AFC Coaches:
Bill Belichick, New England — A: Has won two Super Bowls in the last three years, going 27-9-2 vs. the spread in the two title years without putting the team in "salary cap jail." A master of defensive design and deception whose flexibility and personnel judgment have allowed him to pass, at least for now, former mentor Bill Parcells.
Dick Vermeil, Kansas City — A-: No question about his thoroughness, leadership, and offensive creativity. But K.C.'s defense hasn't "kept up with the Joneses" (or the Belichicks).
Jeff Fisher, Tennessee — A-: Keeps achieving despite injuries and personnel turnover due to some questionable front-office moves.
Brian Billick, Baltimore — A-: Won the Super Bowl with a marginal offense; now near the end of the ensuing rebuilding job. Bright and funny. Arrogant, but extremely competent.
Mike Shanahan, Denver — B+: Yes, key injuries hurt Denver's chances last year. Still, insiders say Shanahan has lost some of his fire. Sometimes at fault for loving his offense at the expense of his defense. Trying to rectify that in 2004.
Tony Dungy, Indianapolis — B+: Intelligent, respected, solid in most areas, but won't move up until he can finally drive his team through tough opponents in the playoffs. Hasn't done it his first eight years.
Dom Capers, Houston — B+: Has gone 4-12 and 5-11 the last two years with an expansion team that has suffered unfortunate injuries, but the Texans have never been a pushover. Just a few players and a little good luck away from a playoff run this year.
Butch Davis, Cleveland — B: Working his way to lower grades on this list due to a curious string of in-game and off-the-field personnel problems, his continuing QB uncertainty, and "misses" with some key player moves. Might have won three national titles had he stayed at Miami.
Bill Cowher, Pittsburgh — B: Is not solving his team's year-to-year problems as he once did. Not as intimidating as in the past. Can be "out-schemed."
Herman Edwards, N.Y. Jets — B: Jury is still out as Edwards starts his third year, because he's coaching a team in transition. But, he's smart and respected by his players, who didn't quit last year despite major free-agent losses, early injuries, and a disastrous 0-4 start.
Dave Wannstedt, Miami — B: A great friend, former assistant, and true believer in Jimmy Johnson and "Jimma's" approach. Unfortunately, he lacks Johnson's inspiration and ability to get his team "over the hump." Frequently out-coached by those on the "A" list.
Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville — B-: A rookie head coach who took over a declining team with salary-cap and attitude problems last year, then started 1-7. Gets a decent grade for unifying his players and keeping them fighting in a "lost season."
Marty Schottenheimer, San Diego — C+: Knows, and repeatedly uses, every cliché in the book, so it's easy for today's players to "tune him out." Still competent, but wears out his players verbally and physically.
Norv Turner, Oakland — C+: Well-liked and technically competent. But, never achieved more than "B" status in 6-plus years as head coach in Washington, and maybe never will.
Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati — C: Yes, he elevated Cincy's chronic underachievers to .500 in 2003. But, insiders say the talent was there to do even better, as career-assistant Lewis was learning on the fly how to be a head coach. This year's move to QB Carson Palmer is the right one for the long term.
Mike Mularkey, Buffalo — Incomplete: Has never been a head coach at either the college or pro level. As offensive coordinator of the Steelers, was given the task of improving the judgment and accuracy of Kordell Stewart. Mularkey first simplified the system, but the eventual answer was to give the job to Tommy Maddox. Mularkey then presided over the decline of the Pittsburgh ground game. Now, he must design an attack that fits strong-armed but immobile Drew Bledsoe.
NFC Coaches:
Joe Gibbs, Washington — A: Hall of Famer; three Super Bowl rings with three different QBs. He is smart, as in "wise." He deserves the benefit of the doubt at his previous status unless he shows the game has passed him by or that he can't do it.
John Gruden, Tampa Bay — A: Injuries crippled his defending champs last year. I won't move him down unless this year's restructuring fails, as well. He's a perfectionist tactician who keeps his players loose.
John Fox, Carolina — A: What other grade do you give a guy who believes in solid fundamentals and total team performance (including kicking, kick returns, and kick blocks), and who takes a downtrodden franchise from 1-15 to a last-second loss in the Super Bowl in just two seasons? Opposing coaches praise his teaching ability and basic but effective schemes.
Bill Parcells, Dallas — A-: He immediately re-established Dallas as a competent team. But some were surprised that he sacrificed so much off-the-field control to owner/GM Jerry Jones. (Some insiders say Parcells did it for one last, big contract.) He is sometimes stubborn to a fault, but is still one of the best teachers and "situational" coaches in the game.
Andy Reid, Philadelphia — A-: He gets a high grade even though he's lost a record three straight NFC title games. However, an honest appraisal reveals that his teams had to overcome significant obstacles just to get there each time.
Mike Holmgren, Seattle — A-: As a coach, Holmgren showed again last year that he's an A. As a "total control" guy, he was a little less. He's a respected mentor to others on this list.
Steve Mariucci, Detroit — B+: He's a good enough tactician and unique motivator who's able to keep his team unified and playing hard despite shortcomings. He must learn to emphasize defense more in order to move up.
Mike Martz, St. Louis — B: He's difficult to categorize because he's a master of Xs and Os who's sometimes mystified by the intangibles and bogged down by minutiae. He doesn't get the benefit of the doubt here because his decisions hurt the Rams in the playoffs last season.
Tom Coughlin, New York Giants — B: He's a former Bill Parcells assistant who has a similar no-nonsense style. But Coughlin doesn't elicit the same respect or extraordinary performance level as does Parcells. He almost doesn't know how to be easygoing.
Dennis Green, Arizona — B: He's generally competent, but each season, his Viking teams lacked proper balance for some reason: too much passing, not enough running; lots of offense, not enough defense; too much age, or too much youth; fast starts, but slow finishes, and so on. Critics say he talks a better game than he coaches. Some of his players stopped playing hard during his last year with the Vikes. But, his "pied piper" approach might be a good one for confidence-poor Arizona, at least for a year or two.
Mike Sherman, Green Bay — B: Yes, his team has had its shortcomings. But, it can be fairly asserted that the Packers have lost some games the past two years that they probably shouldn't have.
Mike Tice, Minnesota — B-: Fourteen years as a player in the NFL, but he had never been a head coach at any level prior to assuming command of the Vikings. And that aspect of his bio has manifested itself at times during his first two seasons. He's young and bright enough to improve.
Jim Haslett, New Orleans — C: He's on the hot seat after three straight years out of the playoffs. Sure, injuries have hurt, but he's shown some holes in his game preparation, discipline, and leadership.
Dennis Erickson, San Francisco — C: Truly, Erickson has stood out only when his teams have enjoyed significant personnel edges. Thus, he's 38-42 in the NFL. Now, the 49er dynasty is long over.
Lovie Smith, Chicago — Incomplete: He was never an NFL player nor a head coach at any level, but he became a respected defensive motivator and leader both in Tampa Bay and St. Louis. The nattering nabobs of negativism in Chicago say he's making a mistake by seeking a smaller, faster defense for a Northern outdoor team, combined with a Rams-style finesse offense.
Jim Mora Jr., Atlanta — Incomplete: He was a somewhat risky choice for the Falcons, considering that he also never played in the NFL and has never been a head coach at any level. But, the Atlanta brass wanted a young coach with an enthusiastic new approach for their young team after the years of the chilly, Tom Landry-like Dan Reeves.
By Chuck Sippi Card Player.com
Bill Belichick, New England — A: Has won two Super Bowls in the last three years, going 27-9-2 vs. the spread in the two title years without putting the team in "salary cap jail." A master of defensive design and deception whose flexibility and personnel judgment have allowed him to pass, at least for now, former mentor Bill Parcells.
Dick Vermeil, Kansas City — A-: No question about his thoroughness, leadership, and offensive creativity. But K.C.'s defense hasn't "kept up with the Joneses" (or the Belichicks).
Jeff Fisher, Tennessee — A-: Keeps achieving despite injuries and personnel turnover due to some questionable front-office moves.
Brian Billick, Baltimore — A-: Won the Super Bowl with a marginal offense; now near the end of the ensuing rebuilding job. Bright and funny. Arrogant, but extremely competent.
Mike Shanahan, Denver — B+: Yes, key injuries hurt Denver's chances last year. Still, insiders say Shanahan has lost some of his fire. Sometimes at fault for loving his offense at the expense of his defense. Trying to rectify that in 2004.
Tony Dungy, Indianapolis — B+: Intelligent, respected, solid in most areas, but won't move up until he can finally drive his team through tough opponents in the playoffs. Hasn't done it his first eight years.
Dom Capers, Houston — B+: Has gone 4-12 and 5-11 the last two years with an expansion team that has suffered unfortunate injuries, but the Texans have never been a pushover. Just a few players and a little good luck away from a playoff run this year.
Butch Davis, Cleveland — B: Working his way to lower grades on this list due to a curious string of in-game and off-the-field personnel problems, his continuing QB uncertainty, and "misses" with some key player moves. Might have won three national titles had he stayed at Miami.
Bill Cowher, Pittsburgh — B: Is not solving his team's year-to-year problems as he once did. Not as intimidating as in the past. Can be "out-schemed."
Herman Edwards, N.Y. Jets — B: Jury is still out as Edwards starts his third year, because he's coaching a team in transition. But, he's smart and respected by his players, who didn't quit last year despite major free-agent losses, early injuries, and a disastrous 0-4 start.
Dave Wannstedt, Miami — B: A great friend, former assistant, and true believer in Jimmy Johnson and "Jimma's" approach. Unfortunately, he lacks Johnson's inspiration and ability to get his team "over the hump." Frequently out-coached by those on the "A" list.
Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville — B-: A rookie head coach who took over a declining team with salary-cap and attitude problems last year, then started 1-7. Gets a decent grade for unifying his players and keeping them fighting in a "lost season."
Marty Schottenheimer, San Diego — C+: Knows, and repeatedly uses, every cliché in the book, so it's easy for today's players to "tune him out." Still competent, but wears out his players verbally and physically.
Norv Turner, Oakland — C+: Well-liked and technically competent. But, never achieved more than "B" status in 6-plus years as head coach in Washington, and maybe never will.
Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati — C: Yes, he elevated Cincy's chronic underachievers to .500 in 2003. But, insiders say the talent was there to do even better, as career-assistant Lewis was learning on the fly how to be a head coach. This year's move to QB Carson Palmer is the right one for the long term.
Mike Mularkey, Buffalo — Incomplete: Has never been a head coach at either the college or pro level. As offensive coordinator of the Steelers, was given the task of improving the judgment and accuracy of Kordell Stewart. Mularkey first simplified the system, but the eventual answer was to give the job to Tommy Maddox. Mularkey then presided over the decline of the Pittsburgh ground game. Now, he must design an attack that fits strong-armed but immobile Drew Bledsoe.
NFC Coaches:
Joe Gibbs, Washington — A: Hall of Famer; three Super Bowl rings with three different QBs. He is smart, as in "wise." He deserves the benefit of the doubt at his previous status unless he shows the game has passed him by or that he can't do it.
John Gruden, Tampa Bay — A: Injuries crippled his defending champs last year. I won't move him down unless this year's restructuring fails, as well. He's a perfectionist tactician who keeps his players loose.
John Fox, Carolina — A: What other grade do you give a guy who believes in solid fundamentals and total team performance (including kicking, kick returns, and kick blocks), and who takes a downtrodden franchise from 1-15 to a last-second loss in the Super Bowl in just two seasons? Opposing coaches praise his teaching ability and basic but effective schemes.
Bill Parcells, Dallas — A-: He immediately re-established Dallas as a competent team. But some were surprised that he sacrificed so much off-the-field control to owner/GM Jerry Jones. (Some insiders say Parcells did it for one last, big contract.) He is sometimes stubborn to a fault, but is still one of the best teachers and "situational" coaches in the game.
Andy Reid, Philadelphia — A-: He gets a high grade even though he's lost a record three straight NFC title games. However, an honest appraisal reveals that his teams had to overcome significant obstacles just to get there each time.
Mike Holmgren, Seattle — A-: As a coach, Holmgren showed again last year that he's an A. As a "total control" guy, he was a little less. He's a respected mentor to others on this list.
Steve Mariucci, Detroit — B+: He's a good enough tactician and unique motivator who's able to keep his team unified and playing hard despite shortcomings. He must learn to emphasize defense more in order to move up.
Mike Martz, St. Louis — B: He's difficult to categorize because he's a master of Xs and Os who's sometimes mystified by the intangibles and bogged down by minutiae. He doesn't get the benefit of the doubt here because his decisions hurt the Rams in the playoffs last season.
Tom Coughlin, New York Giants — B: He's a former Bill Parcells assistant who has a similar no-nonsense style. But Coughlin doesn't elicit the same respect or extraordinary performance level as does Parcells. He almost doesn't know how to be easygoing.
Dennis Green, Arizona — B: He's generally competent, but each season, his Viking teams lacked proper balance for some reason: too much passing, not enough running; lots of offense, not enough defense; too much age, or too much youth; fast starts, but slow finishes, and so on. Critics say he talks a better game than he coaches. Some of his players stopped playing hard during his last year with the Vikes. But, his "pied piper" approach might be a good one for confidence-poor Arizona, at least for a year or two.
Mike Sherman, Green Bay — B: Yes, his team has had its shortcomings. But, it can be fairly asserted that the Packers have lost some games the past two years that they probably shouldn't have.
Mike Tice, Minnesota — B-: Fourteen years as a player in the NFL, but he had never been a head coach at any level prior to assuming command of the Vikings. And that aspect of his bio has manifested itself at times during his first two seasons. He's young and bright enough to improve.
Jim Haslett, New Orleans — C: He's on the hot seat after three straight years out of the playoffs. Sure, injuries have hurt, but he's shown some holes in his game preparation, discipline, and leadership.
Dennis Erickson, San Francisco — C: Truly, Erickson has stood out only when his teams have enjoyed significant personnel edges. Thus, he's 38-42 in the NFL. Now, the 49er dynasty is long over.
Lovie Smith, Chicago — Incomplete: He was never an NFL player nor a head coach at any level, but he became a respected defensive motivator and leader both in Tampa Bay and St. Louis. The nattering nabobs of negativism in Chicago say he's making a mistake by seeking a smaller, faster defense for a Northern outdoor team, combined with a Rams-style finesse offense.
Jim Mora Jr., Atlanta — Incomplete: He was a somewhat risky choice for the Falcons, considering that he also never played in the NFL and has never been a head coach at any level. But, the Atlanta brass wanted a young coach with an enthusiastic new approach for their young team after the years of the chilly, Tom Landry-like Dan Reeves.
By Chuck Sippi Card Player.com
