The 2024 NFL season has come to its conclusion. We’re not happy about it. Nor are the NFL head coaches whose seasons came to an end because their respective teams were eliminated from playoff contention. Some coaches will return to their NFL teams in 2025, while a couple of coaches were already relieved of their duties and will have to find work elsewhere.
However, 14 NFL head coaches get to continue coaching onward as their teams make the playoffs and have a lot of work ahead of them if they want to make a run toward Super Bowl 59. We can’t wait for the playoffs to begin and see what kind of schemes these 14 head coaches come up with, as well as who’ll become a head coach in 2025.
Here are the week 18 grades for all 32 NFL teams.
Who are the top NFL head coaches after week 18 of games?
Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon: B+
Gannon’s Cardinals may not be going to the playoffs, but they played their hearts out in their 47-24 season-finale win over the San Francisco 49ers. Kyler Murray threw four touchdowns with no interceptions, Tony Jones Jr. and Michael Carter both scored rushing touchdowns, Greg Dortch scored two touchdowns, and Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. both scored touchdowns.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, had a fumble recovery, two interceptions, and two sacks. Coach Gannon said the Cardinals are very close to becoming a NFL playoff team but still have to look in the mirror. Gannon also praised Murray’s performance by saying, “We’re going to go where he takes us. I know that.”
Atlanta Falcons: Raheem Morris: B-
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Morris and the Falcons had a good afternoon on offense but couldn’t secure the win in the team’s 38-44 overtime loss against the Carolina Panthers. Michael Penix Jr. threw two touchdowns to Drake London against an interception and scored a rushing touchdown, and Bijan Robinson scored two rushing touchdowns.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, couldn’t land a single sack or interception against Bryce Young and the Panthers. Despite the disappointing afternoon on defense, Morris’ offense looked very good, as Penix Jr., London, and Robinson will be an incredible trio moving forward in 2025.
Baltimore Ravens: John Harbaugh: A-
Harbaugh’s Ravens had a tremendous night, winning 35-10 against the woeful Cleveland Browns and securing the AFC North and the three-seed to the playoffs. Lamar Jackson threw two touchdowns, Derrick Henry scored two rushing touchdowns, and Rashod Bateman and Mark Andrews both scored a touchdown each.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Zach Orr, had two sacks and two interceptions, with one being returned by Nate Wiggins for a 26-yard pick-six. Harbaugh said the win was awesome and that Lamar Jackson is a one-of-a-kind athlete. However, Harbaugh lost Zay Flowers to a knee injury during the game. Harbaugh said, “It’s something that he has a chance to be okay with.” Losing Flowers is concerning, as he’s very likely going to miss the team’s Wildcard match-up.
Buffalo Bills: Sean McDermott: B-
Coach McDermott’s Bills rested the team’s starters for the NFL playoffs, but the Bills lost 16-23 against the New England Patriots on the road. Mitch Trubisky threw a touchdown to Ray Davis with no interceptions, and James Cook scored a touchdown.
The defense, coached by McDermott and defensive coordinator Bobby Babich, had a sack and a fumble recovery. McDermott’s backup unit played decently fine, but the starters have to get prepared for their upcoming playoff match-up against the Denver Broncos coming to town.
Carolina Panthers: Dave Canales: B
Canales’ Panthers may have had a rough start to the 2024 season, but they ended the season on a high note, winning 44-38 in overtime against the Atlanta Falcons. Bryce Young threw three touchdowns and scored two rushing touchdowns, Miles Sanders scored a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown, and David Moore and Tommy Tremble both scored touchdowns.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, had a sack and interception against Penix Jr. Canales told the press he’s very proud of how Young has grown each week and has shown he can be the leader of the team moving forward in 2025.
Chicago Bears: Thomas Brown: C+
It wasn’t pretty, but Brown earned his first win for the Bears in the team’s regular-season finale against the Green Bay Packers, thanks to Cairo Santos kicking the game-winning field goal in the final seconds of the game. Caleb Williams threw a touchdown to DJ Moore, and D’Andre Swift scored a rushing touchdown.
The defense, coached by Eric Washington, had three sacks and two fumble recoveries in the victory. The Bears may have finished the NFL regular season on a positive note, but Brown is a long shot for the team’s head coaching job. If Brown isn’t named the Bear’s head coach in 2025, he’ll be a great offensive coordinator, no matter who brings him in.
Cincinnati Bengals: Zac Taylor: C+
Taylor’s Bengals had a decent night in week 18, winning 19-17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but failed to secure the last spot in the playoffs due to the Denver Broncos winning out 38-0 against the Kansas City Chiefs resting their starters. Joe Burrow threw a touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase, Khalil Herbert rushed for 69 yards, and Tee Higgins had 53 receiving yards.
The defense, coached by now-former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, had four sacks and a fumble recovery. Taylor’s Bengals are going to need to retool things on defense and find a new defensive coordinator during the offseason before the start of the 2025 regular season.
Also Read: Grading All 32 NFL Teams’ Head Coaches After Week 15 Games Of The 2024 Season
Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski: D-
Stefanski and the Browns had a rough night, with limited resources, losing 10-35 against the Baltimore Ravens. Bailey Zappe threw a touchdown to Jordan Akins against two interceptions, the Browns’ rushing attack was held to a combined 56 yards on the ground, and Jerry Jeudy had 63 receiving yards.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, couldn’t land a single sack or interception against Lamar Jackson. Stefanski said the team needs to do a better job setting themselves up for offensive success in 2025. Stefanski and the Browns have a long offseason ahead of them before the start of the 2025 regular season.
Dallas Cowboys: Mike McCarthy: C
McCarthy and the Cowboys played fairly well against the Washington Commanders but lost 19-23 in the end. Trey Lance threw no touchdowns or interceptions, Rico Dowdle scored the team’s only touchdown, and Jalen Tolbert had 98 receiving yards. The defense, coached by Mike Zimmer, had six sacks (four against Jayden Daniels and two against Marcus Mariota) and held the Commanders’ rushing attack to a combined 113 yards on the ground.
Even though McCarthy’s contract is set to expire, Jerry Jones expressed his support for McCarthy, and McCarthy has shown interest in returning as the team’s head coach in the 2025 season.
Denver Broncos: Sean Payton: A-
Payton’s Broncos earned the sweet taste of victory, not only winning 38-0 against the Kansas City Chiefs but also clinching the final spot in the AFC Playoffs. Bo Nix threw four touchdowns with no interceptions, Audric Estime scored a rushing touchdown, Courtland Sutton and Devaughn Vele both scored touchdowns, and Marvin Mims Jr. scored two touchdowns.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, had five sacks but no interceptions. Payton’s team will potentially be a dangerous wildcard NFL team ready for anything, thanks to Joseph’s hard-hitting defense. We’ll just wait and see what happens when the Broncos square off against the Buffalo Bills in the Wildcard round.
Detroit Lions: Dan Campbell: A-
Campbell’s Lions played a great game of football and won 31-9 against the Minnesota Vikings and earned the one-seed to the NFC playoffs. Jared Goff threw a touchdown to Jahmyr Gibbs against two interceptions, Gibbs scored three rushing touchdowns, and Amon-Ra St. Brown had 77 receiving yards.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, had two sacks and held the Vikings’ rushing attack to a combined 120 yards on the ground but didn’t have any interceptions. Coach Campbell’s Lions earned their NFL playoff bye week and will wait and host whoever they’ll square off against in the Divisional round of the playoffs.
Green Bay Packers: Matt LaFleur: B-
LaFleur’s Packers had a decent afternoon at home but ended up losing 22-24 to the Chicago Bears in last-second fashion. Malik Willis and Jordan Love threw no touchdowns or interceptions, Emmanuel Wilson and Josh Jacobs both scored rushing touchdowns, and Malik Heath had 53 receiving yards. The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, had a sack and two fumble recoveries.
LaFleur admitted he regrets using a late timeout in the loss to the Bears, which gave Cairo Santos the time he needed to kick the game-winning field goal to stun the Packers at home. LaFleur and the company have to prepare for their playoff matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.
Houston Texans: DeMeco Ryans: B
Ryans’ Texans earned their second straight 10-win season, winning 23-14 against the Tennessee Titans. C.J. Stroud threw a touchdown to Nico Collins with no interceptions, Dameon Pierce scored a rushing touchdown, and Robert Woods had 39 receiving yards. The defense, coached by Ryans and defensive coordinator Matt Burke, had two sacks and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown by Derek Barnett.
Ryans were very proud of the team, earning back-to-back 10-win seasons and having the playoffs on their minds after two rough losses against the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens in weeks 16 and 17, respectively.
Indianapolis Colts: Shane Steichen: B-
Steichen’s Colts didn’t play their best game but came out on top in a very close and competitive 26-23 overtime victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Joe Flacco threw a touchdown pass to Alec Pierce, Jonathan Taylor scored a rushing touchdown, and Josh Downs had 94 receiving yards.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, had two sacks and an interception. The Colts fired Bradley a day after the game, showing change is coming to the team in the upcoming 2025 offseason. However, coach Steichen will be back on the Colts’ sidelines in the 2025 NFL regular season.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Doug Pederson: C-
Pederson’s Jaguars had a rough yet competitive game, losing 23-26 in overtime against the Indianapolis Colts. Mac Jones threw a touchdown to Parker Washington against an interception, Tank Bigsby scored a rushing touchdown, and Brian Thomas Jr. had 103 receiving yards. The defense, coached by Ryan Nielsen, had three sacks but no interceptions.
Pederson was fired a day after the game. He has the potential to reunite with Andy Reid as an assistant coach in Kansas City and become a head coach of a Division I college football team or another NFL team in the future. We’ll just wait and see what happens. In the meantime, the Jaguars begin their search for their next head coach.
Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid: D
Coach Reid decided to rest his starters for the final week of the NFL regular season before they defended home turf in the AFC Divisional round, but the Chiefs lost 0-38 against the Denver Broncos and eliminated the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins from playoff contention. Carson Wentz threw no touchdowns or interceptions, the Chiefs’ rushing attack was held to a combined 27 yards, and Nikko Remigio had 48 receiving yards.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, had no sacks or interceptions. Reid did face backlash for inevitably eliminating the Bengals and Dolphins from playoff contention. Many fans are speculating whether Reid benched his starters on purpose to keep the Bengals out of the playoffs. We’ll never know, but Reid’s Chiefs will always be a very dangerous team to go up against come playoff time.
Las Vegas Raiders: Antonio Pierce: D
Pierce’s Raiders had a rough finish to the 2024 season, losing 20-34 to the Los Angeles Chargers. Aidan O’Connell threw two touchdowns against an interception, the Raiders’ rushing attack was held to a combined 39 yards on the ground, and Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers both scored touchdowns.
The defense, coached by Pierce and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, had a sack but no interceptions. Pierce will return to the Raiders sidelines for the 2025 season. However, Pierce and the Silver and Black have to hit the ground running in the 2025 offseason to make the proper adjustments for the 2025 regular season.
Los Angeles Chargers: Jim Harbaugh: B+
Harbaugh’s winning ways continue with the Chargers, winning 34-20 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Justin Herbert threw two touchdowns with no interceptions, Hasaan Haskins rushed for 33 yards on 12 carries and scored a touchdown, Quentin Johnston had 186 receiving yards, and DJ Chark Jr. and Will Dissly both scored touchdowns.
The defense, coached by the defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, had no sacks but had an interception. Coach Harbaugh’s coaching ways transformed the Chargers in year one, as he helped the Bolts charge their way toward the playoffs, where they’ll square off against the Houston Texans on the road.
Los Angeles Rams: Sean McVay: B-
McVay’s Rams played a very competitive match-up against the Seattle Seahawks but lost 25-30 with just the backups playing. Jimmy Garoppolo threw two touchdowns against an interception, Ronnie Rivers rushed for 48 yards, and Tyler Higbee and Tyler Johnson both scored touchdowns. The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Chris Shula, had two sacks but no interceptions.
McVay’s unit played well on offense but could’ve played better on defense. Despite the outcome, the Rams will host a playoff game and will welcome the Minnesota Vikings coming to town in the NFC Wildcard round.
Miami Dolphins: Mike McDaniel: D
McDaniel and the Dolphins had a brutal end to the 2024 season, losing 20-32 against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Tyler Huntley threw a touchdown pass to Jonnu Smith against two interceptions, and De’Von Achane scored a rushing touchdown. The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, had an interception and three sacks.
McDaniel and the Dolphins have a lot of things to clean up from the 2024 campaign regarding protecting Tua Tagovailoa and making sure the team has a confident backup quarterback in case the latter suffers another serious injury.
Minnesota Vikings: Kevin O’Connell: C-
O’Connell’s Vikings had a tough Sunday night on the road, losing 9-31 against the Detroit Lions. Sam Darnold threw no touchdowns or interceptions, Cam Akers rushed for 65 yards, and Justin Jefferson had 54 receiving yards.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, had two sacks and two interceptions. O’Connell’s Vikings may not have played their best football to conclude the regular season, but they live to fight another day as the five-seed in the NFC playoffs.
New England Patriots: Jerod Mayo: C-
Mayo’s team has had a miserable 2024 season, but the team ended the season with a 23-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills. Backup quarterback Joe Milton III threw a touchdown to Kayshon Boutte with no interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown, and Antonio Gibson rushed for 41 yards. The defense, coached by Mayo and defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington, had no sacks or interceptions.
The win came at a cost for Mayo, as he was fired immediately after the game, and the Patriots lost control of the first overall pick to the Tennessee Titans. Mayo should be able to find another job in the NFL as a defensive coordinator and work his way back up to head coach in the future.
New Orleans Saints: Darren Rizzi: C-
Rizzi’s time as a head coach may have potentially come to an end, with the Saints losing a tough 19-27 battle against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to close out the 2024 season. Spencer Rattler threw a touchdown against no interceptions, the Saints’ rushing attack was held to a combined 64 yards on the ground, and Dante Pettis scored a touchdown.
The defense, coached by Joe Woods, had a sack and interception against Baker Mayfield. Rizzi has received support from Saints players like Alvin Kamara, who believes Rizzi is more than capable of being the team’s full-time head coach in 2025. We’ll just wait and see what changes the Saints will bring in the 2025 offseason.
New York Giants: Brian Daboll: C
Daboll’s Giants finished the 2024 season with a painful 13-20 loss on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. Drew Lock threw a touchdown against an interception, Tyrone Tracy Jr. rushed for 59 yards, and Malik Nabers scored a touchdown. The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, had two sacks but no interceptions.
Daboll will be back as head coach of the Giants in the 2025 NFL season, and his priority is to help find the team’s next quarterback and immediately fix the woeful offensive line for any signal-caller wanting to have any sign of hope in MetLife Stadium.
New York Jets: Jeff Ulbrich: A-
Ulbrich and the Jets’ brutally painful 2024 season has concluded with the team winning 32-20 against the Miami Dolphins. Aaron Rodgers threw four touchdowns against an interception, Breece Hall rushed for 57 yards and scored a receiving touchdown, and Davante Adams, Allen Lazard, and Tyler Conklin each scored touchdowns.
The defense had two fumble recoveries, four sacks, and two interceptions. Ulbrich may not be a head coach for a while, but he had to do what he could after the Jets fired Robert Saleh. There will be plenty of teams who will need a new defensive coordinator, and Ulbrich will be great, no matter what team hires him.
Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Sirianni: B
Sirianni’s Eagles continued their winning ways in week 18, with just backups in their 20-13 win over the woeful New York Giants. Tanner McKee threw two touchdowns with no interceptions, the Eagles’ rushing attack was held to a combined 51 yards, and E.J. Jenkins and Ainias Smith both scored touchdowns.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, had an interception but no sacks. Sirianni’s squad of backups played well in the final week of the regular season, earning quality playing time, but the playoffs are about to begin, and the starters need to get prepared for their match-up against the Green Bay Packers coming to town.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Tomlin: C
Tomlin’s Steelers had a decent night coaching the Steelers in their week 18 match-up against the Cincinnati Bengals, but the team lost 17-19 and failed to win the AFC North. Russell Wilson threw a touchdown to Pat Freiermuth with no interceptions, and Najee Harris scored a rushing touchdown.
The defense, coached by Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, had four sacks and an interception. Former Steelers’ safety Ryan Clark said on ESPN that as much as Tomlin is loved and admired, the team needs to make changes instead of falling flat in the final weeks of the regular season and playoffs. We’ll just have to wait and see what Tomlin and the Steelers can muster up in their Wildcard match-up against the Baltimore Ravens on the road.
San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan: D
Shanahan’s 49ers had a rough afternoon in the desert, losing 24-47 against the Arizona Cardinals. Joshua Dobbs (who played for the Arizona Cardinals in 2023) threw two touchdowns against two interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown, Patrick Taylor Jr. had 109 rushing yards, and Ricky Pearsall and Kyle Juszczyk both scored receiving touchdowns.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Nick Sorenson, didn’t have any sacks or interceptions against Kyler Murray. Sorenson’s future with the 49ers is facing serious questions, while Shanahan’s team committed 13 penalties and has a lot to fix in the upcoming 2025 offseason.
Seattle Seahawks: Mike Macdonald: B
Coach Macdonald’s Seahawks aren’t going to be in the NFL playoffs, but they played as if they were, winning 30-25 against the Los Angeles Rams. Geno Smith threw four touchdowns with no interceptions, Zach Charbonnet rushed for 59 yards, and Jake Bobo, AJ Barner, DK Metcalf, and Noah Fant each scored touchdowns.
The defense, coached by Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde, had three sacks and an interception against Jimmy Garoppolo. Macdonald is only getting started with the Seahawks as they head into the offseason, hoping they’ll have a better shot at returning to the playoffs after the 2025 season. The Seahawks did relieve offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb of his duties a day after the game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Todd Bowles: B+
Bowles’ Bucs earned a very nice comeback victory in their 27-19 win over the New Orleans Saints. Baker Mayfield threw two touchdowns against an interception, Bucky Irving scored a touchdown, Jalen McMillan and Payne Durham both scored a touchdown, and Mike Evans joined Jerry Rice as the second wide receiver to have 11 straight seasons with 1,000 plus receiving yards.
The defense had two sacks but no interceptions. Bowles and company also earned the NFC South crown and a home playoff game against the Washington Commanders coming to town. We’ll wait and see what the Bucs do when the playoffs begin.
Tennessee Titans: Brian Callahan: C-
Callahan’s Titans ended the 2024 season on a negative note in their 14-23 loss to the Houston Texans at home. Will Levis threw a touchdown to Tay Martin against no interceptions, Tony Pollard rushed for 62 yards, and Calvin Ridley had 76 receiving yards. The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, had a sack and a fumble recovery. Because of the loss, the Titans earned themselves the first overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Callahan said, “It’s not a position I’d ever want to be in again.” But he did show some admiration towards the first overall pick as an opportunity for the Titans to rebuild for the 2025 season.
Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn: B-
Quinn’s Commanders played a very competitive match-up against the Dallas Cowboys, not only winning 23-19 but also claiming the sixth seed in the NFC playoffs. Marcus Mariota threw two touchdowns with no interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown, Terry McLaurin scored a touchdown, and Zach Ertz scored a touchdown.
The defense, coached by Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr., had two sacks against the Cowboys but no interceptions. Jayden Daniels was playing in the first half, but Quinn benched him in the second half in favor of Mariota due to mild soreness in his legs. Coach Quinn and the Commanders escaped the Lone Star state with a win and have the NFL playoffs in their sights.
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