Happy New Year! Week 17 saw some incredible coaches secure some very well-needed wins on New Year’s Eve over opposing teams while other coaches barely scratched the bottom of the barrel and had the frown of defeat in a pile of spent confetti as the 2023 season ended. Other coaches in the league end the season with question marks over their heads on whether they’ll remain with their respective teams for the upcoming 2024 season.
Here is where all 32 NFL Team coaches look after week 17 games:
Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon: B (Last week D)
Jonathan Gannon led the Arizona Cardinals on the road to a shocking 35-31 victory against a heavily favored Philadelphia Eagles team. The Cardinals had a slow start in the first half but once the second half began, the Cardinals started to drop points, played a very competitive battle with the Eagles, and climbed out of a 6-21 halftime hole. Gannon was the defensive coordinator in Philadelphia before getting hired by the Cardinals from 2021 to 2022 which gave the Red Birds a slight advantage of knowing how to attack the Eagles’ struggling offense head-on despite the Cardinals not being a playoff team.
Atlanta Falcons: Arthur Smith: D+ (Last week B-)
Arthur Smith and the Falcons returned to reality as they lost 17-37 to the Chicago Bears. Taylor Henicke struggled all game as he threw one touchdown against three interceptions but scored a rushing touchdown. The Falcons defense had three sacks but couldn’t get any turnovers all game. With this loss, Smith’s future with the Falcons is in question as they try to focus on winning against the New Orleans Saints in week 18.
Baltimore Ravens: John Harbaugh: A (Last week A)
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
John Harbaugh coached another incredible game as the Ravens dominated the Miami Dolphins 56-19. Lamar Jackson played at an elite level and earned his third Pro Bowl nod. Six other Ravens also made the Pro Bowl thanks to Harbaugh’s physical and aggressive coaching style that kept the Ravens’ strong momentum very high all game long as they secured the one-seed to the playoffs.
Buffalo Bills: Sean McDermott: B- (Last week B-)
Sean McDermott coached a good game as the Bills defeated the New England Patriots 27-21. Josh Allen continues to be a good game manager and runner despite needing to throw fewer interceptions during game play. The Bills’ defense continues to play well by forcing three interceptions against Bailey Zappe as the team heads into week 18 for an AFC East showdown against the Miami Dolphins.
Carolina Panthers: Chris Tabor: F (Last week C-)
Chris Tabor’s Panthers fell back to earth as they suffered a humiliating 0-26 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tabor’s squad suffered injuries before and during the game to kicker Eddie Pineiro and Marquis Hayes who was being evaluated for a concussion. The Panthers on the field played very badly as Bryce Young struggled all game long. With the 2023 season almost over, Tabor will very likely return to being an assistant coach with the team or find another home that will gladly welcome him with open arms.
Chicago Bears: Matt Eberflus: B- (Last week C-)
It’s been a mixed bag for Matt Eberflus as the Bears were eliminated from playoff contention despite getting the 37-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Rumors began to swirl on whether Eberflus will be back with the Bears in 2024 he said all the rumors are noise as he wants to focus on coaching. The defense has also played much better with Eberflus doing the playcalling and the potential for Eberflus to improve from this season in 2024 is possible depending on what direction the Bears take once the 2023 season concludes.
Cincinnati Bengals: Zac Taylor: C- (Last week D+)
Zac Taylor’s Bengals played average as they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-25. The Bengals’ offense struggled as Jake Browning was sacked six times and the Bengals’ receivers or tight ends couldn’t even reach 50 receiving yards. Ja’Marr Chase had 41 receiving yards on the afternoon. Taylor wants to get a win over the Cleveland Browns in week 18, but the Bengals are 0-5 against divisional opponents. The Bengals’ offensive line has also been a mess, all season long, and Taylor needs to help fix that offensive line if the team wants to have a more successful 2024 season.
Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski: B+ (Last week B-)
Kevin Stefanski’s Browns had a massive Thursday night as they trampled the New York Jets 37-20, and punched their ticket to the playoffs, for the first time since 2020. Stefanski’s offense with Joe Flacco under center looks extremely scary, as well as the defense led by defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Stefanski is very confident in his team despite the injuries to Deshaun Watson and Nick Chubb earlier in the season. Don’t be surprised if the Browns under Stefanski’s leadership make a potentially serious run in the playoffs.
Dallas Cowboys: Mike McCarthy: B (Last week B-)
Mike McCarthy’s Cowboys played a very tough battle with the Detroit Lions that ended in controversy with a terrible call against Taylor Decker. McCarthy’s defense led by Dan Quinn played very well as they intercepted Jared Goff twice and put some pressure on the Lions’ offense as they secured first place in the NFC East for now.
Denver Broncos: Sean Payton: (Last week C)
Sean Payton’s Broncos secured a 16-9 win over the struggling Los Angeles Chargers despite benching Russell Wilson for Jared Stidham and getting eliminated from playoff contention. Payton defended his handling of benching Wilson in favor of Stidham despite pushback from the NFLPA. The Broncos’ defense played somewhat well in the victory over the Chargers as they had a fumble recovery and a sack. If Wilson is released from the Broncos, Payton needs to find a better quarterback, while also doing some potential damage control on the Wilson drama off the field.
Detroit Lions: Dan Campbell: B- (Last week A-)
Dan Campbell’s Lions lost 19-20 in a very controversial game to the Dallas Cowboys due to the referee’s call against Taylor Decker- despite him telling the refs he was listed as an eligible receiver. Campbell’s team played well, as they fought tooth and nail against the Cowboys before the disputed call took place. At the end of the day, Campbell has the Lions moving in the right direction, as they focus on closing out the 2023 season on a positive note and preparing themselves for the upcoming playoffs.
Green Bay Packers: Matt LaFleur: B+ (Last week B)
Matt LeFleur’s Packers kept their playoff ambitions alive with a 33-10 victory on the road against the NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings on New Year’s Eve. LeFleur deciphered the Vikings’ defense as Jordan Love picked them apart with three touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown in the night. LeFleur and the Packers need to secure a win over the Chicago Bears if they want to finish the season on a positive note and potentially make it back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2021 season.
Houston Texans: DeMeco Ryans: B (Last week B-)
DeMeco Ryans coached very well on New Year’s Eve as the Texans defeated the Tennessee Titans 26-3. Ryans’ offense had C.J. Stroud return to action, as he tore apart the Titans’ defense, with 213 passing yards and a touchdown pass. The Texans’ defense had a Sheldon Rankins fumble recovery turned touchdown which helped the Texans keep their winning momentum, all game long. Ryans and the Texans look to close the 2023 season out with a win and potential playoff berth against the Indianapolis Colts, who also need the win to secure that playoff berth.
Indianapolis Colts: Shane Steichen: B- (Last week D-)
Shane Steichen rebounded from week 16’s upset loss to the Atlanta Falcons to a respectable 23-20 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Steichen may be satisfied with the win over the Raiders but is his team ready for the Colts’ week 18 AFC South showdown with the Houston Texans? A playoff spot is on the line, as well as potentially the AFC South title up for grabs depending on how the Jacksonville Jaguars do against the Tennessee Titans. What Steichen has done for the Colts, so far has been very impressive, as he turned this losing franchise into a potential playoff dark horse team that isn’t afraid to fight against very challenging opponents.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Doug Pederson: B- (Last week D+)
Doug Pederson did a good job helping the Jaguars back into the win column after being on a four-game losing skid with a shutout 26-0 win over the struggling and woeful Carolina Panthers. Even with Trevor Lawrence missing some time, due to a right shoulder injury, C.J. Beathard played fair as he helped the team get the win. Pederson will fare better if Lawrence gets healthy and returns just in time for the playoffs.
Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid: B- (Last week D+)
It wasn’t easy, but Andy Reid’s Chiefs secured the 25-17 AFC-West by locking up the victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, despite the team struggling with wide receivers, most of the season. Reid was also excited for guys who weren’t on the Chiefs a season ago who got to be a part of the team that got to see what it is like to win a conference over their opponent like Drew Tranquill and Neil Farrell Jr. respectively. Defensively, the Chiefs played well with guys like Chris Jones being good leaders on that side of the ball and helping the Chiefs defeat the Bengals with six sacks in the afternoon.
Las Vegas Raiders: Antonio Pierce: C (Last week B+)
Antonio Pierce did not get a win for the Raiders in the team’s 20-23 loss to the Indianapolis Colts but coached well enough to lead the team against the Colts. Mark Davis isn’t sure if Pierce is the guy as he potentially wants to hire a big name to coach the 2024. Davante Adams did give his support for Pierce as he wants to see a return to coaching the Raiders in 2024 given all that he has accomplished ever since Josh McDaniels was shown the exit door in the middle of the season earlier.
Los Angeles Chargers: Giff Smith: (Last week C-)
Despite losing to the Denver Broncos 9-16 in week 17, the players on the Chargers have thrown their support around Giff Smith despite his lack of head coaching experience. Smith also had some high praise for Khalil Mack who secured his 100th sack of his career in the loss and looks to have the Chargers finish on a positive note despite not being a playoff-caliber team this season.
Los Angeles Rams: Sean McVay: B- (Last week B)
Sean McVay’s squad had to duke it out with the New York Giants in the Ram’s 26-25 victory but got the win thanks to the help of Matthew Stafford’s production as well as the production of the young talent on the team like Puka Nacua who made his first Pro Bowl this season for all he’s done so far. McVay admitted the special teams on the Rams have struggled for the majority of the season and need to get fixed before week 18’s matchup against the San Francisco 49ers and before they begin the upcoming playoffs.
Miami Dolphins: Mike McDaniel: D (Last week B+)
It was a brutal day for Mike McDaniel’s Dolphins as they lost to the Baltimore Ravens 19-56. The Dolphins struggled on offense with Tua Tagovailoa throwing two touchdowns against two interceptions, Bradley Chubb leaving the game with a torn ACL injury, and Jaylen Warren out with an ankle injury. The injuries are going to have a significant impact on the Dolphins’ playoff survival as they prepare for a matchup against the Buffalo Bills with the AFC East crown on the line and whoever the Dolphins square off against in the first round of the playoffs.
Minnesota Vikings: Kevin O’Connell: D (Last week D+)
It was a very disappointing week 17 for Kevin O’Connell’s Vikings as they lost 10-33 to the Green Bay Packers. O’Connell made a massive mistake in letting Jaren Hill start over Nick Mullens as he threw one interception and was sacked three times in the loss while Mullens threw a touchdown and was sacked once. O’Connell took responsibility for the loss as it’s a tough look for the Vikings as they try to win out against the Detroit Lions and possibly earn a playoff spot if the Packers lose to the Chicago Bears.
New England Patriots: Bill Belichick: C- (Last week C-)
Bill Belichick’s Patriots started week 17 with a Jalen Reagor kick-return for a touchdown but the Patriots lost 21-27. The Patriots’ rushing attack played well as Bailey Zappe and Ezekiel Elliot both scored rushing touchdowns. Belichick’s defense also played well as the Patriots forced Josh Allen to throw an interception that was returned for a pick-six in the effort against the Bills. With this loss, Belichick’s rumored exit from New England inches closer and closer as it will be interesting to see Belichick’s next move whether he retires from coaching or coaches another team.
New Orleans Saints: Dennis Allen: B (Last week C+)
Dennis Allen and the Saints showed they still have some fight left in them as they defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-19. Derek Carr played a solid game as he threw two touchdowns against no interceptions in the afternoon as well as the Saints’ defense that had two interceptions against Baker Mayfield. Rumors are swirling that Allen and Carr are expected to be back next season but offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. might be shown the door as the Saints’ offense struggled, at times, during the 2023 season as they look to improve in the 2024 regular season.
New York Giants: Brian Daboll: (Last week C- )
2023 has not been kind to Brian Daboll and the Giants, as they lost a very close 25-26 matchup to the Los Angeles Rams in week 17. Despite the loss, where Tyrod Taylor threw a touchdown against an interception, as well as the offense struggling all game long, Daboll has to fix the woeful offensive line immediately when Daniel Jones recovers from his ACL surgery in the 2024 season if the G-Men want to return to the playoffs. As for week 18, Daboll wants to see the Giants finish on a positive note although it’s easier said than done against the Philadelphia Eagles who are looking to win the NFC East outright.
New York Jets: Robert Saleh: D (Last week C)
It was a very rough Thursday night for Robert Saleh’s Jets, as they fell 20-37 to the Cleveland Browns. The offense fell flat in the second half as they only mustered a field goal in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Saleh continues to praise Zach Wilson in press conferences despite him being in concussion protocol and not going to play in week 18 against the New England Patriots. Salah’s defense continued to play well and have two Pro Bowlers in Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. Salah needs this disappointing season to end, so he and Joe Douglas can work on retooling the offense to help protect Aaron Rodgers when he returns to action in the 2024 season.
Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Sirianni: D+ (Last week B-)
Nick Sirianni’s Eagles started week 17 with the Eagles up 21-6 against the Arizona Cardinals before letting that lead slip away in the second half of the game which resulted in a 31-35 loss to the Red Birds. Sirianni told reporters he plans to continue having the calling duties on the defensive side of the ball as well as mentioned he should’ve been more aggressive with the offense as they struggled in the second half by not being able to score any points in the third quarter. The loss to the Cardinals also gave the San Francisco 49ers the one-seed to the NFC playoffs and the Dallas Cowboys first place in the NFC for now which the Eagles hope to potentially regain in week 18.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Tomlin: B- (Last week C)
Mike Tomlin and the Steelers have had a rough season with injuries at quarterback to struggles at quarterback despite the offensive line playing decent. Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs showed support for Tomlin despite the Steelers’ recent struggles and losing streak that was snapped in the Steelers’ week 16 game over the Cincinnati Bengals and their week 17 30-23 win over the Seattle Seahawks. Tomlin has also put Kenny Pickett on the chopping block and isn’t afraid to do so for next season even though benching Pickett during the season finale against the Baltimore Ravens could hurt the Steelers long-term in the 2024 season but you never know what can happen next season.
San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan: A- (Last week C-)
Kyle Shanahan’s team rebounded from week 16’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens to securing a strong win in their week 17 matchup against the Washington Commanders. Brock Purdy returned to playing great football as he threw two touchdowns and no interceptions in the victory. Because of Shanahan’s leadership, Purdy was voted to his first Pro Bowl and helped the 49ers secure the one seed in the NFC playoffs. It’s only upward and onward for Shanahan as he tries to lead his 49ers on a strong playoff push toward the Super Bowl.
Seattle Seahawks: Pete Carroll: C- (Last week B-)
It was a rough afternoon for Pete Carroll as the Seahawks lost 23-30 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Seahawks’ defense struggled to stop Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren as both of them scored rushing touchdowns against them. Defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt might be shown the exit door at the end of the 2023 season as well as Carroll depending on how the Seahawks finish out whether they make the playoffs or not which is hard to tell. One thing for certain, is the Seahawks’ defense needs to improve for the 2024 season, if they want to be relevant again.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Todd Bowles: C (Last week B+)
Todd Bowles’ Buccaneers struggled in their week 17 13-23 loss to the New Orleans Saints as they head into week 18 with everything on the line for the team: A chance at winning the NFC South and a playoff appearance if they beat the woeful Carolina Panthers. If the Buccaneers somehow lose to the Panthers and if the Saints defeat the Atlanta Falcons, the Bucs might not be afraid to let Bowles and offensive coordinator Dave Canales go after the 2023 season concludes. It’s been a rollercoaster of a season for the Bucs as things have been a mixed bag for them but Bowles wants to finish the season on a high note and secure the NFC South crown for the team.
Tennessee Titans: Mike Vrabel: D- (Last week D+)
Mike Vrabel’s Titans struggled for their lives in their 3-26 loss at home to the Houston Texans. Vrabel wants to be back in Nashville as he said it sucks losing. Vrabel’s Titans need to focus on week 18 and spoiling the Jacksonville Jaguars’ chances of making the playoffs as he and the Titans need to fix the offensive line immediately which can protect Will Levis who the Titans need to move forward with if they do release Ryan Tannehill in the 2024 offseason. Vrabel deserves a lot better than what he is currently dealing with!
Washington Commanders: Ron Rivera: D- (Last week D-)
Despite the massive seven-game losing streak, the former 2013 and 2015 Coach of the Year will stick with a struggling Sam Howell in the Commanders’ week 18 finale against the Dallas Cowboys. Despite being on the hot seat, Rivera said the Commanders are in a better place despite currently having a 4-12 record and in last place in the NFC East. Rivera also noted that things are looking up for the Commanders with Dan Snyder no longer the owner of the team but it doesn’t help his chances of coming back in the 2024 season as the Commanders are set to begin a massive rebuild.
