NFL Ranking: The Ten Best Head Coaches Right Now

Coaches in the NFL are conductors with headsets – some of them have cult status, others have to constantly fear for their jobs. This time, we take a look at the best head coaches and coordinators in the National Football League.

10. Pete Carroll (Seattle Seahawks)

• With the team since: 2010
• Regular season record: 137 wins – 88 losses – 1 draw
• Super Bowl champion: 2013

After over a decade at the helm, Pete Carroll’s tenure with the Seahawks took a significant turn in 2024. While Carroll had previously steered the team through a tough transition, notably moving from Russell Wilson to Geno Smith, he stepped down as head coach following the 2023 season. He remains with the Seahawks organization in an advisory role, contributing to the team’s ongoing development.

Despite the struggles of recent seasons, Carroll’s ability to maintain a competitive edge and rebuild the team’s identity post-Wilson, especially with his efforts in retooling the defense, remains noteworthy. However, with the franchise moving in a new direction under new head coach Mike Macdonald, the era of Carroll as head coach officially concluded.

9. Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers)

• With the team since: 2007
• Regular season record: 170–96–2
• Super Bowl champion: 2008

Mike Tomlin remains one of the NFL’s most respected coaches, continuing to steer the Steelers through a new era after Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement. While the Steelers have faced some struggles in recent seasons, Tomlin’s ability to adapt and maintain a competitive squad is still evident. The transition to a new quarterback in Kenny Pickett has been a significant focus, but Tomlin’s leadership continues to keep Pittsburgh relevant, despite a roster that’s been in flux.

Tomlin’s knack for getting the most out of his players, especially in tough seasons, is impressive. But the Steelers are still struggling with their offense and trying to rebuild, and play-calling is still a big question. Still, like using a Richard Casino promo code to get a quick bonus, Tomlin finds ways to keep things moving. His job remains safe, and he keeps leading the Steelers with confidence.

8. Shane Steichen (Indianapolis Colts)

• With the team since: 2023
• Regular season record: 10–7

Shane Steichen’s first two seasons with the Colts have been impressive, with his innovative coaching style and adaptability quickly gaining attention. The former offensive coordinator for the Chargers and Eagles has helped bring structure, creativity, and a fresh perspective to Indianapolis, transforming the Colts’ offense. Steichen’s work with Anthony Richardson has been particularly promising—his approach has helped develop the young quarterback’s potential despite some early struggles with consistency and injuries.

The Colts’ offense has shown marked improvement under Steichen’s watch, and the flexibility he’s demonstrated in managing both Richardson and backup Gardner Minshew has proven invaluable. As Steichen continues to fine-tune the team’s offense, there’s a lot of optimism about his ability to lead the Colts to future success. His ability to adjust on the fly, paired with the young talent in Indianapolis, points to a bright future for Steichen and the Colts.

7. Doug Pederson (Jacksonville Jaguars)

• With the team since: 2022
• Regular season record: 22–12
• Super Bowl champion: 2017 (with the Eagles)

Doug Pederson’s second season with the Jacksonville Jaguars further solidified his reputation as a coach capable of developing a winning team. After guiding the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory in 2017, Pederson has done the same in Jacksonville, proving he’s far from a one-hit wonder. Under his leadership, the Jaguars have built a competitive team with strong fundamentals.

A key part of Pederson’s success is his work with Trevor Lawrence, the franchise’s star quarterback. Pederson’s ability to foster Lawrence’s development and guide him through the highs and lows of an NFL season has set the stage for future success. With a carefully structured team and a focus on long-term growth, Pederson is steadily positioning the Jaguars as contenders in the AFC.

6. Dan Campbell (Detroit Lions)

• With the team since: 2021
  Regular season record: 26–26–1

Dan Campbell has transformed the Detroit Lions from perennial underachievers to one of the most promising teams in the NFC. His reputation as an inspiring and passionate leader has only grown, with his emotional speeches rallying both the team and the fanbase.

Though Campbell’s early years were rocky, marked by some tough losses, his vision for the Lions’ future is now becoming clearer. Under his guidance, the team has steadily developed into one of the more complete squads in the NFC, overcoming injuries and roster setbacks to remain competitive. Campbell’s emphasis on building a strong, gritty team and focusing on both sides of the ball has set the stage for the Lions to continue competing at a high level.

With a core group of talented players and a defense that’s steadily improving, Campbell’s coaching philosophy has given Detroit every reason to believe that their long playoff drought could soon be over.

5. Nick Sirianni (Philadelphia Eagles)

• With the team since: 2021
• Regular season record: 28–11

The champion of the ‘Dawg Mentality’ would have fit right into a Rocky movie. But Sirianni is more than just a motivator—he’s a sharp strategist who has methodically strengthened both the offensive and defensive lines. This solid foundation has made the Eagles one of the most stable and dangerous teams in the NFC, with every reason to remain contenders for years, even after their Super Bowl loss.

4. Mike McDaniel (Miami Dolphins)

• With the team since: 2022
• Regular season record: 13–9

“Coach is a little weird,” said Jalen Ramsey—and he’s not wrong. But behind the quirky, nerdy persona is one of the NFL’s most innovative minds. McDaniel has built a lightning-fast offence perfectly tailored to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. His system is hard to imitate, and his decision to ease off the gas in a 70–20 blowout win over the Broncos shows that McDaniel also values sportsmanship. He’s likeable, brilliant, and increasingly effective.

3. Sean McVay (Los Angeles Rams)

• With the team since: 2017
• Regular season record: 62–41
• Super Bowl champion: 2021

The Rams aren’t Super Bowl contenders this season, but that doesn’t diminish McVay’s value. After briefly considering stepping away, the 37-year-old chose to rebuild—and has kept his team competitive despite limited resources. Few coaches are as tactically sharp or as emotionally intense on the sidelines. Watching McVay during a game is a spectacle in itself.

2. Andy Reid (Kansas City Chiefs)

• With the team since: 2013
• Regular season record: 121–46
• Super Bowl champion: 2019, 2022

While long-time rival Bill Belichick has slipped from the elite tier, Andy Reid remains firmly at the top. Now in his 31st NFL season, the 65-year-old still sets the standard for innovation and leadership. His players trust him completely, and he responds with unwavering faith in them. Even after multiple Super Bowl wins, Reid continues to evolve—recently reshaping the Chiefs’ offensive identity without missing a beat. Complacency simply isn’t in his playbook.

1. Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco 49ers)

• With the team since: 2017
• Regular season record: 64–51

The system coach of the modern era, Shanahan routinely transforms solid rosters into Super Bowl contenders. Brock Purdy, the latest beneficiary, couldn’t have landed in a better environment—Shanahan makes life easier for his quarterbacks than anyone else. His offensive scheme is dazzling, and his influence across the league is growing fast. At 43, the son of coaching legend Mike Shanahan is already building a legacy of his own—and once again, the 49ers look ready to make a deep postseason run.

NFL: Top 5 Offensive Coordinators

5. Dave Canales (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Baker Mayfield can’t stop praising him – and for good reason. A long-time assistant under Pete Carroll, Canales has clicked immediately with one of the league’s smartest quarterbacks. The result: a surprisingly strong start to the Bucs’ season. His calm presence and QB-friendly schemes are paying off.

4. Brian Johnson (Philadelphia Eagles)

He might not be in the spotlight, but Johnson’s fingerprints are all over the Eagles’ offence. After serving as Jalen Hurts’ QB coach, the Texan was promoted and has continued building on Philly’s dynamic system. His understanding of Hurts’ game and college-honed play designs are quietly vital to the team’s success.

3. Eric Bieniemy (Washington Commanders)

Leaving the comfort of Kansas City was a bold move, but Bieniemy wanted to prove himself. Now in Washington, he’s slowly reshaping the offence and is seen as the heir apparent to Ron Rivera. His aggressive, detail-heavy style is starting to click with Sam Howell and company.

2. Ken Dorsey (Buffalo Bills)

Ken Dorsey’s rise to prominence in the NFL has been closely tied to elite quarterbacks, from Cam Newton at Carolina to Josh Allen in Buffalo. While Dorsey’s role as offensive coordinator may seem like a behind-the-scenes position, his influence on the Buffalo Bills offense cannot be overstated. He works meticulously to polish Allen’s game, helping him build consistency, clean up mistakes, and improve his decision-making under pressure.

1. Matt Nagy (Kansas City Chiefs)

He didn’t thrive as a head coach in Chicago, but back in Kansas City, Nagy is once again thriving under Andy Reid. Creative, aggressive, and flexible, he’s helped redesign the offence to match the current roster. Together with Reid, he’s keeping Mahomes and the Chiefs ahead of the curve.

NFL: Top 5 Defensive Coordinators

5. Ryan Nielsen (Atlanta Falcons)

He may be the least experienced name on the list, but Nielsen’s impact in Atlanta is hard to ignore. After years of learning in New Orleans, he’s now crafted a rugged and well-drilled defence. The Falcons wouldn’t be anywhere near contention without his influence.

4. Jim Schwartz (Cleveland Browns)

A defensive mastermind with a Super Bowl ring and head coaching experience, Schwartz specialises in crushing the pocket from the inside. He’s not about flashy edge rushers—his strength lies in building brute-force defensive lines. Cleveland’s revitalised unit is the latest to benefit from his unique approach.

3. Jeff Ulbrich (New York Jets)

The Jets’ defence has become the identity of the team—and Ulbrich deserves much of the credit. A former 49ers linebacker, his coaching journey led him from Atlanta to the Big Apple, where he now co-leads a disciplined, explosive defence filled with draft gems.

2. Dan Quinn (Dallas Cowboys)

He may have left the head coach spotlight, but Quinn’s work in Dallas has been exceptional. His units are aggressive, unpredictable, and constantly evolving. Few coordinators get more out of their players—and fewer still consistently frustrate top-tier offences the way he does.

1. Vic Fangio (Miami Dolphins)

The Miami Dolphins brought in Vic Fangio to strengthen their defense, and he’s already making an impact. Known for his complex defensive system, Fangio is improving Miami’s defense quickly. In big games like the win over Buffalo, you can see the difference. His work is already making the Dolphins’ defense much stronger.