy Polamalu didn't strip-sack QB Joe Flacco in Week 13 of last season leading the Steelers to victory, I truly believe the Ravens would have been playing in the Super Bowl against the Packers.

If the Ravens secondary can get healthy, Harbaugh may lead his team to an AFC Championship win this year.

Even with the unit currently banged up, they field arguably the best defense in the NFL. And defense wins championships.

The team fully believes in its leader calling the shots. Had it not been for the embarrassing loss in Tennessee, I would have ranked Harbaugh in the top three.

2011 record: 3-1

Report card grade: A

No. 4: Bill Belichick (New England Patriots)

There isn’t much to say about Bill Belichick that hasn’t already been said.

There’s a reason he has the full respect of NFL coaches, players and analysts alike.

In 2008, under his tutelage, even Matt Cassel quarterbacked the team to a 11-5 record after Tom Brady suffered an ACL injury in the first game of the season. 

Cassel’s awful play in Kansas City shows that even you or I could quarterback the Patriots to victory. It’s the system Belichick has created there.

If you want to know how he operates, watch NFL Network's two-part series, A Football Mind. There are plenty of methods to his madness—it's all calculated.

Belichick is a defensive mastermind who has installed a complex offensive system based on precise timing routes and yards after catch to beat defenses and consistently move the chains.

Belichick is an elite head coach and has historically been known for finding "diamonds in the rough."

However, his team's pass defense (as well as lack of pass rush) in the last two seasons has been a big issue and is the team's one glaring flaw. If corrected, Belichick will surge back up into the top three. 

2011 record: 3-1

Report card grade: A

No. 3: Sean Payton (New Orleans Saints)

Sean Payton has always been an offensive genius.

In his third season, he quickly learned how to be a head coach, too.

If you don’t believe me, ask Darren Sproles. The running back was barely a part of the offense last season in San Diego, and he’s now come to life, catching passes in the open field.

The Saints are the perfect offensive fit for him, as they spread opposing defenses out and give receivers plenty of daylight to run through for yards after the catch. 

Payton built a team loaded with athleticism and speed, which present issues for any defensive coordinator to scheme against. The Saints have possession as well as vertical receiving targets.

And Gregg Williams' aggressive opportunistic defense can create turnovers at will.

The Saints are my pick to win the NFC, and Payton will be the mastermind who leads them through the postseason. 

2011 record: 3-1

Report card grade: A

No. 2: Jim Schwartz (Detroit Lions)

It seems like every week the Lions are trailing by double digits, yet still find a way to come back and win.

This is due to Schwartz’s resiliency and the confidence he has installed in his young players.

He and Matt Stafford are smart enough to target Calvin Johnson when it counts most—late in games and in the red zone—and the result is a 4-0 record in 2011. This is the Lions’ best start since 1980.

The defensive unit is an opportunistic and aggressive one with tons of speed that forces turnovers and mistakes.

While Schwartz did finish under .500 in his first two seasons with the team, let’s give credit where it’s due—he had the task of correcting all of the mistakes that former general manager Matt Millen marred the organization with.

This was no overnight job and was a very difficult task.

The Lions are playing great football and are back headed in the right direction. Schwartz deserves all the credit in the world.

2011 record: 4-0 

Report card grade: A

No. 1: Mike McCarthy (Green Bay Packers)

Mike McCarthy proved all the doubters wrong by leading his team to a Super Bowl victory as a six-seed last season.

McCarthy is an offensive play-calling genius and does a great job of spreading opposing defenses out and getting the matchups he wants. He then exploits them for big plays.

Green Bay has finished under .500 only once in his five full seasons as head coach of the organization, and they made the playoffs in three of those years.

Combined with defensive coordinator Dom Capers, who is a mastermind that specializes in exotic blitzes and taking opposing quarterbacks out of a rhythm, the Packers have the best coaching staff in football.

Their record reflects that.

And, most importantly, McCarthy avoided the dreaded "Super Bowl Hangover" which hurt the Saints badly in 2010.

2011 record: 4-0

Report card grade: A