Week 14 was a great week of football for NFL head coaches, as they witnessed their teams play intense battles regardless of the outcome.
Some coaches were able to lock up playoff berths and win their divisions, but some coaches had a rough time watching their respective teams continue to implode. Regardless, it was another entertaining week of football, and we, as fans, want to see what other schemes these coaches can create with only four weeks remaining in the regular season.
Here are the grades for all 32 NFL teams’ head coaches after week 14 games.
Who are the top NFL head coaches after week 14 of games?
Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon: C-
Gannon’s Cardinals had a rough afternoon at home, losing 18-30 against the Seattle Seahawks. Kyler Murray threw two touchdowns against two interceptions, James Conner rushed for 90 yards and scored a receiving touchdown, Michael Wilson scored a touchdown, and Trey McBride had 70 receiving yards.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, had no sacks or interceptions against Geno Smith. Gannon said he and Rallis have to coordinate much better, and it starts with him correcting the errors the Redbirds made in the first half. Gannon and the Cardinals will remain home in week 15 and square off against the New England Patriots coming to town.
Atlanta Falcons: Raheem Morris: C-
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Morris’ Falcons had a rough afternoon in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, losing 21-42 against the Minnesota Vikings. Kirk Cousins struggled and threw two interceptions against no touchdowns, Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier both scored rushing touchdowns, and Darnell Mooney had 142 receiving yards. The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Jimmy Laker, had four sacks against Sam Darnold but no interceptions.
Coach Morris announced the team would continue to stand behind Cousins despite his struggles, even though the Falcons should probably bench him in favor of NFL rookie Michael Penix Jr. Morris also remarked that the team put up a good fight against the Vikings as Robinson, Allgeier, and Mooney shined offensively. Morris and the Falcons travel to Sin City for a Monday night showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Baltimore Ravens: John Harbaugh: Bye Week
Harbaugh’s Ravens are a tough and gritty team, but they need to rebound from their painful week 13 loss against the Philadelphia Eagles. Harbaugh’s team has the offensive talent to rebound and make a playoff run, depending on how the rest of the 2024 season turns out.
Buffalo Bills: Sean McDermott: B
McDermott’s Bills played an incredible offensive shootout against the Los Angeles Rams but fell just short in their 42-44 loss in Southern California. Josh Allen threw three touchdowns and scored three rushing touchdowns, and Khalil Shakir, Mack Hollins, and Ty Johnson each scored touchdowns. The defense was almost nonexistent, as both the Bills and Rams duked it out on offense. McDermott called a timeout with just over a minute left on the clock, then forced a quarterback sneak on second and goal.
Then the Bills attempted an onside kick, which failed and was recovered by the Rams. McDermott should’ve called a passing play for Josh Allen to run so he could’ve used his timeouts to slow the Rams down on defense, but it didn’t happen. McDermott and the Bills travel to the Motor City to square off against the Detroit Lions in week 15.
Carolina Panthers: Dave Canales: B-
Canales’ Panthers put up a fight against the Philadelphia Eagles but lost 16-22 in a close outcome. Bryce Young threw a touchdown to Tommy Tremble against an interception, Chubba Hubbard scored a rushing touchdown, and Adam Thielen had 102 receiving yards. The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, had four sacks but no interceptions.
Head coach Canales said he expected rookie NFL wide receiver Xavier Legette to catch Young’s deep pass, which was an incompletion. Canales also said Bryce Young showed great effort but could do better getting him plays in a bit sooner. Canales and the Panthers return home and will square off against the Dallas Cowboys coming to town.
Chicago Bears: Thomas Brown: D-
The Bears fell to the San Francisco 49ers 13-38 in Thomas Browns’ head coaching debut, which is not the start an interim head coach wants. Caleb Williams threw two touchdowns to Rome Odunze but lost a fumble, the Bears’ rushing attack was held to 68 yards on the ground, and DJ Moore had 49 receiving yards.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Eric Washington, had one sack and interception but fell flat against an injury-plagued 49ers offense. Brown said, “We got our butts kicked. There’s no other way to say it.” Brown’s Bears lacked the offensive spark throughout the game, showing that Brown and the team have a lot to fix before the second concludes.
Cincinnati Bengals: Zac Taylor: B+
Taylor’s Bengals won a very nice 27-20 shootout against the Dallas Cowboys. Joe Burrow threw three touchdowns against an interception, Chase Brown had 58 rushing yards and scored a receiving touchdown, and Ja’Marr Chase hauled in two touchdowns. The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, had three sacks and an interception.
Taylor said he’s very proud of his team but has more work ahead of them in a short week. The team has rediscovered their confidence after snapping a three-game losing streak. Taylor’s Bengals travel to the Music City for a week 15 showdown against the Tennessee Titans.
Also Read: Grading All 32 NFL Teams’ Head Coaches After Week 13 Games Of The 2024 Season
Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski: C-
Stefanski’s Browns had a rough Sunday afternoon in the Steel City, losing 14-27 to their longtime division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jameis Winston threw two touchdowns against two interceptions, Nick Chubb had 48 rushing yards, and Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku both scored touchdowns. The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, had a fumble recovery and sack.
The 2024 NFL season has been a rough one for coach Stefanski so far, as the defense couldn’t slow down the Steelers, the offense couldn’t run the ball, and special teams were a mess, as Kadarius Toney muffed a punt, which was recovered by the Steelers. Stefanski and the Browns return home and will welcome the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs to town.
Dallas Cowboys: Mike McCarthy: C
McCarthy’s Cowboys put up a decent fight against the Cincinnati Bengals, but their efforts weren’t enough in their 20-27 loss on Monday Night Football. Cooper Rush threw two touchdowns against an interception, Rico Dowdle rushed for 131 yards, and CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks both scored touchdowns. The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, had two sacks and an interception.
The moment McCarthy’s Cowboys lost the game was Amani Oruwariye muffing a punt recovered by the Bengals, which allowed Ja’Marr Chase to score a touchdown. McCarthy said the loss stings and the mistake Oruwariye made was very impactful. McCarthy’s Cowboys travel to the Tar Heel State for a week 15 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
Denver Broncos: Sean Payton: Bye Week
Payton’s Broncos have been incredible to watch as Bo Nix continues to improve and Vance Joseph’s defense continues to play very aggressive football against opposing offenses. Payton and the Broncos return to action in week 15 when they welcome the Indianapolis Colts to town.
Detroit Lions: Dan Campbell: A-
Campbell’s Lions played a tight matchup against the Green Bay Packers and won 34-31 in last-second fashion, thanks to Jake Bates kicking the game-winning field goal and securing their spot in the playoffs. Jared Goff threw three touchdowns against an interception, David Montgomery scored a rushing touchdown, Jahmyr Gibbs scored a receiving touchdown, and Tim Patrick scored two touchdowns.
The defense, coached by Aaron Glenn, had a sack and a fumble recovery but lost Alim McNeill to a head injury in the game. Campbell told his team, “I’m so freaking proud of you, man, that’s a way to show up. You can talk about pressure. We live under pressure. That’s where we freaking thrive.” Campbell’s team played very aggressively against their NFC North rivals and have their sights set on their week 15 matchup against the Buffalo Bills coming to town.
Green Bay Packers: Matt LaFleur: B
LaFleur’s Packers played a hard-fought battle against their NFC North rivals, the Detroit Lions, but lost 31-34 in the game’s final seconds due to kicker Jake Bates making the game-winning field goal for the Lions. Jordan Love threw a touchdown to Tucker Kraft with no interceptions, Josh Jacobs scored three rushing touchdowns, and Christian Watson had 114 receiving yards but lost a fumble.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, had a sack and an interception by Keisean Nixon, which led to a touchdown by Jacobs in the third quarter. Head coach LaFleur was extremely disappointed for the guys on this NFL team, as they lost their chance to earn first place in the NFC North, but praised how his team fought against the Lions in the second half of the game. LaFleur’s Packers travel west for a week 15 showdown against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football.
Houston Texans: DeMeco Ryans: Bye Week
Ryans’ has done a good job coaching the Texans in his second year, as the team’s defense is a hard-hitting unit, and C.J. Stroud continues to be a solid quarterback on offense. However, the team needs to continue stepping up when it matters most. The Texans return to action in week 15 when they welcome the Miami Dolphins to town.
Indianapolis Colts: Shane Steichen: Bye Week
Stechien’s Colts have been a mixed bag in the 2024 season. They can either be good on certain days or not get the job done on other days or nights. Anthony Richardson needs to improve his accuracy as the Colts get prepared for their week 15 matchup against the Denver Broncos on the road.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Doug Pederson: C-
Pederson’s Jaguars didn’t play their best game of the season, but they emerged on top and defeated the Tennessee Titans 10-6, thanks to their heroics in the fourth quarter. Mac Jones threw two interceptions with no touchdown passes, Tank Bigsby scored the team’s only touchdown, and Brian Thomas Jr. had 86 receiving yards. The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, had two sacks but no interceptions.
Head coach Pederson’s team was able to snap their five-game losing streak but lost out on possibly obtaining the first overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. Pederson said returning to the win column felt great as his team fought their tails off. The Jaguars return home in week 15 and will welcome the New York Jets to town.
Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid: B
Reid’s Chiefs looked like they were going to blow out the Los Angeles Chargers, but the Chargers fought back in the second half of the game. Fortunately, the Chiefs narrowly won 19-17 due to a field goal hitting the left upright and somehow managing to go through for the score. Patrick Mahomes threw a touchdown to DeAndre Hopkins with no interceptions, Isiah Pacheco had 55 rushing yards, and Travis Kelce had 45 receiving yards.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, had three sacks but no interceptions against Justin Herbert. Reid said it’s been a unique year for the team so far, as they’ve won all of their games in one-score contests and have praised the leadership of Mahomes, Kelce, and Chris Jones, helping out the new additions to the Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders: Antonio Pierce: D
Pierce’s Raiders had another painful afternoon in their 13-28 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Aidan O’Connell threw an interception and scored a rushing touchdown in the second quarter but left with a bruised knee bone. Sincere McCormick had 78 rushing yards, and Michael Mayer had 68 receiving yards.
The defense, coached by Pierce and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, had four sacks, a fumble recovery, and two interceptions. Pierce, Silver, and Black continue making the same mistakes, with poor game management issues. They had opportunities to make some noise on fourth and short but opted to punt instead. Pierce and the Raiders return home and will welcome the Atlanta Falcons to town.
Los Angeles Chargers: Jim Harbaugh: B-
Harbaugh’s Chargers put up a good fight against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half of the game but ultimately lost 17-19 due to a lucky field goal made by Chiefs kicker Matthew Wright. Justin Herbert threw a touchdown to Quentin Johnston, Gus Edwards scored a rushing touchdown, and Joshau Palmer had 78 receiving yards.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, had three sacks but no interceptions. Harbaugh said, “Reminded of Sir Andrew Barton: ‘Fight on my men, I’m a little wounded, but not slain. I’ll lay down and bleed a while, then we’ll rise and fight again.’” Harbaugh also said he has respect for the Chiefs and his team for putting up a physical fight until the very end.
Los Angeles Rams: Sean McVay: A-
McVay’s Rams had a tremendous afternoon on offense, as they won a very close 44-42 neck-and-neck offensive battle against the Buffalo Bills. Matthew Stafford threw two touchdowns with no interceptions, Kyren Williams scored a rushing touchdown, Cooper Kupp scored a touchdown, and Puka Nacua scored a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown. The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Chris Shula, had a nonexistent afternoon against Josh Allen.
Coach McVay praised star NFL quarterback Allen by referring to him as an alien because of all he has done on the field so far. McVay was also very proud of his team for their tremendous job on offense. McVay and the Rams travel to Santa Clara, CA, for a week 15 divisional showdown against the San Francisco 49ers.
Miami Dolphins: Mike McDaniel: B
McDaniel’s Dolphins played a very competitive battle against the New York Jets and won 32-26 in overtime. Tua Tagovailoa threw two touchdowns with no interceptions, De’Von Achane scored a rushing touchdown, Tyreek Hill scored a touchdown, and Jonnu Smith scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, had three sacks against Aaron Rodgers but no interceptions. McDaniel’s team played well but needed to pick up the pace when the Jets started to make noise in the third quarter. Luckily, kicker Jason Sanders sent the game to overtime while Jonnu Smith hauled in the game-winning touchdown, keeping the team’s playoff ambitions alive while ending the Jets’ playoff hopes.
Minnesota Vikings: Kevin O’Connell: A-
O’Connell’s Vikings had a very exhilarating afternoon in their 42-21 win over the Atlanta Falcons and their former quarterback, Kirk Cousins. Sam Darnold threw five touchdowns with no interceptions, Aaron Jones scored a rushing touchdown, Jordan Addison scored three receiving touchdowns, and Justin Jefferson scored two receiving touchdowns.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, had a sack and two interceptions against Kirk Cousins. O’Connell said the Vikings’ offense grew up today as Darnold, Jones, Jefferson, and Addison shined all game long. O’Connell also said he loves Kirk Cousins as a person, and is thankful for the time he was able to coach him during his time as a Viking. O’Connell’s Vikings remain home and will welcome the Chicago Bears to town in week 15.
New England Patriots: Jerod Mayo: Bye Week
Mayo’s Patriots have had a rough season, but Mayo and the Pats found their quarterback in Drake Maye and have some good playmakers on defense in Christian Gonzalez and Christian Barmore. The Patriots return to action in week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals in the desert.
New Orleans Saints: Darren Rizzi: C-
Rizzi and the Saints didn’t play a good game, but they escaped MetLife Stadium with a 14-11 win over the woeful New York Giants. Derek Carr threw a touchdown to Juwan Johnson against an interception, Kendre Miller scored a rushing touchdown, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling had 51 receiving yards.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Joe Woods, had two sacks, an interception, and a blocked field goal. Rizzi said the defense controlled most of the game until the Giants tried to make a comeback in the fourth quarter. Coach Rizzi said the offense and special NFL teams need to clean things up moving forward but is satisfied with the win.
New York Giants: Brian Daboll: D-
Daboll’s Giants had a brutal afternoon, as they lost 11-14 against the New Orleans Saints at home. Drew Lock threw an interception with no touchdown passes, Tyrone Tracy Jr. scored a rushing touchdown, and Malik Nabers had 79 receiving yards. The defense, coached by Shane Bowen, had two sacks, and Tre Hawkins III had the team’s first interception since week one.
Daboll said it was a very disappointing game, with the blocked field goal in the end as well as too many penalties affecting the outcome of the game. To make matters more insulting for Daboll and the Giants, a plane flew over MetLife Stadium with a sign that said, “Mr. Mara, enough, please fix this dumpster fire.” Daboll said, “Look, we’ve won two games. I’m not happy either.” Daboll and the Giants remain home and will welcome the Baltimore Ravens to town in week 15.
New York Jets: Jeff Ulbrich: C
Ulbrich’s Jets played a good game in South Beach against the Miami Dolphins. Unfortunately, penalties and small mistakes cost them the win in their 26-32 overtime loss. Aaron Rodgers threw a touchdown to Davante Adams, Isaiah Davis scored a rushing touchdown, and Garrett Wilson had 114 receiving yards.
The defense had no sacks or interceptions but managed to hold the Dolphins’ rushing attack to a combined 44 yards on the ground and had four pass deflections. Ulbrich’s Jets were also eliminated from playoff contention despite the good efforts on offense.
Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Sirianni: B+
Sirianni’s Eagles won a much closer-than-expected 22-16 battle against the Carolina Panthers. Jalen Hurts threw two touchdowns and scored a rushing touchdown, Saquon Barkley had 124 rushing yards, and DeVonta Smith and Grant Calcaterra both scored touchdowns. The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, had a sack and an interception against Bryce Young. Sirianni praised his team for playing hard and enjoying the journey while learning from their mistakes.
However, A.J. Brown has not been happy with Jalen Hurts recently and the passing attack. Sirianni said he took it as a sign that the passing attack needs to improve, and he likes Brown and Hurts, who want to improve every week.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Tomlin: B+
Tomlin’s Steelers had a solid afternoon in their 27-14 win over the Cleveland Browns. Russell Wilson threw two touchdowns with no interceptions, Najee Harris scored a rushing touchdown, and Pat Freiermuth and Van Jefferson both scored touchdowns. The defense, coached by Tomlin and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, had two interceptions and three sacks.
Russell Wilson praised Tomlin and referred to him as the best coach in the NFL due to his leadership, communication, and demeanor. Tomlin appreciated the efforts of the team after finding their traction in the game.
San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan: A-
Shanahan’s 49ers had a very impressive rebound game, winning 38-13 against the Chicago Bears. Brock Purdy threw two touchdowns to Jauan Jennings with no interceptions, Isaac Guerendo had two rushing touchdowns, and George Kittle had 151 receiving yards. The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Nick Sorenson, had seven sacks and a fumble recovery.
Shanahan said the team needed this massive victory after losing three straight games and was proud of the way his team fought against the Bears. Unfortunately for Shanahan, Guerendo went out with a foot injury. If Guerendo is out long-term, the 49ers need to find the next man up.
Seattle Seahawks: Mike Macdonald: A-
Macdonald’s Seahawks traveled to the desert and earned an impressive 30-18 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Geno Smith threw a touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba with no interceptions, and Zach Charbonnet scored two rushing touchdowns. The defense, coached by Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde, had two sacks and two interceptions against Kyler Murray. Coach Macdonald said the team is putting it all together as the NFL season winds down.
Macdonald had huge praise for the Seahawks’ rushing attack (mainly Charbonnet), who had 134 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns) for finding ways to make explosive plays, thanks to the offensive line playing their tails off.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Todd Bowles: B
Bowles Bucs’ had a nice victory, defeating the woeful Las Vegas Raiders 28-13, even though Baker Mayfield struggled in the first half. Mayfield threw three touchdowns against two interceptions, Rachaad White scored a rushing touchdown, and Mike Evans had 69 receiving yards.
The defense had a fumble recovery, two sacks, and an interception against Aidan O’Connell. Bowles said the team was able to get it done and was proud to get the win at home before their two-game road trip, as guys stepped up in the secondary. Bowles and the Bucs travel to the West Coast for a week 15 showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Tennessee Titans: Brian Callahan: D
Callahan’s Titans lost a very low-scoring battle against the Jacksonville Jaguars, 6-10, and failed to score a single touchdown in the game. Will Levis threw no touchdowns or interceptions, Tony Pollard rushed for 102 yards, Calvin Ridley had 59 receiving yards, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine almost caught the potential game-winning touchdown but wasn’t able to snag it.
The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, had a sack and two interceptions. The defense played fair, but Callahan’s offense couldn’t get the job done. Callahan said he saw a lot of positive things on defense, but the team couldn’t execute when it mattered most. Callahan’s Titans remain home in week 15 when the Cincinnati Bengals come to town.
Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn: Bye Week
Quinn’s Commander has been very exciting to watch in the 2024 season, in large part due to the rise of Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, and Brian Robinson Jr. Quinn told the team to take things step-by-step, as they have a good chance of making it to the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 season.
Also Read: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams’ Head Coaches From WORST To FIRST After Week 13 Games Of The 2024 Season
