Evaluating the quality of the technical staff in the NFL is a challenge. Beyond the win-loss record, there are no clear statistics. The analysis is based on anecdotes and inferences.It is evident that Kyle Shanahan is a great offensive coach, his statistics prove it. However, evaluating Nick Caley, Mike McDaniel, and Kevin O’Connell is more complex.Other factors, such as wardrobe management and game planning, are also crucial. Although we cannot measure it directly, Nick Sirianni’s ability to keep the Eagles’ locker room together is admirable, and Dan Campbell has gained a reputation as a great coach developer.
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Important Considerations
Having a head coach who is an excellent offensive strategist is fundamental. A good offensive strategist is the easiest way to ensure a functional coaching staff. Elite offensive designers like Sean McVay or Shanahan can compensate for talent deficiencies, which elevates the team’s performance.It is important to note that special teams coordinators and most position coaches are not included in this evaluation. Although their impact on the team is undeniable, it is difficult to create a fair ranking from an external perspective due to the limited information available.This analysis seeks to identify the known from the unknown, rather than to rate between “good” and “bad”. Although mathematical logic dictates that some teams must be below average, this is not always reflected in performance. Teams with less experienced coaching staff often appear in the lowest positions, but there are always surprises.The following is the ranking of the league’s 32 coaching staffs for the upcoming season. The head coach, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator of each team are included, as well as the previous year’s ranking.Skip to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
32. New York Giants
Head Coach: Brian DabollOffensive Coordinator: Mike KafkaDefensive Coordinator: Shane Bowen2024 Ranking: 24Although the offensive tandem of Daboll and Kafka has yet to achieve several seasons of above-average performance, they show flashes of innovation. If Jaxson Dart plays quarterback this season, the team is expected to find clever ways to integrate him into the running game. Bowen is always willing to be creative with alignments and coverages to solve personnel problems on defense. The Giants’ defense in 2024 was deficient, but they have revamped the secondary and added pressure to the passer this offseason, so an improvement is expected in the second year.Daboll’s best seasons were with Josh Allen in Buffalo, and his best work in New York was in 2022 with Daniel Jones, although he failed to maintain that level. It’s hard to believe in high potential with the current Giants staff.31. Jacksonville Jaguars
Head Coach: Liam CoenOffensive Coordinator: Grant UdinskiDefensive Coordinator: Anthony CampanileRanking 2024: 18The Jaguars don’t deserve to be in this position. This is due to the inexperience of their technical staff. Coen only has five years of experience in the NFL. Udinski, 29 years old, joined the NFL in 2020, and Campanile, also with experience in college football, will begin his first season as defensive coordinator in the NFL.The ability of coaches to solve problems on the fly is crucial, and experience is fundamental to success. The start is likely to be difficult in Jacksonville.30. New Orleans Saints
Head Coach: Kellen MooreOffensive Coordinator: Doug NussmeierDefensive Coordinator: Brandon StaleyRanking 2024: 29The main unknown for Moore is how his offense will function without the league’s best offensive line. T.J. Paganetti is the new running game coordinator in New Orleans. Moore adapted well to Jalen Hurts, but generally uses a passing game with many pocket formations, which puts a lot of pressure on the quarterback. It’s interesting to see how this applies to young passers Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough, and also the return of Staley as defensive coordinator.Staley’s defensive style has spread throughout the league, but the Saints’ defensive roster doesn’t adapt to his cautious coverage and patient playing style. Moore and Staley need to step out of their comfort zones to get the most out of this team in 2025.29. Dallas Cowboys
Head Coach: Brian SchottenheimerOffensive Coordinator: Klayton AdamsDefensive Coordinator: Matt EberflusRanking 2024: 16Schottenheimer has been an offensive coordinator for 14 seasons, and his average offensive success rate is 42.9%, below the league average. His offenses average 1.85 points per series, also below the league average. Although the personnel adapts well to his preferred offense, it is difficult to consider Schottenheimer as an enhancer of the Cowboys’ offense, given his track record. Growth is expected, and that, along with his first head coaching position, could bring pleasant surprises.Eberflus as defensive coordinator, tends to perform strongly against weak rivals, but struggles against elite quarterbacks. Adams as offensive coordinator, is promising, and his creativity in the running game could be key to Schottenheimer’s offense.
28. New York Jets
Head Coach: Aaron GlennOffensive Coordinator: Tanner EngstrandDefensive Coordinator: Steve WilksRanking 2024: 19Glenn has never been a head coach, but his work as defensive coordinator has been praised. The incorporation of Wilks is smart, which will allow Glenn to focus more on the overall management of the team. Engstrand, for his part, has the task of building an offense for Justin Fields, a dual-threat quarterback. The attack must be different for Fields to succeed.The Jets are expected to prioritize the development of young players rather than accumulating wins in the first year. However, the coaching staff is expected to show progress, as seen in the Lions under Dan Campbell.27. Tennessee Titans
Head Coach: Brian CallahanOffensive Coordinator: Nick HolzDefensive Coordinator: Dennard Wilson2024 Ranking: 28The Titans’ coaching staff is promising. Callahan demonstrated his ability in Cincinnati with Joe Burrow. The Titans’ running game with Tony Pollard and the offensive line could improve under Callahan’s direction. Wilson achieved a solid performance on defense. The Titans had the first overall pick in the draft, but the coaching staff still needs to prove themselves. Despite their position, this is one of the favorite coaching staffs.26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Head Coach: Todd BowlesOffensive Coordinator: Josh GrizzardDefensive Coordinator: Kefense Hynson2024 Ranking: 22If Liam Coen had stayed as offensive coordinator, the team would be in a better position. Bowles tends to be cautious and settle for field goals and extra points. Much is expected of Grizzard, who played a significant role in the Buccaneers’ offense and spent time with Mike McDaniel. The team needs more from Bowles in game-day decision-making and to improve their defense.
Tampa’s defense allowed more than 2.0 points per series for the first time since 2019, and its EPA per play of -0.11 was the worst for any Bowles defense since 2016.
