Week 18 saw some head coaches have an excellent end to the regular season and punched their tickets to the playoffs, some as wildcard teams. Other coaches saw their teams struggle as they were eliminated from playoff contention or had nothing to show by season’s end, which resulted in a parting of the ways. Change is in the winter air.
Here is where all 32 NFL Team coaches look after week 18 games:
Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon: C- (Last week B)
Despite losing to the Seattle Seahawks 20-21, Jonathan Gannon is very confident in the Cardinals rebounding in the 2024 season. Gannon’s squad also lacks Pro Bowl-like wide receivers and tight ends for Kyler Murray to work with, which hurt the Cardinals all season long. Despite that, the Cardinals under Gannon’s leadership are in good hands and need to have a strong rebuild during the offseason.
Atlanta Falcons: Arthur Smith: D- (Last week D+)
It was a brutal afternoon for Arthur Smith and the Falcons as they lost 17-48 to the New Orleans Saints. Smith’s team was outplayed and outscored by a Saints with nothing to lose on a hectic Sunday afternoon. Hours after the game ended, Smith was relieved of his coaching duties as the Falcons begin their search for a new head coach.
Baltimore Ravens: John Harbaugh: C+ (Last week A)
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The Ravens may have lost 10-17 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a somewhat meaningless game for them, but Harbaugh was resting his starters for the AFC Divisional round. Despite the loss, the backups played fair as the Ravens get prepared for the playoffs.
Buffalo Bills: Sean McDermott: B+ (Last week B-)
Sean McDermott’s Bills played a close neck-and-neck battle against the Miami Dolphins and not only won 21-14 but also stole the AFC East crown from their division rivals. Josh Allen may have thrown two touchdowns against two interceptions in the game. Still, the Bills’ defense under McDermott’s leadership made things very tough for the Dolphins as they prepare themselves for their playoff matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Carolina Panthers: Chris Tabor: F (Last week F)
It was a very rough Sunday for Chris Tabor’s Panthers, as they lost their last game of the season 0-9 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Panthers lack strong offensive talent for Bryce Young to work with outside of China Hubbard and DJ Chark Jr. There’s a strong chance Tabor finds work elsewhere as an assistant coach or goes back to his role as the Panthers’ special teams coordinator.
Chicago Bears: Matt Eberflus: D (Last week B-)
Matt Eberflus’ team lost 9-17 to a very competitive Green Bay Packers and the Bears decided not to fire him after the game. However, the Bears did fire offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocka, running backs coach Omar Young, wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert, and assistant tight ends coach Tim Zetts. With those firings, Eberflus will be on the hunt to find a strong offensive coaching staff to help improve the Bears’ offense for the 2024 regular season.
Cincinnati Bengals: Zac Taylor: C+ (Last week C-)
Zac Taylor’s Bengals finally got their first and only divisional win in a 31-14 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Jake Browning and company played a good game and finished the 2023 season on a positive note, with a victory. Taylor will be looking forward to beginning the push for the 2024 regular season with names like Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins starting the new season healthy and ready to go in week one.
Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski: C (Last week B+)
Kevin Stefanski benched Joe Flacco, to rest him for the playoffs, which may have contributed to losing to the Cincinnati Bengals 14-31. Regardless, Stefanski believes the game was a great learning experience for the backups who rarely have this type of game action. The Browns’ defense played very well, with three sacks and an interception on the afternoon. Stefanski and company now turn their focus on the playoffs for their matchup against the Houston Texans.
Dallas Cowboys: Mike McCarthy: B+ (Last week B)
Mike McCarthy’s Cowboys played aggressively and physically in their 38-10 beat down victory over the Washington Commanders. Dak Prescott played very well, with four touchdowns against one interception and wasn’t sacked at all. The Cowboys’ defense also had two interceptions as McCarthy’s team kept the momentum going and won the NFC East. They are headed into the playoffs with a matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Denver Broncos: Sean Payton: D (Last week C+)
Sean Payton’s Broncos finished the 2023 season on a sour note with a 14-27 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Broncos had some opportunities to finish the season on a high note but didn’t execute when needed. Payton was disappointed with how the team ran the ball despite Javonte Williams scoring a rushing touchdown in the loss to the Raiders. Payton also needs to find a new quarterback to take the helm of offensive leader with rumors circulating that Russell Wilson is possibly done in Denver once the offseason begins. We’ll see what happens next.
Detroit Lions: Dan Campbell: B+ (Last week B)
Dan Campbell’s squad stepped up and handled their business with a strong 30-20 victory at home over the Minnesota Vikings, as they get prepared for their playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The Lions looked sharp and focused as they put their painful 19-20 loss from week 17 behind them. This was an excellent showing against the Vikings. Campbell can focus his team toward the playoffs, as they get prepared for their home matchup with the Los Angeles Rams.
Green Bay Packers: Matt LaFleur: B+ (Last week B+)
Matt LaFleur’s Packers wrapped up the 2023 season with a 17-9 victory over the Chicago Bears. Jordan Love played very well with two touchdowns against no interceptions and Aaron Jones had a strong day on the ground with 111 rushing yards. With the win, the Packers also clinched a wildcard spot in the playoffs, and will square off against the Dallas Cowboys. LaFleur isn’t worried about the Packers’ lack of playoff experience and has full confidence in his roster.
Houston Texans: DeMeco Ryans: B+ (Last week B)
DeMeco Ryans’ Texans delivered more than just a 23-19 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, they also secured the AFC South crown- and a trip to the playoffs in the process. What Ryans has done with the Texans all season long has been beyond special. He became the first rookie head coach to win a division title and lead the team to the playoffs with a rookie quarterback in C.J. Stroud and a rookie offensive coordinator in Bobby Slowik. Ryans and company have a tough test ahead of them in the playoffs, with a challenge against an aggressive Cleveland Browns team. Ryans did offer advice for Slowik, who will interviewing for a head coach spot. “Be Selective”, as teams and coaches try to find the right system that will blend perfectly.
Indianapolis Colts: Shane Steichen: C- (Last week B-)
Shane Steichen’s Colts came very close to stunning the Houston Texans in their 19-23 loss at home, which also ended their chances of reaching the playoffs. Gardner Minshew could’ve played better, as he didn’t throw any touchdowns or interceptions and had ample opportunities to make scoring plays, but came up short. Steichen’s Colts will be back in 2024 with a healthy Anthony Richardson and a hopefully more revamped Colts lineup, that can return to the playoffs.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Doug Pederson: D+ (Last week B-)
Doug Pederson’s Jaguars had a potential playoff spot right in their hands, but it all slipped away in the team’s 20-28 loss to the Tennessee Titans. After the loss, Pederson fired defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell, and running backs coach Bernie Parmalee, and didn’t renew the contract of offensive line coach Todd Washington. The Jaguars didn’t play their best either, but coaching changes are necessary if the team wants to return to the playoffs in the 2024 season. Pederson will need to find new coaches, who can help fix the Jaguars, so they can avoid looking stale in the 2024 season.
Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid: B (Last week B-)
Andy Reid may not have played his starters, who were resting for their playoff matchup with the Miami Dolphins, but they secured the 13-12 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Reid was very proud of his backups, even though Blaine Gabbert threw an interception against no touchdowns. Mike Edwards had a great game with a fumble recovery for the game’s only touchdown. This was certainly an end of season tasty treat for the Chiefs, as they chewed their way through the Dolphins to victory- just in time for the playoffs.
Las Vegas Raiders: Antonio Pierce: B+ (Last week C)
Antonio Pierce may not be going to the playoffs with the Raiders, but he did bring a positive culture change to the organization. Especially after their 27-14 victory over the Denver Broncos. The Tennessee Titans want to interview Pierce for their head coaching vacancy, after they fired Mike Vrabel, but cornerback Jack Jones threatened a boycott if Pierce isn’t brought back as head coach. Pierce has done wonders for the Raiders as a whole, despite not making the playoffs. If the Raiders can hold onto Pierce, it would be well worth every penny.
Los Angeles Chargers: Giff Smith: C- (Last week C-)
Giff Smith’s Chargers came up very short, yet very close, in their 12-13 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bolts need a new head coach to lead them to victory in the 2024 season. Smith interviewed for the head coaching job, but there’s still a possibility someone else can secure the Chargers’ head coaching role. Smith returns to being the linebackers coach. There is also a chance that he land a role as a defensive coach for another team. The possibilities are endless for Smith moving forward. However the coaching sorts out in the end, the Chargers’ roster will be much better in 2024 with a healthier Justin Herbert.
Los Angeles Rams: Sean McVay: B (Last week B-)
McVay and the Rams finished the 2023 season on a high note with a 21-20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. McVay was happy for Puka Nacua breaking the rookie single-season total receptions and receiving yards record, previously held by Bill Groman of the Houston Oilers back in 1960. Carson Wentz played very well off the bench as Matthew Stafford got some well-deserved rest for the Rams’ playoff matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Miami Dolphins: Mike McDaniel: D+ (Last week D)
It was a very rough night for Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins as they lost 14-21 to a very aggressive Buffalo Bills team. Tua Tagovailoa had a rough day on the field as he threw a touchdown against two interceptions which cost the team a chance at the two-seed and the AFC East crown which the Bills secured on their end. McDaniel and the Dolphins have a tough road test ahead of them with a playoff matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings: Kevin O’Connell: D+ (Last week D)
Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings did not have a good finish to the 2023 regular season, as they lost 20-30 to the Detroit Lions. GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell are going to do whatever they can to try and bring Kirk Cousins back in 2024, as he recovers from his Achilles injury and is set to become a free agent. O’Connell also has to improve the Vikings running game for 2024, with the loss of Cam Akers to an Achilles injury. If Cousins does leave Minnesota via free agency, O’Connell needs to look at other potential quarterbacks to bring in via free agency or the NFL Draft, if the Vikings want to have a successful season.
New England Patriots: Bill Belichick: D (Last week C-)
Belichick’s Patriots suffered their first loss to the New York Jets since the 2015 season as the Patriots closed their disastrous season out in a 3-17 loss. Rumors are circulating whether Belichick is out as head coach with the Patriots after a long and historic run with the team from 2000 where he won six Super Bowl Championships and a countless amount of AFC East championships. Regardless of that, the Patriots have to find a new quarterback since Mac Jones was benched for Bailey Zappe and so far Zappe doesn’t appear to be the answer at quarterback either. It is the end of an era, with Belichick leaving New England. There will be countless teams wanting to interview the legendary head coach. All we can do is wait and see where Belichick decides to go.
New Orleans Saints: Dennis Allen: B+ (Last week B)
Dennis Allen’s Saints may have gotten the 48-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Allen made it clear that wasn’t happy with the Saints not taking a knee, which got Jamaal Williams a rushing touchdown on the last drive of the game. The Saints’ offense played a strong game with Derek Carr as he threw four touchdowns against no interceptions. However, despite the win, the Saints did not make the playoffs, and head into the offseason looking to have a better 2024 season.
New York Giants: Brian Daboll: B (Last week C- )
Brian Daboll and the Giants finished their disappointing 2023 season on a high note with a 27-10 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Saquon Barkley played well as he scored two rushing touchdown and Tyrod Taylor threw a touchdown against an interception in the victory. However, Daboll and the Giants need to repair the offensive line, as soon as possible, when Daniel Jones returns to action after recovering from his ACL injury. Daboll mentioned in a press conference that when a guy goes down, the next guy has to be ready to step up and be prepared for action no matter what happens. Now the 2024 offseason begins for the G-Men.
New York Jets: Robert Saleh: B+ (Last week D)
Robert Saleh’s Jets may not have played their best football for a majority of the season, but they did finish the 2023 season on a high note, with a 17-3 victory over the New England Patriots. Breece Hall had a strong game for Gang Green as he rushed for 178 yards on 37 carries and scored a rushing touchdown. The Jets’ defense played a very strong game as they had seven sacks and two interceptions in the victory. Saleh needs to get Aaron Rodgers more protection on the offensive line for the 2024 season, so the Jets do not finish the season with a below 0.500 record. They need to attract strong talent to play for the Jets via free agency or the 2024 NFL Draft.
Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Sirianni: D (Last week D+)
Nick Sirianni’s Eagles did not finish the 2023 regular season well, as they lost to the New York Giants 10-27 and lost a chance to win the NFC East as they travel to Florida for a playoff matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jalen Hurts played a rough game, throwing an interception against no touchdowns. He also injured a finger during the game. If Sirianni’s Eagles lose to the Bucs, in their upcoming playoff matchup, there is a chance the Eagles could potentially fire him. The Eagles need to play hard and physical, in the playoffs, like they did in the first half of the season- if they want Sirianni to stick around.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Tomlin: B- (Last week B-)
Mike Tomlin’s Steelers secured a wildcard spot as they defeated the Baltimore Ravens 17-10. The Steelers played hard and aggressive against their AFC North rival with a strong defensive performance from T.J. Watt, despite losing him to a grade II MCL strain in the process. Tomlin also had praise for Eric Rowe who had 12 tackles on defense and is a great impact on the Steelers. Tomlin and the Steelers set their focus on the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs.
San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan: B (Last week A-)
Despite the 49ers losing a razor thin 20-21 game to the Los Angeles Rams, Kyle Shanahan was very proud of the backups for putting up a strong fight until the very end. Shanahan praised Sam Darnold, who threw a touchdown against no interceptions on the afternoon. With the regular season in the books for the 49ers, Shanahan and the team set their sights on the NFC Divisional round of the playoffs as they figure out who their opponents will be moving forward.
Seattle Seahawks: Pete Carroll: B- (Last week C-)
Pete Carroll’s Seahawks finished the 2023 season on a nice positive note as they defeated the Arizona Cardinals 22-20 via a missed Matt Prater field goal. Carroll was very proud of his guys for winning, despite the very close score. Geno Smith and Tyler Lockett both played very well on offense while Bobby Wagner had a 15 tackle game on defense. However, Carroll announced he is stepping down from coaching as he is shifting his role with the Seahawks as an advisor to the team. Carroll has had quite the career with the Seahawks as he helped bring the franchise their first and so far only Super Bowl back in 2013. It’s now time for the Seahawks to find a new coach to take the helm.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Todd Bowles: (Last week C)
Todd Bowles’ Buccaneers had a very exciting finish to the regular season in a 9-0 victory over the Carolina Panthers, which also saw the Bucs make the playoffs and win the NFC South. The Bucs’ defense played very well with three sacks and two fumble recoveries as Bowles dropped a ton of praise on the defense and the running attack on offense. With the regular season officially in the books, the Bucs focus on facing off against the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs.
Tennessee Titans: Mike Vrabel: B- (Last week D-)
Mike Vrabel and the Titans finished their disappointing 2023 season on a positive note with a 28-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, but Vrabel was shockingly fired a couple days after the victory. Vrabel’s team played well as Ryan Tannehill threw two touchdowns against one interception and Derrick Henry rushed for 153 yards on 19 carries and scored a touchdown. The Titans’ defense also had two interceptions on the afternoon, as well. Vrabel unexpected sacking, could potentially hurt the Titans, for a good while as they join the ranks with other teams on the hunt for a new head coach. The gaining team, whoever they are, will benefit from hiring Vrabel- wherever he decides to go.
Washington Commanders: Ron Rivera: D- (Last week D-)
Ron Rivera’s 2023 season ended in disappointment, with a 10-38 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. He was also shown the exit door from the Commanders. Sam Howell played a woeful game, with one touchdown against two interceptions while the Commanders’ defense had no sacks but one interception from Jartavius Martin. Going through a change in ownership and a losing season hurts. But to put this in perspective, Rivera has had a successful coaching career, as a defensive coach, and as head coach of the Carolina Panthers. He can possibly find another head coaching gig, elsewhere, or go into broadcasting. The world is Rivera’s oyster.
