Being a head coach in the NFL isn’t easy… Far from it. It is probably the most complex coaching job in sports.
But that is what these guys get paid the big bucks for! Let’s take a gander around the NFL and rank all 32 guys from the bottom of the barrel to the top!
How did your favorite NFL head coach fare after week one of games?
32. Carolina Panthers: Dave Canales
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach of the Carolina Panthers Dave Canales talks with Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 08, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
It was a tough debut for Dave Canales as the Panthers’ new head coach. His team looked overmatched from the start. Canales will need to get more out of his squad on both sides of the ball if he wants to climb out of the cellar.
31. Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 08: Dan Quinn head coach of the Washington Commanders looks on in the first quarter of the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)Commanders head coach Dan Quinn had a tough debut in the NFL. Despite the excitement around Jayden Daniels, Washington’s offense couldn’t keep up with Tampa Bay’s attack. And, frankly, neither could his defense!
30. Tennessee Titans: Brian Callahan
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 08: Brian Callahan head coach of the Tennessee Titans looks on in the third quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 08, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)Brian Callahan’s debut as a head coach of the Titans started strong but ended in frustration. The defense kept Chicago’s offense in check all day, but turnovers proved to be Tennessee’s undoing. He acknowledged after the game that the team needs to be better, especially the offense.
29. New York Giants: Brian Daboll
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – AUGUST 8: Head coach Brian Daboll of the New York Giants during warmups for their preseason game against the Detroit Lions at MetLife Stadium on August 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)
Brian Daboll’s Giants were sloppy and out of sync all game. His decision to take over play-calling didn’t pan out, as the offense continued to look stagnant and error-prone—a depressing continuation from last year.
28. New York Jets: Robert Saleh
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Robert Saleh, head coach of the New York Jets, looks on before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on September 09, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)After years of disappointment—and ample excuses—the rubber may soon meet the road for New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh. New York is supposed to be all in this year, but they looked woefully unprepared heading into Week 1.
27. Cincinnati Bengals: Zac Taylor
CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 08: Zac Taylor head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on in the first half of the game against the New England Patriots at Paycor Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Zac Taylor has to be fuming after this one. His Bengals were sloppy, committing three turnovers and missing too many tackles. It may be Joe Burrow’s first game back from injury, but you simply have to have your guys more ready to play than Taylor did.
26. Seattle Seahawks: Mike Macdonald
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Mike Macdonald of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during halftime against the Denver Broncos at Lumen Field on September 08, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Rio Giancarlo/Getty Images)After a sloppy first half, Macdonald and his staff made key adjustments, deciding to lean on Kenneth Walker III and the run game to spark the offense. Macdonald’s defense forced two key interceptions and held Denver to 231 total yards. Solid debut performance for Coach Mac!
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Antonio Pierce of the Las Vegas Raiders cheers on his team during warm up before the season opening game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Antonio Pierce had a tough first game as the full-time NFL head coach. His team came out hot, taking an early lead, but struggled with decision-making, particularly when they punted on fourth-and-1 in the second half. He’ll need to find the right balance now that he’s in charge.
24. Chicago Bears: Matt Eberflus
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – AUGUST 22: Matt Eberflus, head coach of the Chicago Bears, watches first quarter action during a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on August 22, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
People aren’t typically high on Matt Eberflus, but he got the win! An ugly one, but a win is a win. Chicago’s offense was ineffective, but Eberflus’s defense stepped up in a big way.
23. New Orleans Saints: Dennis Allen
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – AUGUST 25: Head coach of the New Orleans Saints Dennis Allen looks on during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Mercedes Benz Superdome on August 25, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Dennis Allen catches a lot of flak, but his squad put together a complete game against an admittedly weak Panthers side. His defense was particularly impressive, leveraging the corner blitz, enabling Alontae Taylor to notch three sacks.
22. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon
DENVER, COLORADO – AUGUST 25: Head coach Jonathan Gannon of the Arizona Cardinals looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos during preseason at Empower Field At Mile High on August 25, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
There’s a silver lining for Jonathan Gannon, as the Cards showed glimpses of their potential with Kyler Murray back. Still, Gannon needs to dial in more if he wants to lift this team to the playoffs.
21. Los Angeles Rams: Sean McVay
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a play against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 08, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Credit to McVay for his team battling back from a 14-point deficit, but this one stung, as injuries and missed opportunities left them just short in overtime.
20. Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski
CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Kevin Stefanski looks on during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)The highlight of Stefanski’s afternoon was when his team went up 3-0, so it was a forgettable performance. It’s going to be an uphill battle until they sort out their quarterback issues.
19. Indianapolis Colts: Shane Steichen
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Shane Steichen of the Indianapolis Colts argues a call with side judge Jeff Lamberth #21 during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Shane Steichen’s Colts came close but couldn’t break their opening-day winless streak, now at 11 games. Steichen was aggressive, but the offense needs more consistency.
18. Green Bay Packers: Matt LaFleur
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 24: Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers looks on in the second half during a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at Lambeau Field on August 24, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Matt LaFleur did it again, turning a one-score game into a one-score game in the waning minutes by opting for a field goal. He’ll need to take more responsibility for his team’s missed opportunities.
17. Buffalo Bills: Sean McDermott
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 24: Head Coach Sean McDermott of the Buffalo Bills looks on during the second half of a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Highmark Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Credit to Sean McDermott for getting the Bills up for their season opener against an underrated Cardinals team. He rallied the troops nicely to secure a crucial win to start the year.
16. Atlanta Falcons: Raheem Morris
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 23: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Raheem Morris’ debut as the Falcons’ head coach wasn’t what he or the NFL fans were hoping for. The team struggled with careless mistakes and turnovers and experienced a frustrating loss.
15. Jacksonville Jaguars: Doug Pederson
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 23: Head coach Doug Pederson of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The seat may start to get hot for Doug Pederson. His Jaguars showed potential but were undone by key mistakes and turnovers, especially in protecting Trevor Lawrence.
14. Denver Broncos: Sean Payton
DENVER, COLORADO – AUGUST 25: Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos looks in in the second half during the preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High on August 25, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
If Sean Payton isn’t careful, his seat will heat up. He’s had pointed fingers everywhere since arriving in Denver, but now it’s his guy under the center. Week 1 was rough for Payton’s Broncos.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Todd Bowles
TAMPA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 23: Todd Bowles reacts following a preseason NFL game against the Miami Dolphins at Raymond James Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Miami Dolphins 24-14. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Todd Bowles’s defense came to play, stifling Washington’s offense. Bowles had an impressive game plan that made Jayden Daniels uncomfortable all game.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Tomlin
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Mike Tomlin has to be thrilled with how his defense and special teams performed, even if he’s a bit concerned about the offense. As always, he found a way to win ugly.
11. Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Sirianni
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – SEPTEMBER 06: Head coach Nick Sirianni of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Arena Corinthians on September 06, 2024 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)
Nick Sirianni responded well in Week 1, leading the Eagles to a hard-fought win over Green Bay. He did a great job getting Saquon Barkley involved early and often in his team debut.
10. Dallas Cowboys: Mike McCarthy
CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 08: Mike McCarthy head coach of the Dallas Cowboys looks on in the third quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The regular season isn’t the true measuring stick for the Cowboys or Mike McCarthy, but credit to him for getting the team looking sharp despite all the contract questions swirling around.
9. New England Patriots: Jerod Mayo
LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 25: Head coach of Jerod Mayo the New England Patriots looks on during the fourth quarter of the preseason game against the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field on August 25, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Jerod Mayo couldn’t have asked for a better debut as the Patriots’ head coach. With a no-nonsense game plan, his Patriots manhandled a Bengals team that many were picking to be in the Super Bowl this year. Maybe this team won’t be as bad as people expected if Mayo continues coaching at this level.
8. Los Angeles Chargers: Jim Harbaugh
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Despite a slow start in the first half, Harbaugh’s adjustments helped the Chargers come out on top in a critical AFC West showdown in his return to the NFL. Harbaugh’s defense was strong all afternoon, forcing three turnovers and making life difficult for Gardner Minshew.
7. Houston Texans: DeMeco Ryans
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 08: DeMeco Ryans head coach of the Houston Texans celebrates after the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Texans defeated the Colts 29-27. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Expectations were high for DeMeco Ryans heading into Year 2, and the young NFL head coach delivered. This was a tough matchup, but Ryans had the Texans focused and secured a crucial early-season win in what many expect to be a competitive AFC South.
6. Minnesota Vikings: Kevin O’Connell
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 08, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Kevin O’Connell couldn’t have scripted a better start to the season. His decision to hand the keys to Sam Darnold paid off, with the quarterback executing the game plan flawlessly. O’Connell’s offense looked balanced, with a nice mix of play-action passes and a solid ground game.
5. Baltimore Ravens: John Harbaugh
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 05: Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 05, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs defeated the Ravens 27-20. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Much of the attention may have been on his brother’s return to the NFL, but John Harbaugh reminded everyone why he’s one of the best coaches in the league. The Ravens came up short against the Chiefs, but with Harbaugh leading this squad, expect a bounce-back in Week 2.
4. Detroit Lions: Dan Campbell
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions looks on against the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field on September 08, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Dan Campbell did what he does best, guiding the Lions to a gritty overtime win. The victory was full of resilience, as Detroit rallied back after losing a two-touchdown lead in the third quarter. Classic Campbell football.
3. San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Kyle Shanahan, head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, looks on before the game against the New York Jets at Levi’s Stadium on September 09, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
We are running out of ways to praise Kyle Shanahan. He’s proven time and time again that he’s one of the best coaches in the game. The 49ers were dominant in their opener, and Shanahan’s only missing piece is that elusive Lombardi Trophy.
2. Miami Dolphins: Mike McDaniel
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins reacts during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Hard Rock Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Mike McDaniel’s Dolphins had a sluggish first half, but he and his staff made the necessary halftime adjustments. The Dolphins came out rolling in the second half, and McDaniel’s coaching shined in their Week 1 comeback win.
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 05: Andy Reid, head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, talks with line judge Tim Podraza #47 as they play against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 05, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
Andy Reid wasn’t exactly clinical in the Chiefs’ season opener against the Ravens, but he was effective. Reid kept the Chiefs locked in during an extremely hard-fought matchup, proving once again why he’s one of the best in the business.
