10 new NFL head coaches have taken on their roles, with some making immediate, significant impacts, while others face more challenging situations that will demand time to cultivate their desired culture. Below are the evaluations for these ten new head coaches in their inaugural season.
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Tennessee Titans HC: Robert Saleh D+
The Titans have their flaws, and the big question is how Cam Ward can build off of his first season. Saleh hired Brian Daboll to try and fix Ward’s mechanics, but the talent may not be all there yet. The Titans brought in weapons such as Carnell Tate via the draft and Wandale Robinson from free agency.
Saleh is better known for being a strong defensive coordinator. He took the Jets’ open vacancy, and that was short-lived. The issue with the Titans is their poor offensive line and not enough talent. For now, Saleh hasn’t been great, but if he hits on this upcoming draft, the Titans could be a team to watch in the future.
Baltimore Ravens HC: Jesse Minter B-
The Ravens hired Jesse Minter from the Los Angeles Chargers staff, and they have been a good team, but they can improve. Their defense is a top-12 unit. The issue with what Baltimore is dealing with is Minter’s soft coverage scheme that is hurting them. A few losses early on.
They are without Lamar Jackson, but they can still get creative, and Declan Doyle has been a solid hire for their offense. Their offense is really good, and they are good in both the pass and run game. Derrick Henry is still a top running back, and Zay Flowers is proving doubters wrong. Jakobi Lane looks like a promising weapon, and their two young tight ends, Matt Hibner and Josh Cuevas, may replace Mark Andrews in this offense sooner rather than later.
Arizona Cardinals HC: Mike LaFleur C-
The Cardinals were one of the teams that people expected to be worse than expected. They have shown this season that they can hang in there with teams. Their offense is towards the middle of the pack, but their defense is where they struggle.
Do they regret not taking a top defensive player in this draft? Maybe. Drafting Jereimayeh Love is an interesting pick because taking running backs high is costly if the team around him isn’t great. Their offensive line is suspect, and there were many other holes. Arvell Reese could have been an exciting fit.
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Pittsburgh Steelers HC: Mike McCarthy B
The Pittsburgh Steelers hired a more established coach in Mike McCarthy rather than going the youth route. This was possibly because of Aaron Rodgers returning to their team. The Steelers are going to be good, but if they make the playoffs, a first-round exit is probably the reality.
The defense is very solid, and the offense under 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers is middle of the pack. Trusting an older QB like Rodgers is an interesting strategy, but this is his final year to give it everything he has.
Cleveland Browns HC: Todd Monken A+
This move was the best move of the coaching cycle. Todd Monken has been able to get the most out of his players, and they had an amazing draft. Denzel Boston looks like a star in the making. Monken’s offense hasn’t been elite, but they are winning games. An impressive start to his first year as head coach.
Miami Dolphins HC: Jeff Hafley D+
The Dolphins are in a difficult spot because they have minimal talent, and their best offensive player is out for the season, Devon Achane. Jacob Rodriguez, LB from Texas Tech, looks like a home run pick. Miami’s goal should be just to evaluate talent this season and not prioritize trying to win.
This squad is a few years away from being a better team. Lots of work has to be done for Hafley, and we shall see if this roster improves over time.
Atlanta Falcons HC: Kevin Stefanski B
The Falcons are starting to play more competent football, and Michael Penix Jr. may be their answer. This is a strong core with Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, and their defense is not bad. They are the best team against the run. Running backs do not want to play the Falcons. Per EPA/Rush, the Falcons rank #1.
Kevin Stefanski is a good coach, and this is a good move for them. Things will get better in Atlanta.
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New York Giants HC: John Harbaugh B-
The Giants may have found the right coach, finally. John Harbaugh is changing the culture and is getting this team to win football games. Losing Jaxson Dart hurts. They have lost games that they should have won. Tying with the Commanders is a rough look, and allowing the Saints to score 34 unanswered is unacceptable.
Las Vegas Raiders HC: Klint Kubiak B+
The Raiders could be one of the biggest surprise teams. Klint Kubiak’s QB Kirk Cousins is playing at a high level, and they are doing the right thing in not starting Fernando Mendoza right away. The process is there, and the right people are in that building. Raiders fans, start getting excited because this team is competing at a high level.
Buffalo Bills HC: Joe Brady A
The Buffalo Bills have taken a significant step by promoting Joe Brady from offensive coordinator to their new head coach. The offense is performing exceptionally well, with Josh Allen showcasing his skills at an elite level. Each season, the pressing question remains: when will Buffalo finally reach the Super Bowl?
A move or two at the trade deadline could put this team in the conversation. Trading for a strong defensive player can help this team significantly because that is what is holding this team back from being an even better team.
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