Final Grades For All 32 NFL Teams Head Coaches From The 2023 Season
It has been said that coaching is like the “special sauce” on that perfect burger. You have the perfect combination of the meats- QBs. You have the layering of the vegetables- offense and the bun- defense. The coaching, is that final key ingredient of the special sauce. You can have too much and a team is smothered, or too little and the team is lost. But put the right amount in, and the team can do extraordinary things. Those teams with the right stuff, will go on to take a bite of the burger, at the playoffs.
Here are the final grades for all 32 NFL Team coaches:
Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon: D+
Jonathan Gannon’s Cardinals team had a very tough season, as Kyler Murray recovered from his ACL surgery although Budda Baker and James Conner played well. Once Murray came back to action, it was too little too late to save the season. Gannon needs to get more Pro Bowl-like wide receivers and tight ends around Murray for the 2024 season.
Atlanta Falcons: Arthur Smith: D
Arthur Smith’s Falcons started the season 2-0, but everything came apart fast, despite playing in the weak, but competitive NFC South. Desmond Ridder’s performance has been very questionable, at best, despite having offensive talent in Bijon Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, around him. The Falcons ended up firing Smith after the team lost, 17-48 to the New Orleans Saints, in week 18. Smith is a decent coach who should be able to find his footing with another pro caliber team as an assistant coach or the collegiate level.
Baltimore Ravens: John Harbaugh: A
John Harbaugh’s Ravens stormed through the NFL, with a mighty showing against strong playoff-caliber teams, from the likes of the San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, and Detroit Lions. Harbaugh’s team also captured the one-seed to the AFC playoffs with excellent MVP-like performances from Lamar Jackosn on offense and strong brickwall-like performances from the Ravens defense. Harbaugh knows how to turn his team into an unstoppable juggernaut.
Buffalo Bills: Sean McDermott: B+
Sean McDermott’s Bills looked like a hit-or-miss squad, at first, with a 6-6 record before their week 13 bye week. After the bye, the Bills went to work with Josh Allen throwing 29 touchdowns against 18 interceptions and running in 15 rushing touchdowns. The Bills’ defense wasn’t slouching either, as Terrel Bernard had 143 tackles and Leonard Floyd had 10.5 sacks. McDermott’s Bills’ are one ferocious franchise that can do some serious damage come playoff time.
Carolina Panthers: Chris Tabor: F
After the Panthers shockingly fired Frank Reich, Chris Tabor stepped in as the team’s interim coach. Tabor did what he could with rookie quarterback Bryce Young and a nonexistent roster around him. The Panthers were a complete mess all season long with a 2-15 record. It wouldn’t shock anyone if the Panthers hired another head coach and moved Tabor back to special teams, coordinator.
Chicago Bears: Matt Eberflus: D+
Matt Eberflus’ Bears, had tough moments in the ’23 season, but managed to win seven games. Justin Fields played better than he did in 2022. The Bears started to improve, even more, when Montez Sweat came to town, to support the team’s defense. Eberflus needs to produce a winning season with Fields and/or whoever the Bears take, with the first pick of the 2024 NFL draft, or he could end up getting the boot from the Windy City.
Cincinnati Bengals: Zac Taylor: C
The 2023 Bengals were plagued by injuries. Taylor did everything he could with Jake Browning filling in at quarterback, for an injured Joe Burrow. Ja’Marr Chase, Joe Mixon, and Tee Higgins all had strong showings this season, but the Bengals will be back on track when Burrow returns from wrist surgery in 2024.
Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski: B
Kevin Stefanski’s Browns looked very good in the regular season as the team’s defense dominated opponents. Stefanski couldn’t get much out of his quarterbacks, at first, but once Deshaun Watson went down with season-ending shoulder surgery, the Browns revived Joe Flacco’s career as he helped guide the Browns back to the playoffs. Hopefully, Stefanksi will keep Flacco on the roster in 2024, as well as keep their defense intact.
Dallas Cowboys: Mike McCarthy: B-
Mike McCarthy’s Cowboys, were a force to be reckoned with in the 2023 season, as Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb shined on offense. On defense, Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland had strong showings thanks to defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. McCarthy made the Cowboys winners of the NFC East, for the first time since the 2021 season, but his Cowboys were stunned out of the playoffs by the Green Bay Packers. McCarthy needs to help the team get over the playoff hump in ‘24.
Denver Broncos: Sean Payton: D+
Sean Payton didn’t have the best start of a new season in Denver, but he did help Russell Wilson up his game in the Mile High City, before ultimately benching him for Jared Stidham. When the Broncos were good, they were unstoppable, with an impressive five-game winning streak. If Russell Wilson is released by Denver, or traded, Payton needs to find a new quarterback in free agency or the 2024 NFL Draft, if the team wants to return to playoff contention.
Detroit Lions: Dan Campbell: B+
Dan Campbell’s Lions are a form of art, as they brought Detroit an NFC North championship to the city and a home playoff game, for the first time in 30 years! Campbell has brought a true winning culture to Detroit, as he and the Lions look to dominate the NFC North, for years to come.
Green Bay Packers: Matt LaFleur: B-
The Packers may not have had the veteran experience equal to that of other teams, this season, but Matt LaFleur made the best with his roster. They clawed their way to the seventh seed of the NFC playoffs. LaFleur also had some excellent production from Jordan Love, who started a full season, after the Packers traded Aaron Rodgers away to the New York Jets.
Houston Texans: DeMeco Ryans: B+
DeMeco Ryans brought strong and very necessary change, to the Texans, as they captured the AFC South crown, for the first time since the 2019 season and earned a trip to the playoffs. C.J. Stroud looks to be a strong rookie of the year candidate, as he and Ryans look to dominate the AFC South, potentially, for years to come.
Indianapolis Colts: Shane Steichen: C+
Shane Steichen may not have gotten much from Anthony Richardson, due to a shoulder injury, but he did make the best out of Gardner Minshew. Steichen kept the Colts afloat during the regular season, despite missing out on the playoffs. Once Richardson is healthy, the Colts are certainly going to be competitive, for the AFC South, against the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Doug Pederson: C
Doug Pederson and the Jaguars had a good season, at first, but it came unraveled as the team lost five of their last six games and missed out on a playoff spot. Trevor Lawrence played well but sprained his ankle and missed some action. Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk produced very well on offense, and the Jaguars’ defense played aggressively against their opponents, as Josh Allen earned a trip to the Pro Bowl. Pederson needs to lead this team back to the playoffs in 2024, if they want to see success again.
Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid: B
Andy Reid and the Chiefs played well this season, but Patrick Mahomes- not having a strong receiver core outside of Travis Kelce, hurt their competitive edge. The Chiefs’ defense played strong, as Chris Jones and George Karlaftis both led the team with 10.5 sacks each. Reid’s team looks to continue dominating, the AFC West for a long time to come.
Las Vegas Raiders: Antonio Pierce: C+
Ever since Josh McDaniels was fired, Antonio Pierce salvaged a losing season, and made the Raiders a very likable underdog team. Offensive players like Davante Adams enjoyed playing for Pierce, and Maxx Crosby and Jack Jones on defense, both expressed their strong opinion, that Pierce remain head coach of the team, otherwise they’ll request trades and depart the desert. Raiders, please keep Pierce, as head coach, as he potentially has this team moving in the right direction.
Los Angeles Chargers: Giff Smith: D-
The Chargers 2023 season was a complete disappointment, as Brandon Staley was fired and Giff Smith, did what he could to pick up the pieces, and finish 2023 on a high note. Justin Herbert injured his thumb in week 14, and missed the rest of the season, as Easton Stick tried to salvage the Chargers’ offense, to victory. It wouldn’t be surprising if Smith didn’t come back as head coach of the Chargers in 2024, or finds another coaching gig elsewhere, as the Chargers look to bounce back next season.
Los Angeles Rams: Sean McVay: B-
Sean McVay’s resilient Rams played their hearts out towards the end of the season, as they clinched a playoff spot, and second place in a wild and competitive NFC West. Matthew Stafford played a lot better than he did in his injury-filled 2022 season, with 3,965 passing yards and threw 24 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams produced on offense, as well, both receiving Pro Bowl nods. The Rams’ defense was once again led by Aaron Donald, as he earned his 10th straight Pro Bowl nod. McVay’s squad can only get better, from here, as they look to do continue the momentum in 2024.
Miami Dolphins: Mike McDaniel: B-
Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins had a strong season, against any team that had a record below 0.500. However, when the Dolphins faced any team that finished the regular season with a record above 0.500 was a bit of trouble for Miami. Tua Tagovailoa played very well, and 2024 should be much better for him and the team moving forward.
Minnesota Vikings: Kevin O’Connell: C-
Once Kirk Cousins went down with a torn Achilles, it was very tough for Vikings fans. Kevin O’Connell did everything he could to lead the team with Nick Mullens, Joshua Dobbs, and Jaren Hall under center. With Kirk Cousins possibly gone, via free agency in 2024, the Vikings need to sign or draft a new quarterback to help the team move forward.
New England Patriots: Bill Belichick: D
The nightmare of a 2023 season- is officially over for Belichick. Both Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe threw more interceptions than touchdowns, as the head coach saw some decent production. On defense, the Patriots were dominated on all sides of the ball. Belichick and the Pats decided to mutually part ways, as Jerod Mayo takes over as head coach for the team in 2024. What’s next for this legendary coach? Broadcasting or another shot at a championship with a new team?
New Orleans Saints: Dennis Allen: C+
Dennis Allen and the Saints had a hit-or-miss season, with Derek Carr either playing well or only mediocre due to a shoulder injury. The Saints duked it out for the NFC South, only to fall short of winning the division. This was due to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers winning in week 18 against the woeful Carolina Panthers. The Saints should be just as competitive next season, if not slightly better, if they get some help at the offensive line, edge-rusher position, and the secondary. Allen has his work cut out for him, in free agency and the 2024 draft.
New York Giants: Brian Daboll: D+
Daboll’s Giants had a rough 2023 season, as they finished with an awful 6-11 record. Daboll needs to do everything he can to repair the woeful offensive line, if Daniel Jones, Tyrod Taylor (if the G-Men choose to bring him back), and/ or Tommy DeVito want to have more success and have less pressure from opposing defenses. Daboll may prove to be the right guy for the Giants, if he drafts the right offensive line or signs Pro Bowl offensive line talent in free agency.
New York Jets: Robert Saleh: C-
Robert Saleh had a tough 2023 season when Aaron Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles, in week one after four snaps. Saleh did everything he could with Zach Wilson under center, to limited success. The Jets’ defense under Saleh looked fierce and physical as Sauce Gardner and Quincy Williams earned Pro Bowl nods. C.J. Mosley also looked strong, as the defense became the Jets’ identity, all season long. Saleh needs to fix the offensive line for Rodgers, so he can be better protected, for a more successful 2024 season.
Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Sirianni: C+
Nick Sirianni’s Eagles looked like the team to repeat as NFC East champions, but things started to unravel towards the end of the regular season. Jalen Hurts suffered an injured finger in week 18’s 10-27 loss to the New York Giants, and not so subtle whispers have been released from the locker room, alleging Siriannai has lost control of the team. Can Sirianni regain control of this team in 2024? We’ll just wait and see.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Tomlin: B-
Mike Tomlin’s Steelers started the season slow, at best, but kept fighting for a spot in the playoffs. The Steelers’ offense was questionable, with a quarterback carousel between Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph. Tomlin’s defense kept the team afloat with T.J. Watt leading the way, although he did suffer a sprained MCL in the team’s week 18 17-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens. Tomlin is one of those head coaches that can make the best of everyone on the roster, whether they’re Pro Bowlers or not.
San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan: A-
Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers were a sight to behold. The 49ers dominated on all sides of the ball for the majority of the season. Brock Purdy’s performance was great. Shanhan has shown he knows how to coach a quarterback to greatness. The 49ers’ defense also played viciously, as they struck fear in opposing offenses. The only thing missing from Shanahan’s impressive coaching resume are a few Super Bowl wins. Will this be the year Shanahan and the 49ers hoist the Lombardi trophy? Only time will tell.
Seattle Seahawks: Pete Carroll: C+
Pete Carroll’s Seahawks were a hit-or-miss team for the majority of the season. Geno Smith looked good, but wasn’t a Pro Bowler, like he was last season. The Seahawks’ defense under Carroll shined, as Bobby Wagner, Julian Love, and rookie Devon Witherspoon all earned Pro Bowl nods. Carroll recently stepped down as head coach of the Seahawks to become an advisor to the team. Hopefully, the Seahawks’ next head coach can produce the same amount of success, as Carroll did, throughout the years.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Todd Bowles: C+
Todd Bowles’ Buccaneers started the season slow, but picked things up in the second half, as they won six of their last nine games. Baker Mayfield revived his career with the Bucs and helped the team win the NFC South, and earn an appearance in the playoffs. The Bucs’ defense continued playing great, as well, under Bowles’ leadership. The Bucs have some question marks entering the 2024 offseason with Mayfield becoming an unrestricted free agent. Will the Bucs ride the same success as they had this past season? We’ll just wait and see.
Tennessee Titans: Mike Vrabel: D+
Mike Vrabel’s Titans were a disappointment, to say the least. It was a rough time in the Music City, for a majority of the season, as Ryan Tannehill went down with a broken foot and Will Levis took over. Tannehill did come back and helped the Titans earn a week 18 28-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Vrabel was shockingly fired at the end of the 2023 regular season due to a lack of communication with the front office. Fans of the Titans were very displeased with the firing. This could definitely hurt the Titans in 2024, if they don’t find a suitable replacement soon.
Washington Commanders: Ron Rivera: F
Ron Rivera’s Washington Commanders were a complete disaster in the 2023 season, as they haven’t won a game since week nine’s 20-17 win over the New England Patriots. The team traded away strong defensive talents Chase Young and Montez Sweat to the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears, respectively. They also have a massive quarterback problem with Sam Howell under center. Rivera was fired at the end of the season, with a 4-13 record and last place in the NFC East. The search is on for the Commanders! Will the next head coach to lead the team, see victory in 2024?
Final Grades For All 32 NFL Teams Head Coaches From The 2023 Season
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