Week seven had some NFL head coaches turn things up as their teams earned massive victories, solidifying their status as bonafide hustlers for the 2024 season.
However, some coaches watched their teams implode and unravel. They certainly have a lot of things to improve on before the start of week eight. It’s not easy being a head coach in the NFL, where every win matters and every loss counts.
We have much more football to go before we find out who’ll earn the NFL Head Coach of the Year award or who’ll have to start hitting the job board websites for a new job.
Here are the grades for all 32 NFL teams’ head coaches after week seven games.
Who are the top NFL head coaches after week 7 of games?
Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon: B-
Gannon’s Cardinals didn’t play the best game, even though they earned a nice last-second 17-15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Kyler Murray threw a touchdown against an interception and scored a rushing touchdown, while James Conner rushed for 101 yards on the ground. The Redbirds’ defense, coached by defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, managed to sack Justin Herbert three times but couldn’t get any defensive turnovers on the night. Gannon’s kicker, Chad Ryland, was the hero for the team, as he kicked the game-winning field goal in the final seconds, earning the team second place in the very competitive NFC West… for now.
Atlanta Falcons: Raheem Morris: D
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Morris’ Falcons came out flat, as they were defeated at home by the Seattle Seahawks 14-34. Kirk Cousins threw a touchdown against two interceptions, while Bijan Robinson had a very nice afternoon on the ground, and Drake London scored a touchdown. On defense, defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake’s unit struggled to slow down Geno Smith and Kenneth Walker III as they tore through them. Morris said the team needs to improve on penalties and avoid turnovers as the team travels south for a week eight divisional rematch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Baltimore Ravens: John Harbaugh: A-
Harbaugh’s Ravens started their Monday night matchup slow against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and then ignited the gas in the second quarter and didn’t look back, as they won 41-31. Lamar Jackson had an incredible game as he threw five touchdowns against no interceptions, while Derrick Henry rushed for 169 yards and scored a receiving touchdown, Rashod Bateman had 121 receiving yards and scored a touchdown, Justice Hill scored a touchdown, and Mark Andrews scored two touchdowns. On defense, the Ravens had two interceptions from Marlon Humphrey and three sacks. The unit remains very fierce even though they started to lose some focus in the fourth quarter as the Bucs attempted a comeback. Regardless, Harbaugh, offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and defensive coordinator Zachary Orr deserve a lot of credit for coaching an excellent game.
Buffalo Bills: Sean McDermott: B+
McDermott’s Bills started the game slowly but came back from a 10-7 deficit and won 34-10 in dominating fashion. Josh Allen threw two touchdowns against no interceptions, Amari Cooper scored his first touchdown as a Bill, and the Bills’ defense, coached by McDermott and defensive coordinator Bobby Babich, was relentless against the struggling Tennessee Titans’ offense. McDermott’s Bills continue to move ahead, more each day, and he is very happy to have Amari Cooper on the team.
Carolina Panthers: Dave Canales: F
Canales’ Panthers looked like a train wreck as they were flattened by the Washington Commanders 7-40. Andy Dalton threw two costly interceptions, while Bryce Young threw two passes, which went nowhere, and the latter was benched for the remainder of the game. Canales’ defense was virtually ineffective as the Commanders ran and passed the ball all over an injury-depleted unit. The head coach told the press that his NFL team needed to take care of the ball much better. They need to look at the film and learn what to fix before their week eight matchup against the Denver Broncos on the road.
Chicago Bears: Matt Eberflus: Bye Week
Eberflus’ team has made some great moves in the last few weeks that have been very positive. Week eight will be a strong test as Eberflus and the Bears square off against the Washington Commanders on the road.
Cincinnati Bengals: Zac Taylor: B
Taylor’s Bengals had a solid afternoon as they defeated the Cleveland Browns 21-14. Joe Burrow threw two touchdowns against no interceptions, while both Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase played great, too. On defense, the Bengals, coached by defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, had four sacks and two interceptions on the day. Taylor told the press that the Bengals would continue to find ways to win ball games.
Also Read: 5 WORST NFL Head Coaches In The Game Today, And The 5 BEST That Always Dominate
Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski: D
Stefanski’s Browns continued to implode as they fell to the Cincinnati Bengals 14-21. Deshaun Watson threw no touchdowns or interceptions. He also suffered an Achilles injury, resulting in Dorian Thompson-Robinson coming in before leaving himself with a finger injury, as Jameis Winston came in and threw a touchdown pass to David Njoku. Nick Chubb returned with 22 rushing yards and scored a touchdown. The Browns’ defense played fairly, as they had three sacks but no interceptions on the day. Stefanski has to move on with Winston as they get prepared for their week eight matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at home.
Dallas Cowboys: Mike McCarthy: Bye Week
McCarthy’s Cowboys need to get back on track and make sure everyone is well-rested for their week eight showdown on the road against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football in week eight.
Denver Broncos: Sean Payton: B+
Sean Payton made his return to the Big Easy for the first time since he retired from coaching the Saints after the 2021 season. His Broncos defeated the New Orleans Saints 33-10. Bo Nix may not have thrown any touchdowns or interceptions. However, he and Javonte Williams used their legs to run past the Saints’ run defense… all night. On defense, defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s defense was relentless against Spencer Rattler with six sacks and two fumble recoveries and held the Saints’ offense, as they were held to 97 rushing yards all game. It was a great night for Payton, as his Broncos earned a very nice win against the team that made him a household name.
Detroit Lions: Dan Campbell: A-
Campbell’s Lions entered U.S. Bank Stadium for their week seven matchup against the Minnesota Vikings and emerged triumphant victors, as they won 31-29. Jared Goff threw two touchdowns against no interceptions, while Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown also had great games offensively. On defense, the Lions, coached by defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, had an interception and four sacks against Sam Darnold. A week before the Lions vs Vikings matchup, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie said Campbell has no class. Campbell responded by saying, “The last time someone called me classless, I was drinking wine out of a bottle.” Campbell’s Lions played an impressive game against the Vikings and have retaken control of the NFC North, for now.
Green Bay Packers: Matt LaFleur: B+
LaFleur’s Packers played a very tough game, as they narrowly defeated the Houston Texans 24-22. Jordan Love threw three touchdowns against two interceptions and was sacked four times. Josh Jacobs had a good game on the ground, and the Packers’ defense, coached by defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, fought Galentley as they held C.J. Stroud to 86 passing yards and the Texans’ passing attack to 86 receiving yards. LaFleur praised the Texans’ coaching staff for putting up a fight but said the Packers have a lot to clean up as they get ready for their week eight road trip against the Jacksonville Jaguars. LaFleur also snapped at a reporter for trying to compare Jordan Love to Brett Favre and said he hopes to put Love in better situations moving forward.
Houston Texans: DeMeco Ryans: C
Ryans’ Texans had a tough time passing the ball as they narrowly fell to the Green Bay Packers 22-24. C.J. Stroud struggled for the majority of the game along with the passing attack, and Joe Mixon carried the Texans’ offense on his back. The Texans’ defense, coached by defensive coordinator Matt Burke, put up a good fight against Jordan Love, as they intercepted two of his passes and sacked him four times. Ryans did what he could for the Texans at Lambeau Field. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik needs to change things up quickly as the Texans return home for their week eight divisional showdown against the Indianapolis Colts.
Indianapolis Colts: Shane Steichen: C+
Steichen’s Colts earned an ugly 16-10 win over the Miami Dolphins as Anthony Richardson came back to action. Richardson may not have thrown a touchdown or interception, but he did lead the team in rushing yards with 56 yards on the ground. The rest of the offense was pretty lackluster, at best, as they’re missing Jonathan Taylor, who was out due to a right high ankle sprain. On defense, the Colts’ head coach had praise for Grant Stuard’s performance, who had 19 tackles on the day. Steichen’s Colts need to improve on the offensive side of the ball when Taylor returns and get the passing attack flowing against opposing NFL defenses.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Doug Pederson: B+
Doug Pederson, head coach of the Jaguars, finally earned that second win of the NFL season as they defeated the New England Patriots 32-16. Trevor Lawrence had a good game, as he threw a touchdown pass to Brian Thomas Jr. and wasn’t sacked at all, while Tank Bigsby rushed for 118 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns, and Parker Washington scored a 96-yard punt return for a touchdown. Pederson told the team that after the win, they had to duplicate the energy and try to go 1-0 every week as the Jaguars returned to Florida for a home battle against the Green Bay Packers.
Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid: B+
Reid’s Chiefs remain undefeated at 6-0 as they defeated the San Francisco 49ers 28-18. Patrick Mahomes scored a rushing touchdown but threw two interceptions. Kareem Hunt scored two rushing touchdowns, and Mecole Hardman scored a rushing touchdown while the Chiefs’ passing attack struggled. The defense, coached by legendary defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, continued to be the heart and soul of the team as they made Brock Purdy’s afternoon a living nightmare with three interceptions and a sack against him. Reid’s Chiefs need help in the passing attack, as the trade deadline is coming up in the first full week of November.
Las Vegas Raiders: Antonio Pierce: D-
Pierce’s Raiders were a complete mess as they fell to the Los Angeles Rams 15-20. Aidan O’Connell left the game with a thumb injury, forcing Gardner Minshew into action, where he threw three interceptions and lost a fumble, which was recovered for a touchdown by the Rams. On defense, the Rams had a sack by Maxx Crosby and an interception by Nate Hobbs. The Raiders head coach admitted to the press the Raiders are not a good NFL team right now and reiterated that there’s a lot of football to be played. Pierce’s Raiders return to Las Vegas and will host the Kansas City Chiefs for their week eight matchup.
Los Angeles Chargers: Jim Harbaugh: D
Harbaugh’s Chargers had an average night, which could’ve gone better in their 15-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on the road. Justin Herbert threw no touchdowns or interceptions and was sacked three times. Harbaugh burned a time-out early in the third quarter rather than take a delay of game penalty when Jalen Reagor and Brendan Rice weren’t lining up properly, and the Chargers’ rushing attack was held to 59 yards on the ground. Will Dissly had a nice game with 81 receiving yards. On defense, the Chargers had an interception and no sacks, as they couldn’t stop Kyler Murray and James Conner from running all over them. It’s back to the drawing board for Harbaugh and company as they get prepared to host the New Orleans Saints in week eight.
Los Angeles Rams: Sean McVay: C+
McVay’s Rams may not have had their best offensive performance against the woeful Las Vegas Raiders, even though they won 20-15. Matthew Stafford threw an interception against no touchdowns, while Kyren Williams carried the offense on his back as he scored a rushing touchdown. On defense, the Rams had three interceptions, and Kamren Curl had a fumble recovery and returned for a touchdown. The Rams head coach and defensive coordinator Chris Shula deserve a lot of credit for making the Raiders’ afternoon in Hollywood a miserable one, as the defense overpowered Gardner Minshew and company, as they carried the torch for this NFL team.
Miami Dolphins: Mike McDaniel: D+
McDaniel’s Dolphins played a sloppy game in their 10-16 loss on the road against the Indianapolis Colts. Tyler Huntley threw a touchdown pass to Jonnu Smith before exiting the game with a shoulder injury as Tim Boyle stepped in and commanded the almost passive offense. On defense, the Dolphins tried to put up somewhat of a fight as they kept Michael Pittman Jr. out of the end zone, thanks to defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver’s coaching. With Huntley out and Boyle under center, McDaniel told the press that Tua Tagovailoa cannot be the guy to save the franchise when he returns.
Minnesota Vikings: Kevin O’Connell: B-
O’Connell’s Vikings’ undefeated season came to an end in their 29-31 loss to the Detroit Lions in an afternoon thriller. Sam Darnold threw a touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson against an interception, while Aaron Jones scored a rushing touchdown. The Vikings’ offense made little mistakes, which cost them the game, as O’Connell vows to clean those mistakes up before week eight. On defense, the Vikings managed to sack Jared Goff four times but didn’t have any interceptions against him. O’Connell’s Vikings hit the road and travel west for their week eight showdown against the Los Angeles Rams.
New England Patriots: Jerod Mayo: D+
Mayo and the Patriots suffered a painful 16-32 loss abroad in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Despite Drake Maye throwing two touchdown passes, the Patroits’ rushing attack was a mess, and the Patroits’ defense couldn’t stop Trevor Lawrence and Tank Bigsby from having incredible games. Mayo told the press that the Patriots are a soft football team across the board. They have a lot of ground to make up as they return home for an AFC East showdown against the New York Jets in week eight.
New Orleans Saints: Dennis Allen: D-
Dennis Allen’s Saints looked like a complete mess as they lost 10-33 at home against the Denver Broncos. Spencer Rattler looked awful. He threw no touchdowns or interceptions but was sacked six times and lost two fumbles, while one of those fumbles was recovered by Cody Barton for a touchdown. The defense couldn’t stop the Broncos’ run game from running 225 yards against them and scoring two rushing touchdowns, thanks to Javonte Williams. Allen told the press he’s not worried about his job, even though the Saints’ players are none too happy with him. If the Saints keep dropping games, Allen’s coaching seat will get hotter than Cajun Jambalaya.
New York Giants: Brian Daboll: D-
Daboll’s Giants were humiliated at home, as they lost 3-28 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Daniel Jones didn’t throw a touchdown or interception and was sacked seven times. The rest of the offense looked awful, as they were outplayed and out-coached all game as Daboll was calling the plays. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s defense played hard, as they had four sacks against Jalen Hurts and a sack against backup quarterback Kenny Pickett, but they weren’t able to stop Saquon Barkley from running for over 176 yards against them. Daboll did bench Jones in favor of Drew Lock, who wasn’t able to help get the Giants out of their slump at home, and told the press Jones gives the team the best chance to win. We’ll have to see if Jones can turn things around as the Giants travel to the Steel City for week eight and square off against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football.
New York Jets: Jeff Ulbrich: D
Ulbrich’s Jets started their Sunday night matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers well, but everything unraveled with a 15-37 loss. Aaron Rodgers threw a touchdown against two interceptions. However, Ulbrich fumbled a challenge flag as soon as Rodgers threw his only touchdown to Tyler Conkin. Other than that, the Jets’ offense fell apart in the second half of the game, while the defense had trouble stopping Russell Wilson, Najee Harris, and George Pickens, who had incredible performances on the night. Ulbrich and the Jets have a lot of work to improve on as they travel to Foxborough, MA, for a week eight divisional showdown against the New England Patriots.
Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Sirianni: B
Sirianni’s Eagles won 28-3 against the New York Giants on the road in dominating fashion. Jalen Hurts threw a touchdown and scored two rushing touchdowns, while Saquon Barkley rushed for 176 yards and scored a rushing touchdown against his former team. On defense, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s unit had eight sacks against the Giants, seven against Daniel Jones, and one against Drew Lock. Barkley later revealed Sirianni offered him the opportunity to go for a career-high in rushing yards. Ultimately, Barkley declined, and they put the younger guys in to play instead. Hurts also defended Sirianni by saying he has his back no matter what.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Tomlin: A-
Tomlin’s Steelers had an incredible Sunday as the Steelers dominated the New York Jets 37-15. Russell Wilson shined as if he was leading the Seattle Seahawks to Super Bowls 48 and 49 all over again, while Najee Harris and George Pickens shined in the offense coached by offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. On defense, Tomlin’s unit, also coached by defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, had a sack and saw an incredible performance by rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. as he had two interceptions against Aaron Rodgers, which eventually led to the Steelers scoring touchdowns on the next drives. Tomlin’s Steelers are a team everyone should take seriously moving forward.
San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan: D
Shanahan’s 49ers had an awful afternoon at Levi’s Stadium, losing 18-28 to the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl 58 team rematch. Brock Purdy scored two rushing touchdowns but threw three costly interceptions. The rest of the 49ers’ offense was a mess, outside of Geroge Kittle, as the team’s injury woes continue now that Brandon Aiyuk is out for the season with an ACL injury. The only bright spot for the 49ers came from their defense, led by defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, as they had two sacks and two interceptions against Patrick Mahomes. Shanahan also said Christian McCaffrey is showing signs of progress as he continues rehab from his Achilles tendinitis. He believes McCaffrey could return after the 49ers’ bye week by week 10. Until then, the 49ers have to get ready to host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in week eight.
Seattle Seahawks: Mike Macdonald: B+
Macdonald’s Seahawks ended their three-game losing streak with a very impressive 34-14 win on the road against the Atlanta Falcons. Geno Smith threw two touchdowns against no interceptions, Kenneth Walker III had a very nice afternoon on the ground, with 69 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, and a receiving touchdown, while DK Metcalf scored a touchdown. On defense, the pass rush was pressuring Kirk Cousins, and the secondary forced two interceptions, thanks to defensive coordinator Aden Durde’s aggressive style of coaching. Macdonald said the Seahawks grew as a football team, as the Seahawks took back first place in the NFC West standings.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Todd Bowles: B-
Bowles Buccaneers had a tough night as they lost 31-41 to the Baltimore Ravens, despite a comeback attempt in the fourth quarter. Baker Mayfield threw three touchdowns against two interceptions, while Cade Otton had 100 receiving yards, and Rachaad White scored two receiving touchdowns. However, the Bucs lost both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to a hamstring and ankle injury, respectively. On defense, the Bucs did have two sacks, and Antoine Winfield Jr. was the best player on defense, as he had 11 tackles. Bowles told the press the team doesn’t second guess and will play everyone they have as a response to a question about whether he and the Bucs should’ve preserved Godwin, who dislocated his ankle, even though he wanted to be in the game.
Tennessee Titans: Brian Callahan: D
Callahan’s Titans started the game with a 10-7 halftime lead over the Buffalo Bills, but everything fell apart as they collapsed 10-34 in the end. The defense coached by defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson continues to play well, as Jarvis Brownlee Jr. had a nice day, but the Titans’ offense coached by Callahan and offensive coordinator Nick Holz continues to fall flat against fierce and competitive opponents, despite a decent afternoon from Tony Pollard. If Callahan’s Titans continue to struggle, he might as well start going on LinkedIn or Indeed.
Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn: A-
Quinn’s Commanders earned a very strong 40-7 commanding victory over the struggling Carolina Panthers, even though Jayden Daniels left the game with a rib injury. Thankfully, Marcus Mariota stepped in and kept the gas going for the Commanders’ offense, thanks to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury being a quarterback guru. The Commanders’ head coach and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.’s defense had two sacks in their recent NFL game and saw Dante Fowler Jr. return an interception for a 67-yard pick-six. Quinn’s Commanders have full command of the NFC East, for now, and will be tested when they host the Chicago Bears in week eight.
Also Read: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams’ Head Coaches From WORST To FIRST After Week 6 Of The 2024 Season
