The 2024 NFL regular season is officially upon us, and we got to see some incredible games in week one, thanks to some incredible coaching. Some veteran head coaches and some new head coaches led their NFL teams to victory as they have their sights set on potentially hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. However, some coaches had their teams turn the wrong page and need to correct themselves for the following weeks if they want to have a successful 2024 campaign.
Here are the grades for all 32 NFL teams’ head coaches after week one.
How did your favorite NFL head coach fare after week one of games?
Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon: B-
Gannon’s team may have come up empty-handed in their 28-34 loss on the road to Buffalo, but they did play a good game throughout. Gannon certainly likes how the Cardinals’ will isn’t wavering and how they are keeping their confidence. Kyler Murray played very nicely, but the passing attack needs to be more active, especially with the Los Angeles Rams coming to town in week two.
Atlanta Falcons: Raheem Morris: D+
Morris’ Falcons started week one a step behind the competition, as they were defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers 10-18. The Falcons’ offense made too many small mistakes, as the Steelers took advantage of turnovers. Cousins struggled in his first game, as he threw one touchdown against two interceptions. Morris reiterated that his team needed to execute the plays against their opponents and maintain the lead better. If the Falcons continue to drop games, don’t be surprised to see Morris’ name on the hot seat near the tail end of the season.
Baltimore Ravens: John Harbaugh: B-
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Despite the 20-27 loss on the road to the Kansas City Chiefs, John Harbaugh’s team played their hearts out. Harbaugh, after practice on Sep. 9, said the plan is to move forward with Derrick, Lamar, Isaiah, Mark, Zay, Bate, and Nelly. Harbaugh also said he believes that Henry will have games where he’ll rush for over 100 plus yards. With Harbaugh’s confidence up, despite the loss, the Ravens will bounce back and have a very productive 2024 season.
Buffalo Bills: Sean McDermott: B+
McDermott’s Bills can be one tough team to go up against, especially after coming back from behind in their 34-28 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The Bills’ defense may not have gotten an interception, but they did have a fumble recovery and sacked Kyler Murray four times. Offensively, the Bills fought hard to get the win, which is all that matters at the end of the day. The Bills are going to have a good season as long as McDermott has Josh Allen on the field.
Carolina Panthers: Dave Canales: F
It is all but expected that the Panthers will be on the losing side and in rebuild mode, but the humiliating loss, 10-47 in week one, was surprising. In addition to Bryce Young’s struggles, Dave Canales also gets a lot of the blame. Even though he had success in Seattle helping Geno Smith improve his game in 2022 and Baker Mayfield’s in Tampa Bay in 2023, Canales may be shown the exit if he can’t fix Young’s style of play before the end of the season. This could be a replay, similar to his predecessor, Frank Reich.
Chicago Bears: Matt Eberflus: C-
Matt Eberflus’ Bears may not have done much on offense, as it was a sloppy game, but the Eberflus’ defense was the true MVP, thanks to the heroics of Tyrique Stevenson, Jonathan Owens, Jaylon Johnson, and T.J. Edwards. Caleb Williams and the offense will score offensive touchdowns as the season progresses, but the defense, coached by Eberflus and defensive coordinator Eric Washington, remains the true identity for the Bears in week one and moving forward. They are hard-hitting and very physical with their opponents.
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Cincinnati Bengals: Zac Taylor: D
It was a very sloppy day for Zac Taylor and his Bengals team, as they were stunned 10-16 by the New England Patriots. Joe Burrow was still shaking off the cobwebs from his wrist surgery last year; however, Ja’Marr Chase and Zack Moss had decent games. On defense, the Bengals struggled to stop the Patriots’ rushing attack. Taylor acknowledged the missed tackles on defense as one of many things the Bengals need to work on for week two.
Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski: D-
It was a brutal week one for Stefanksi and the Browns, as they were crushed 17-33 by the Dallas Cowboys in their home opener. Deshaun Watson struggled all day and is now facing more sexual assault allegations, which is another massive distraction and stormy cloud hanging over the team. Despite that, Stefanski said Watson will play against the Jaguars in week two unless the NFL steps in. If the Browns continue to fall flat and struggle as the season progresses, Stefanski’s days in Cleveland may be over sooner than we think.
Dallas Cowboys: Mike McCarthy: A-
McCarthy and the Cowboys returned to regular season action and secured the 33-17 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Despite the victory, McCarthy said to the press that the team had drawn too many penalties in the game. Despite that, Dak Prescott looked good, CeeDee Lamb looked good, and the defense was top-notch. McCarthy and his team have a lot of work ahead of them as they continue onward in the 2024 season.
Denver Broncos: Sean Payton: D
It was a rough start to the 2024 season under Sean Payton, as the Broncos fell to the Seattle Seahawks 20-26. Bo Nix threw two costly interceptions but scored a rushing touchdown. He needs a little more time to develop his game. That said, the Broncos need to step it up in terms of rushing and passing come week two. Defensively, Payton’s Broncos had two sacks and two interceptions. If the Broncos implode, it may be time for the Broncos to get a new NFL head coach.
Detroit Lions: Dan Campbell: B+
Campbell’s Lions played very well in the team’s 26-20 overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams. Campbell said, despite some minor mistakes, that the Lions are “hard to break” and didn’t look back, as David Montgomery won the game for the Lions in overtime, thanks to his game-ending touchdown. Campbell and the Lions are still an example of true underdogs as they look to get over the hump and earn their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.
Green Bay Packers: Matt LaFleur: B-
LaFleur’s team may not have gotten the win, and Jordan Love is out for three to six weeks due to an MCL sprain, but LaFleur’s team played a hard-fought battle. LaFleur got to see some excellent production from Josh Jacobs and Jayden Reed on offense, as well as Jaire Alexander and Xavier McKinney on defense. Despite the loss, the Packers look to contend for a playoff spot, if not for first place in the NFC North, against the on-the-rise Detroit Lions.
Houston Texans: DeMeco Ryans: B+
DeMeco Ryans and the Texans opened up the 2024 season with a strong 29-27 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Apart from a very productive day for C.J. Stroud, Joe Mixon, and Nico Collins, the Texans’ defense silenced Jonathan Taylor’s rushing attack. Ryans’ Texans are on a mission to repeat as AFC South champions and get over the hump of the Divisional Round, and this win was just the start.
Indianapolis Colts: Shane Steichen: C+
Despite losing 27-29, Steichen’s Colts put up a decent fight. Even though Jonathan Taylor was held to 48 rushing yards, he did score a rushing touchdown, and Anthony Richardson looked great as he scored a rushing touchdown and threw two touchdown passes. Steichen’s Colts will bounce back from this loss and truly compete for that elusive playoff spot they’ve been craving since their last appearance in 2020.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Doug Pederson: C-
Despite the strong start, Pederson’s Jaguars fell flat in the second half as they lost to the Miami Dolphins 17-20. Pederson said in the postgame press conference there were some good things, but there are a lot of things to correct as they move forward. The Jags’ defense played well, but the team needs to improve on getting the stop on third down. If the Jaguars drop more games, Pederson’s job will very likely be less than a sure bet.
Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid: A-
Andy Reid and company entered week one in the win column as the Chiefs defeated the Baltimore Ravens 27-20. After the Ravens struck first, it didn’t take long for the Chiefs to strike back and score five points, thanks to Xavier Worthy. Reid’s composure and confidence in his guys was evident, as he described the game as a heavyweight fight until the end, on both offense and defense. Reid and his squad looked electric as they began their quest for a potential third straight Super Bowl championship.
Las Vegas Raiders: Antonio Pierce: D+
It was a rough afternoon for Antonio Pierce’s Raiders, as they fell to the Los Angeles Chargers 10-22. Gardner Minshew may be a journeyman backup quarterback, but he is no starter. The Raiders receiver depth has some talent. However, the defense struggled to stop J.K. Dobbins and only had one sack against Justin Herbert. If it continues to be a long season in the Nevada desert, Pierce may be alone in the sand. We’ll just wait and see if the Raiders rebound.
Los Angeles Chargers: Jim Harbaugh: B+
With Harbaugh in town, the Chargers are already feeling the winning ways, as they defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 22-10. The Chargers’ passing attack needs some work, but the rushing attack was impressive, with J.K. Dobbins scoring a rushing touchdown on the afternoon. Defensively, Harbaugh’s Chargers had two fumble recoveries, four sacks, and an interception. It was a great first game for Harbaugh back in the NFL. This win was surely just the beginning for the Chargers.
Los Angeles Rams: Sean McVay: B-
The Rams may have lost 20-26 in overtime to the Detroit Lions, but Sean McVay is still the right head coach for this NFL team. McVay’s team played a game comparable to the Lions in terms of offense and defense, as both teams have very talented athletes. However, McVay said to reporters, Puka Nacua could be out longer than four games, due to his knee injury. No matter the circumstances, McVay knows how to find a way to victory, and that spirit will help the Rams bounce back from their overtime loss.
Miami Dolphins: Mike McDaniel: B
Mike McDaniel’s Dolphins had a great second half, as they came from behind and defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-17. The star for the Dolphins was Tyreek Hill, as he scored an 80-yard touchdown, while the Dolphins’ defense played a very strong second half. However, the Dolphins rushing attack needs to improve, as they were held to 81 rushing yards all game. If the Dolphins improve their ground attack, they can have a shot against the Buffalo Bills in week two.
Minnesota Vikings: Kevin O’Connell: A-
No J.J. McCarthy, no problem, as O’Connell made the Vikings 28-6 victory work with Sam Darnold as the main signal caller. A part from a good afternoon for Darnold, Justin Jefferson, and Aaron Jones on offense, O’Connell’s defense played fierce and made Daniel Jones’ day a living nightmare, as they picked him off twice and scored a pick-six. O’Connell is a good NFL head coach and managed to keep his guys going after C.J. Ham fumbled the ball early on in the game.
New England Patriots: Jerod Mayo: B
No Bill Bellichick, no problem! The Jerod Mayo era of the New England Patriots began with a statement 16-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Mayo’s young enthusiasm may be what the Patriots need, for a successful 2024 season. Veteran center, David Andrews, who was teammates with Mayo during his rookie year, knows what it’s like for them to win as players but said to the press, we’ll have to know what he likes more as the season goes on.
New Orleans Saints: Dennis Allen: A-
Allen may have gotten off the hot seat, for now, with the Saints’ 47-10 beat-down victory against the Carolina Panthers. Allen’s Saints were relentless all game against the woeful Panthers and need to play like this in more games if Allen wants to keep his job as the head coach of the Saints. Thankfully, Allen has talented names on the Saints’ roster, such as Alvin Kamara and Cameron Jordan, in games.
New York Giants: Brian Daboll: F
Where to begin? Daboll’s Giants were humiliated in their second straight home opener in a 6-28 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Daniel Jones looked awful, as he threw two costly interceptions, the run game was nonexistent, and the defense was able to get a sack, interception, and fumble recovery. If the Giants continue to implode with Jones struggling as the season continues, Daboll’s days in East Rutherford, NJ, maybe over by the time the scorecards are put away.
New York Jets: Robert Saleh: C-
Even though Robert Saleh’s Jets lost 19-32, it was very nice to see Aaron Rodgers back in action. Defensively, Saleh’s guys should’ve had more stops and takeaways from the 49ers. Saleh hopes the defense can turn things around when the Jets square off against the Tennessee Titans, who lost to the Chicago Bears in week one. If the Jets somehow lose more games this season than earn wins, it may be time for the Jets to consider finding another NFL head coach.
Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Sirianni: B+
Despite the late-season collapse and getting crushed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the playoffs in 2023-24, Nick Sirianni’s squad got the win and looks ready to take the NFC East by storm. Even though the Eagles and Packers dealt with some turf issues, Sirianni’s offense looked sharp, as Saquon Barkley bulldozed his way through the Packers’ defense, scored two rushing touchdowns, and a receiving touchdown while A.J. Brown caught a receiving touchdown. Despite rumors of Sirianni being on the hot seat, if the Eagles win the NFC East or make it to the playoffs, Sirianni’s seat may cool down after this victory.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Tomlin: B-
Despite a sloppy start and making minor mistakes, Mike Tomlin’s squad were able to keep the Falcons out of the end zone and win 18-10 on the road. Justin Fields played a good game as a runner and has the trust of Tomlin and the rest of the coaching staff as he was officially named the starter for the Steelers’ week two matchup against the Denver Broncos. Of course, Tomlin’s defense had a strong game, especially from T.J. Watt, who had four tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery. Tomlin is certainly pleased that he and the Steelers have two reliable quarterbacks, Russell Wilson and Fields.
San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan: A-
Kyle Shanahan and company may not have had Christian McCaffrey suit up, but the 49ers secured the 32-19 victory over the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. Even though Brock Purdy didn’t throw a touchdown pass, he commanded an excellent game, as Deebo Samuel and rookie running back Jordan Mason stole the show with two rushing touchdowns. Defensively, Shanahan’s unit had a sack, an interception, and a pass deflection. Shanahan commands arguably the best roster in the NFL as he and the 49ers look to get over the hump and possibly win it all, depending on how the rest of the season turns out.
Seattle Seahawks: Mike MacDonald: C+
The former Ravens’ defensive coordinator secured his first win of the 2024 season in a 26-20 comeback victory over the Denver Broncos. Geno Smith started the game sloppy but played well in the second half. Defensively, MacDonald’s defense was fierce and aggressive as they snagged two interceptions, two sacks, and a fumble recovery. MacDonald had great success with the Ravens as their defensive coordinator from 2022-23, as he brings a fierce and competitive style of play to this Seahawks team moving forward.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Todd Bowles: A-
It was an excellent Sunday for Todd Bowles and the Bucs as they defeated the Washington Commanders 37-20. Baker Mayfield shined all day with four touchdown passes, and Mike Evans scored two touchdowns. Bowles commented that wins are nice, but his eyes are set on something much deeper. The Buccaneers and Bowles have their eyes set on a playoff rematch against the Detroit Lions with their on-the-road week two game.
Tennessee Titans: Brian Callahan: D+
With Mike Vrabel gone after a disastrous 2023 season, Brian Callahan’s start to the 2024 season wasn’t pretty, as the Titans were dropped 17-24 by the Chicago Bears, even though they were up 17-3 by halftime. Will Levis struggled in the second half as he gave up a pick-six to Tyrique Stevenson. Callahan has to find a way to move his team forward from that horrific play. If the Titans continue to implode as the season continues, Callahan may be a one-and-done NFL head coach by the time the season ends in January.
Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn: D+
It was not the best start to Dan Quinn’s second chance at head coaching, as the Commanders fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-37. Jayden Daniels looked good as a runner but struggled as a passer, as he had no reliable target to throw to. Defensively, the Commanders had no answers on stopping Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers red hot offense. If Quinn doesn’t find a way to turn things around, the Commanders might need to trade for a serviceable wide receiver for Jayden Daniels to throw the ball to or draft a wideout in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Also Read: Ranking All 32 NFL Head Coaches For The 2024 Season From WORST To FIRST
