Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

The coaches who can win without a good QB, is a good head coach. That's why I would put Rex in there with how bad Sanchez is. But the flip side to that is he was a part of the reason they picked Sanchez.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

1. Bill Belichick

2. Jeff Fisher

3. Jim Harbaugh

4. Mike McCarthy

5. Tom Coughlin

6. John Fox

7. Mike Shanahan

8. John Harbaugh

9. Andy Reid

10. Sean Payton

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=CultBrennan59;1008805]The coaches who can win without a good QB, is a good head coach. That's why I would put Rex in there with how bad Sanchez is. But the flip side to that is he was a part of the reason they picked Sanchez.[/quote]

I would have considered Rex Ryan a good coach until these past two years. Him and Tannenbaum ruined a good, talented team. I think a fresh start where a GM has total control over player personell would be good for him. A place where Rex Ryan might end up being a good coach is Detroit. But right now he is mediocre at best, and has become a clown.

He was a clown from the start. It only became obvious these last couple seasons.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;1008843]He was a clown from the start. It only became obvious these last couple seasons.[/quote]

A lot of players bought into his scheme. Jason Taylor and LaDainian Tomlinson both said they went to the Jets because of Rex (mind you this is the same LT and JT that called Sanchez bad and Santonio Holmes a locker room problem; they know what they're talking about). He can coach, the problem is he doesn't have a QB. Rex knows he made a mistake with drafting Sanchez and that he's tied to Sanchez until a new QB proves to be better. I guarantee you that if Rex had a QB we'd be talking about how he is a definite top 5 coach.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=CultBrennan59;1008845]A lot of players bought into his scheme. Jason Taylor and LaDainian Tomlinson both said they went to the Jets because of Rex (mind you this is the same LT and JT that called Sanchez bad and Santonio Holmes a locker room problem; they know what they're talking about). He can coach, the problem is he doesn't have a QB. Rex knows he made a mistake with drafting Sanchez and that he's tied to Sanchez until a new QB proves to be better. I guarantee you that if Rex had a QB we'd be talking about how he is a definite top 5 coach.[/quote]

Well, coaches usually only get one chance with a quarterback, so he decided to roll with Sanchez and it should and probably will cost him his job at the end of this year. He did treat Sanchez like a princess which caused huge locker room problems. He would not be a top 5 coach (maybe a top 5 coach that has not won a superbowl but not a top 5 overall coach), but he would be more highly respected than he is now. Players bought into his system the first couple of years, but after that everyone was reporting how the Jets had the worst locker room in the NFL, which is Ryan's responsibility. People also forget that he took over a team that had a winning record the year before. It wasn't like he took over a team that had 5 consecutive losing seasons.

He is definitely more bark than bite but he will get his chance somewhere else, which I hope will be the Cowboys because it just fits, just because they are both on TV a lot but produce mediocre results. But he is definitely a second/third tier coach, Andy Reid and Lovie Smith made the playoffs the last year Ryan took a team to the playoffs and they were both fired. He isn't in the same class as Coughlin, Belichick, McCarthy, Payton, Tomlin or the Haurbaugh brothers.

In the end Ryan knows how to coach a defense but has not shown the ability to coach a team. Maybe a new team would be all he would need to prove that wrong.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

Hi..
Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL Redskins "Mike Shanahan"..

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=Chico23231;1008642]What do yall think?

Give me your top 5 now and then give me someone new who we will be talking about years from now.


Currently:

1. Bill Belichick
2. Jim Harbaugh
3. Mike Tomlin
4. Tom Coughlin
5. Sean Payton

Underrated: Marvin Lewis

Next great new head: Greg Shiano

Who you got?[/quote]

Tomlin seems to have developed a habit of not having the Steelers ready to play at crucial times.

I used to think Marvin Lewis was the worst coach at any level of football until Rex Ryan came along.

I'd take Tomlin out of your list, move Coughlin & Payton up one slot and put Shanny in at #5.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1008695]Lewis deserves credit for having so little support for so many years in the Bengals organization[/quote]

Well then add Norv Turner to the list using that criteria of longevity and a bad GM.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=Monkeydad;1008870]Well then add Norv Turner to the list using that criteria of longevity and a bad GM.[/quote]

Not at all the same

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=irish;1008859]Tomlin seems to have developed a habit of not having the Steelers ready to play at crucial times.

I used to think Marvin Lewis was the worst coach at any level of football until Rex Ryan came along.

I'd take Tomlin out of your list, move Coughlin & Payton up one slot and put Shanny in at #5.[/quote]

Tomlin has been to the playoffs 4 out of 6 times, has been to two superbowls and won one. He is still an elite coach and still above Shanahan in my opinion, seeing as how Shanahan is still not above .500 in Washington and has not won a playoff game in Washington. But hopefully next year he proves me wrong. Steelers are always in contention, they will probably be a playoff team again next year.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=donofriose;1008873]Tomlin has been to the playoffs 4 out of 6 times, has been to two superbowls and won one. He is still an elite coach and still above Shanahan in my opinion, seeing as how Shanahan is still not above .500 in Washington and has not won a playoff game in Washington. But hopefully next year he proves me wrong. Steelers are always in contention, they will probably be a playoff team again next year.[/quote]

Tomlin had the benefit of taking over an established team with a strong front office vs. the train wreck Shanahan took over.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=Mattyk;1008874]Tomlin had the benefit of taking over an established team with a strong front office vs. the train wreck Shanahan took over.[/quote]

Having the best defensive coordinator in the game helps too. But what impressed me with Tomlin is the team seemed to get better after Cowher left. I really never thought much of the Steelers as a force back under iron jaw. Solid team, but beatable. Tomlin's team seem better prepared and dangerous in every facet of the game.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=Mattyk;1008874]Tomlin had the benefit of taking over an established team with a strong front office vs. the train wreck Shanahan took over.[/quote]

I agree with that, I am just saying Shanahan has taken the Skins to the playoffs once, lost in the first round and Redskins fans already think he is a top 5 coach in the NFL. I like the direction but I still need to see more from Shanahan and the team before I put him above coaches that have recent superbowl wins and have been in superbowl contention for the past 5 years. I could easily see the redskins missing the playoffs especially with RG3's questionable health. But I like I said I like the direction the team is heading in.

There have been quite a few coaches that have turned around bad teams and looked good for a year and then the team ends up sinking badly... Schartz, Morris, and Whisenhunt come to mind. So lets just calm down with annointing Shanahan a top 5 coach after one playoff appearance.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=donofriose;1008879]I agree with that, I am just saying Shanahan has taken the Skins to the playoffs once, lost in the first round and Redskins fans already think he is a top 5 coach in the NFL. I like the direction but I still need to see more from Shanahan and the team before I put him above coaches that have recent superbowl wins and have been in superbowl contention for the past 5 years. I could easily see the redskins missing the playoffs especially with RG3's questionable health. But I like I said I like the direction the team is heading in.

There have been quite a few coaches that have turned around bad teams and looked good for a year and then the team ends up sinking badly... Schartz, Morris, and Whisenhunt come to mind. So lets just calm down with annointing Shanahan a top 5 coach after one playoff appearance.[/quote]

Does the fact that he's had a stellar coaching career prior to coming to our "train wreck" matter at all? I mean he's a Super Bowl winner! To base his standing as an NFL coach just on what he's done here undervalues his coaching career.

So yes, in my opinion he belongs on that top 5 list...

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=Chico23231;1008876]Having the best defensive coordinator in the game helps too. But what impressed me with Tomlin is the team seemed to get better after Cowher left. I really never thought much of the Steelers as a force back under iron jaw. Solid team, but beatable. Tomlin's team seem better prepared and dangerous in every facet of the game.[/quote]

Tomlin's team last year was not better prepared and in big games just didnt seem ready to play. I have a lot of friends in Pgh and there was a lot of grumbling about Tomlin not having the team ready.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

I dont know what exactly John Harbough does in baltimore.

He was a special teams coach before the Ravens tapped him to be their HC (their second choice).

He doesnt call the O or D plays. (I believe he has 0 input as well)

I assume he has some input on the overall gameplans but before Calwell took over, Cameron made it very clear that the entire offensive scheme and play calls was his and his alone (much to his demise and stubborness).

Baltimore media does give him credit for having an "open grievance" meeting with players mid-way through the season where alot of players (like the recently cut Pollard) spoke openly and bluntly to John about what they dont like. Reports are that Harbaugh let the players vent w/out reprecussion . . and vent they did.

Reprecussions didnt come until the offseason.

I suppose he gets credit for ultimately axing Cameron .. conflicting reports about whether that was all harbaugh decision, all Bischotti decision or a harbaugh-newsome-bischotti decision.

I get that they just won the SB and have been to the playoffs all 5 years of his HC tenure . . . i just dont get what exactly he does.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

being a head coach is about leadership. if you don't call the plays, but the plays are working, who cares?

rex has lead his team into being a bunch of egos that have more hype than substance. coughlin runs a much tighter ship. zorn let people walk over him.

as long as you employ the right people and make the important calls (like firing an O coordinator that isn't working) at the right times... well, that's why you're there.

part of why a lot of coordinators fail as head coaches is because a different skill set is required. X's and O's is still important, but it's a secondary skill at that point.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

As a HC you have input in every aspect of the team. Just because he doesn't call plays doesn't mean he's not involved.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

yeah, i suppose and I hear what you two are saying.

I listen to baltimore sports talk radio on my daily commutes, it seems John does less than most other "hands off" head coaches.

I prefer the Xs and Os type head coach. I hate belicheck but it seems his intelligence and success can be traced to his roots as a low end video guy who would compile weekly video clips of the opponents to help the coordinators identify weaknesses and strengths.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=Mattyk;1008874]Tomlin had the benefit of taking over an established team with a strong front office vs. the train wreck Shanahan took over.[/quote]

took the words right outta my .... typing hands..

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

My list:

1. Bill Belichick

2. Mike McCarthy

3. Sean Payton

4. John Fox

5. Mike Smith


Im surprised so many people have Tom Coughlin high in their list. I think hes good and all but i don't know about being a consensus top 5.

I also don't know about Jim Harbaugh being a top 5 right now. I like him a lot and would want him as my coach, but his most recent stint in the NFL is only 2 years young. Hes also in the NFC West. He'd be in my next great coaches section, speaking of:

Jim Harbaugh
Greg Shiano
Pete Carroll

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=mlmpetert;1009051]My list:

1. Bill Belichick

2. Mike McCarthy

3. Sean Payton

4. John Fox

5. Mike Smith


[B]Im surprised so many people have Tom Coughlin high in their list. I think hes good and all but i don't know about being a consensus top 5.[/B]

I also don't know about Jim Harbaugh being a top 5 right now. I like him a lot and would want him as my coach, but his most recent stint in the NFL is only 2 years young. Hes also in the NFC West. He'd be in my next great coaches section, speaking of:

Jim Harbaugh
Greg Shiano
Pete Carroll[/quote]

2 recent SB wins, both over the all mighty Belichick seals it for me.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

In my opinion, Coughlin is one of the most underrated HC's in NFL history. Cares about his staff, beyond the players. They'll run through walls for him. Deftly handles the NY media. And let's not overlook what he accomplished with the expansion Jags as well.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1009061]In my opinion, Coughlin is one of the most underrated HC's in NFL history. Cares about his staff, beyond the players. They'll run through walls for him. Deftly handles the NY media. And let's not overlook what he accomplished with the expansion Jags as well.[/quote]

Definitely agree. At this point his resume speaks for itself.

[url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/CougTo0.htm]Tom Coughlin Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks - Pro-Football-Reference.com[/url]

Games over .500: 30
Super Bowl Wins: 2
Overall Championships: 2
Conference Championships: 2
Division Championships: 7

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1009061]In my opinion, Coughlin is one of the most underrated HC's in NFL history. Cares about his staff, beyond the players. They'll run through walls for him. Deftly handles the NY media. And let's not overlook what he accomplished with the expansion Jags as well.[/quote]

Have to agree...as much as it pains me. He was on the verge of crapping out there and some how figured out how to adjust his approach to make it work. Remember before the first SB he had one foot out the door and all the players pushing him.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

OKay I was reading the question wrong. I was reading it as "who are the current top coaches in the NFL". While I think Coughlin is a good one, I think his abilities are waning and that, more importantly, there are coaches currently better then him.

Ill add Coughlin to my list of top NFL coaches that are still coaching. With that logic Ill also add Shanahan and drop Mike Smith and John Fox.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=SmootSmack;1009061]In my opinion, Coughlin is one of the most underrated HC's in NFL history. Cares about his staff, beyond the players. They'll run through walls for him. Deftly handles the NY media. And let's not overlook what he accomplished with the expansion Jags as well.[/quote]

Definitely agree. Coughlin is the Rodney Dangerfield of head coaches.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=mlmpetert;1009073]OKay I was reading the question wrong. I was reading it as "who are the current top coaches in the NFL". While I think Coughlin is a good one, I think his abilities are waning and that, more importantly, there are coaches currently better then him.

Ill add Coughlin to my list of top NFL coaches that are still coaching. With that logic Ill also add Shanahan and drop Mike Smith and John Fox.[/quote]

It seems to me that if you think Coughlin's abilities are waning then you have to think that Belichick's are too.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

Coughlin just won a SB in 2011 and his abilities are waning?

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

He's never really had a powerhouse team during his tenure in NY. He averages 9 regular season wins a year, had 12 wins once, and has been to the playoffs once in the last 4 years. Whats weird is his football teams in NY have been consistently very average during the regular season and extremely streaky during the post season; he has never won a playoff game in NY without also winning the Super Bowl.

I think Coughlin winning the Super Bowl in 2011 was more of a "any given Sunday" type thing.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

I guess you CAN argue with success then. Sheesh

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=FRPLG;1009082]I guess you CAN argue with success then. Sheesh[/quote]

lol

I can only imagine if Shanahan had won 2 SB's in recent years here. People would be crowning him the greatest of all time.

But with Coughlin it's like eh, who cares.

What's that, Harbaugh wins a SB? Eh, what does he even do?

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=Mattyk;1008804]Doesn't Roman call the plays in San Fran?[/quote]

Not sure who calls the plays there. But that offense is designed exactly like Stanford's. Now they put it the read option w/ Kap. But he has to get credit for turning around Alex Smith. No one could get the guy to play, he looked mentally shot. Harbaugh comes in there and just works majic w/ the kid. Simply a great coaching job.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=mlmpetert;1009051]My list:

1. Bill Belichick

2. Mike McCarthy

3. Sean Payton

4. John Fox

5. Mike Smith


[B]Im surprised so many people have Tom Coughlin high in their list. I think hes good and all but i don't know about being a consensus top 5.[/B]

I also don't know about Jim Harbaugh being a top 5 right now. I like him a lot and would want him as my coach, but his most recent stint in the NFL is only 2 years young. Hes also in the NFC West. He'd be in my next great coaches section, speaking of:

Jim Harbaugh
Greg Shiano
Pete Carroll[/quote]

I would completly disagree there. Gotta give the guy credit. To me he's simply a great head coach.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[quote=donofriose;1008835]I would have considered Rex Ryan a good coach until these past two years. Him and Tannenbaum ruined a good, talented team. I think a fresh start where a GM has total control over player personell would be good for him. A place where Rex Ryan might end up being a good coach is Detroit. But right now he is mediocre at best, and has become a clown.[/quote]

But we're talking coaching here, not personel moves. I think the team got old and Sanchez simply isn't any good.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

I support a lot of the pro-Coughlin sentiments. I do think there are better coaches in the NFL, but it's hard to argue with his accomplishments, and it's always tough to separate a good coach from a strong organization considering it's hard to be a top organization with a weak coaching staff and vice versa.

Coaches improve and decline much like players do, but the tricky thing with evaluating coaching careers is that age is not the number one indicator of where a guy is in his career. A thirty year old defensive end tells me something about the player's profile even knowing nothing else. Telling me a coach is fifty years old doesn't really tell me much of anything.

I do think age matters for coaches and there is certainly some evidence to back that up, but in the case of someone like Sean Payton, I can't tell you he's not going to be a better coach in his late 40's than he was in his late 30's. I wouldn't expect Payton to be as strong a coaching figure the next four years as he was the four prior to the suspension (sometimes guys just burnout), but that has little to do with his age and more to do with his accomplishments.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

Jim Harbaugh
Mike Tomlin
Sean Payton
Tom Coughlin
Mike McCarthy
Pete Carrol

Mike McCoy

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

[URL="http://http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/page/greatestcoach19/greatest-coaches-nfl-history-mike-shanahan"]http://http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/page/greatestcoach19/greatest-coaches-nfl-history-mike-shanahan[/URL]

panel at ESPN put Mike as the 19th greatest coach all time. Kinda cool video with it.

Re: Best Head Coaches Currently In The NFL
 

Mike will move up in the list once he wins another SB, well, make that few :)