Week nine was wild for the NFL head coaches, as some coaches watched their teams win in dominating fashion while others guided their teams to very nice and close victories against their opponents.
However, some coaches saw their teams implode and fall flat. Week nine also saw a second coaching seat change, which was replaced immediately by an interim. With the halfway point cleared, the next question is, how will these head coaches finish the 2024 NFL season, and who will keep their footing? We’ll have to wait and see what happens beginning with week 10.
Here are the grades for all 32 NFL teams’ head coaches after week nine games.
Who are the top NFL head coaches after week 9 of games?
Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon: B
Gannon’s Cardinals earned themselves a very nice 29-9 statement victory over the Chicago Bears. Kyler Murray may not have thrown a touchdown or interception and was sacked three times, but he commanded a good game on offense. Trey Benson, Emari Demarcado, and Trey McBride each scored rushing touchdowns, and James Conner had 107 rushing yards. The Redbirds’ defense, coached by defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, had six sacks against Caleb Williams. Gannon’s coaching has so far paid off, as the Redbirds are currently 5-4 and have first place in the NFC West.
Atlanta Falcons: Raheem Morris: B+
Morris’ Falcons defended their home turf in a 27-21 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Kirk Cousins threw three touchdowns to Ray-Ray McCloud IV, Drake London, and Darnell Mooney, respectively, while Bijan Robinson had a great afternoon on the ground with 86 rushing yards and in the passing attack with 59 receiving yards. Head coach Morris’s defense stepped up and had three sacks against Dak Prescott, which made things miserable for the Cowboys’ offense for the majority of the NFL outing. Morris’ squad continues to maintain control of the NFC South. They have their sights set on week 10 when they square off against the New Orleans Saints on the road.
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Baltimore Ravens: John Harbaugh: A
Harbaugh’s Ravens dominated on Sunday afternoon as they dismantled the Denver Broncos 41-10. Lamar threw three touchdowns against no interceptions, Derrick Henry rushed for 106 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns, and Zay Flowers scored two touchdowns. The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Zachary Orr, had four sacks and an interception. Harbaugh’s team played a very impressive game, as Harbaugh has his mind and sight set on getting prepared to host the Cincinnati Bengals in week 10.
Buffalo Bills: Sean McDermott: B
McDermott’s Bills played a very competitive battle against their AFC East rivals, the Miami Dolphins, and won 30-27, thanks to Tyler Bass kicking the game-winning field goal in the final minute of the game. Josh Allen threw three touchdowns against an interception, Ray Davis made his presence known with 70 receiving yards and scored a touchdown, while Mack Hollins and Quintin Morris both scored touchdowns. McDermott’s defense played okay but had trouble trying to slow down both De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert, as Achane scored a rushing and receiving touchdown in the game.
McDermott said the team didn’t play a great game and could play better as the team heads back to practice while also giving the Dolphins credit for bringing their toughness to Highmark Stadium. McDermott’s Bills have to get prepared for their week 10 showdown against the Indianapolis Colts on the road.
Carolina Panthers: Dave Canales: C-
Canales’ Panthers finally earned themselves a second win of the 2024 season in a nail-biting 23-22 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Bryce Young threw a touchdown against an interception, Chuba Hubbard scored two rushing touchdowns, and Ja’Tavion Sanders had 87 receiving yards. The Panthers’ defense, coached by defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, had one sack and no turnovers. Canales expressed praise for Young, as he delivered big in critical moments. Canales and the Panthers travel abroad in week 10 for a showdown against the New York Giants in Munich, Germany.
Chicago Bears: Matt Eberflus: D-
Eberflus’ Bears fell flat in the desert, as they lost 9-29 against the Arizona Cardinals. Caleb Williams threw no touchdowns or interceptions, D’Andre Swift had 51 rushing yards, and Rome Odunze had 104 receiving yards. The defense had three sacks and two fumble recoveries against the Redbirds. The only points the Bears put on the board were from kicker Cairo Santos, as he made three field goals. Eberflus came under fire for having Williams in the final minutes of the game after he hurt his ankle, which drew criticism from CBS Sports’ Charles Davis.
Eberflus said the team was just getting work and getting timing in the two-minute operation. The Bears head coach has been under fire ever since this NFL were dropped by the Washington Commanders in week eight. If Eberflus’ Bears continue dropping games, his coaching seat will begin to heat up faster than an over-baked Chicago deep-dish pizza.
Cincinnati Bengals: Zac Taylor: B+
Taylor’s Bengals kept their season alive with an impressive 41-24 beat-down victory against the Las Vegas Raiders at home. Joe Burrow threw five touchdowns against an interception, Chase Brown had 120 rushing yards and scored a receiving touchdown, Mike Gesicki scored his first two touchdowns of the season, Ja’Marr Chase had 43 receiving yards, and Drew Sample and Andrei Iosivas both scored touchdowns. On defense, Logan Wilson shined, as he had two fumble recoveries, while the Bengals tamed the Raiders’ rushing attack to 60 yards on the ground.
Taylor said he was proud to see his team play an aggressive game despite Burrow throwing a 29-yard pick-six. Taylor was also proud of the defense (Wilson) for creating two turnovers against the Raiders. Taylor’s Bengals have to get focused for their week 10 match-up against the Baltimore Ravens on the road in prime time.
Also Read: Grading All 32 NFL Teams’ Head Coaches After Week 8 Games Of The 2024 Season
Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski: D
Stefanski’s Browns looked miserable as they were flattened against the Los Angeles Chargers 10-27. Jameis Winston threw a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to Cedric Tillman against three costly interceptions. Nick Chubb rushed for 39 yards on the ground, and Jerry Jeudy had a good afternoon. The only thing that kept Stefanski’s Browns afloat was their defense, coached by defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Schwartz’s defense had six sacks against Justin Herbert but no interceptions or fumble recoveries. A painful afternoon for Stefanski’s Browns as they enter week 10 bye week.
Dallas Cowboys: Mike McCarthy: D
McCarthy’s Cowboys fell apart in the ATL, as they lost 21-27 to the Atlanta Falcons. Dak Prescott threw a touchdown to Rico Dowdle against no interceptions but left the game with a hamstring injury, while Cooper Rush came in and threw a touchdown to Jalen Tolbert in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys’ defense couldn’t stop the Falcons’ offense from having a great game on the ground and in the passing attack, as they were chewed up and torched for the majority of the game.
If the Cowboys continue to drop games, with no end to the struggles and injuries that keep piling up, they are going to be in trouble. Additionally, Dak Prescott will now miss multiple weeks due to his hamstring injury. The often embattled NFL head coach might want to consider hopping on LinkedIn or Indeed to get a head start on opportunities elsewhere.
Denver Broncos: Sean Payton: D
Payton’s Broncos were flattened in their 10-41 loss against the Baltimore Ravens on the road. Bo Nix threw an interception and scored a touchdown from an incredible trick play where Courtland Sutton threw him the ball. The Broncos’ rushing attack was held to a combined 122 rushing yards on the ground, and Sutton had 122 receiving yards. On defense, the Broncos sacked Lamar Jackson once and couldn’t secure any interceptions. Payton’s Broncos need to stop the run, win the turnover battle, and run the ball slightly better. The Broncos have a tough week 10 road matchup ahead of them as they square off against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
Detroit Lions: Dan Campbell: A-
Campbell’s Lions had a very strong performance in the elements, as they defeated the Green Bay Packers 24-14. Jared Goff threw a touchdown pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown with no interceptions, and Jahmyr Gibbs scored a rushing touchdown. The Lions’ defense, coached by defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, had no sacks, but Kerby Joseph had an interception returned for a 27-yard pick-six. Campbell said it doesn’t matter that the Lions play in a domed stadium, as the team is also built for playing in the elements. Campbell’s Lions travel to the Lone Star state for a Sunday night showdown against the Houston Texans.
Green Bay Packers: Matt LaFleur: D+
LaFleur’s Packers had a rough Sunday afternoon, as they were defeated 14-24 against the Detroit Lions in the rain. Jordan Love may not have been sacked, but he threw a costly interception, which was returned by Kerby Joseph for a 27-yard pick-six. Josh Jacobs had a strong day on the ground with 95 rushing yards, and Jayden Reed had 113 receiving yards. The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, had one sack and no interceptions. LaFleur stood by Love despite his rough performance by saying he was fighting and performing. Their head coach also mentioned that Love and this NFL team had to do better. LaFleur’s Packers enter a bye week in week 10 and will return to action in week 11 when they’ll square off against the Chicago Bears on the road.
Houston Texans: DeMeco Ryans: D
Not the best week for the DeMeco Ryans’ Texans, as they were stunned 13-21 against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. C.J. Stroud threw no touchdowns or interceptions but was sacked eight times and lost a fumble. Meanwhile, Joe Mixon and Tank Dell carried the offense as Mixon scored the team’s only touchdown, while Dell had 126 receiving yards. Ryans’ defense had two sacks from Denico Autry and no interceptions. A tough loss for Ryans and company as they return home and get prepared to host the Detroit Lions in week 10 on Sunday Night Football.
Indianapolis Colts: Shane Steichen: D+
Steichen’s Colts had a brutal offensive showing on Sunday Night Football, as they were dismantled by the Minnesota Vikings 13-21. Joe Flacco threw an interception, lost a fumble, and was sacked three times. Jonathan Taylor rushed for 48 yards on the ground, and Josh Downs had 60 receiving yards. The Colts’ defense, coached by defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, had decent play, as they secured four sacks and two interceptions, and Kenny Moore II had a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
Steichen told the press he’ll take the blame for the team’s lackluster performance on the road. Steichen also said Flacco will remain the team’s starting quarterback as Anthony Richardson has been benched. Steichen’s Colts return home and will welcome the Buffalo Bills to town.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Doug Pederson: D
Pederson’s Jaguars rallied and came close but fell 23-28 to the Philadelphia Eagles- the very team Pederson originally coached to their first Super Bowl victory back in 2017. Trevor Lawrence scored two rushing touchdowns but threw two costly interceptions. The Jaguars’ rushing attack was held to a combined 60 yards on the ground, and Evan Engram had 45 receiving yards. The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, had three sacks and a fumble recovery by Travon Walker, who returned it for a touchdown. Pederson’s coaching has been abysmal so far, and the Jaguars might want to consider a change at head coach, imminently or after the NFL season, for a fresh start in 2025.
Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid: A-
Reid’s Chiefs played their best football game of the season so far, as they defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 30-24 in overtime. Patrick Mahomes threw three touchdowns against no interceptions, Travis Kelce had 100 receiving yards, and DeAndre Hopkins scored two touchdowns. The Chiefs’ defense, coached by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, had a good day against the pass rush, as they held the Bucs’ rushing attack to a combined 95 yards and had two sacks against Baker Mayfield. Patrick Mahomes did have an injury scare after he threw a touchdown pass to Samaje Perine. Fortunately, it was just a scare. Reid said Mahomes is one tough kid for coming back in and finishing the game out.
Las Vegas Raiders: Antonio Pierce: D
Pierce’s Raiders had a rough afternoon on the road, as they were defeated by the Cincinnati Bengals 24-41. Gardner Minshew was benched for Desmond Ridder, who threw a touchdown to Brock Bowers, while both quarterbacks each lost a fumble, which were both recovered by Logan Wilson. The Raiders’ rushing attack was held to a combined 60 yards on the ground, and Jakobi Meyers had a good afternoon with 105 receiving yards. On defense, Pierce’s Raiders generated a single sack, and Jack Jones had a 29-yard interception that returned for a pick-six.
Pierce and the Raiders fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, NFL quarterbacks head coach Rich Scangaarello, and offensive line coach James Cregg after the game. A brutal afternoon for Pierce’s Silver and Black, all around, as they enter a week 10 bye week while their season continues in a downward spiral.
Los Angeles Chargers: Jim Harbaugh: A-
Harbaugh’s Chargers may have had a slow start to the 2024 season, but they were able to earn a very dominating 27-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns on the road. Justin Herbert threw two touchdowns against no interceptions despite getting sacked six times. J.K. Dobbins rushed for 85 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns, and Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer both scored touchdowns.
Harbaugh’s defense, coached by Jesse Minter, had a very nice game, as they had six sacks and three interceptions. Harbaugh has the Chargers heading in the right direction, even though the Chargers’ run game struggled outside of J.K. Dobbins’ 85 rushing-yard performance. Harbaugh and the Chargers return home and will welcome the Tennessee Titans to town in week 10.
Los Angeles Rams: Sean McVay: B+
McVay’s Rams were road warriors, as they won a very competitive 26-20 overtime battle against their NFC West rivals, the Seattle Seahawks. Matthew Stafford threw two touchdowns against an interception, Cooper Kupp had 104 receiving yards, and Demarcus Robinson scored two touchdowns (including the game-winning touchdown to end overtime). The Rams’ defense, coached by defensive coordinator Chris Shula, had seven sacks, a fumble recovery, and three interceptions against Geno Smith.
Kamren Kinchens was the star on defense, as he returned one of his interceptions for a 103-yard pick-six. McVay’s Rams were aggressive in overtime, as he showed how great of an NFL head coach he is. The Rams won out and had a lot of fights in them despite the injury woes the team suffered throughout the season.
Miami Dolphins: Mike McDaniel: C+
McDaniel’s squad played competitively against the Buffalo Bills but came up short in a very close 27-30 loss. Tua Tagovailoa threw two touchdowns against no interceptions. De’Von Achane helped carry the offense with 63 rushing yards and 56 receiving yards, scoring two touchdowns as a result of his performance. Jaylen Waddle scored a touchdown despite having negative four receiving yards on the day, and Tyreek Hill had 80 receiving yards.
On defense, McDaniel’s Dolphins had an interception by Jalen Ramsey, but Jordan Poyer’s helmet-to-helmet hit on Keon Coleman cost the team the game, as Tyler Bass kicked the game-winning field goal for the Bills. McDaniel said that after the game, there’s growth, even though the team failed to earn the win, and they apply their growth toward their next opponent, the Los Angeles Rams, on the road.
Minnesota Vikings: Kevin O’Connell: B
O’Connell’s Vikings started their Sunday night showdown against the Indianapolis Colts slow but were able to make their noise heard in the second half and win 21-13. Sam Darnold threw three touchdowns against two interceptions, Justin Jefferson had 137 receiving yards, and Josh Oliver, Jalen Nailor, and Jordan Addison each scored touchdowns. The Vikings’ defense, coached by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, had three sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery.
The Vikings head coach told the press he hasn’t lost confidence in him and plans to remain aggressive with Sam Darnold despite the veteran NFL signal-caller throwing two interceptions and getting sacked four times in the game. O’Connell’s Vikings travel to the Sunshine State for week 10 and will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Duval County.
New England Patriots: Jerod Mayo: D
Mayo and the Patriots played a neck-and-neck battle against the Tennessee Titans, which resulted in the team losing 17-20 in overtime. Drake Maye continued to look like the promising long-term solution at quarterback, but the rest of the Patriots offense was a complete mess. The Patriots’ defense had a sack and an interception but failed to shut down Tony Pollard. Mayo told the press, “We have to be better. I have to be better.” The Patriots continue their road trip as they travel to the Windy City for a week 10 showdown against the Chicago Bears.
New Orleans Saints: Dennis Allen: D-
Allen’s Saints lost a very close and nail-biting 22-23 NFC South battle against the Carolina Panthers. Derek Carr threw a touchdown against no interceptions but threw 13 incompletions, Alvin Kamara shined on offense, as he had 155 rushing yards, and Foster Moreau scored a touchdown. The defense, coached by defensive coordinator Joe Woods, had a sack and interception. The Saints did lose Chris Olave to a nasty concussion. After the loss, Allen was fired, and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi was named the interim NFL head coach. Will Rizzi help turn the Saints around? We’ll have to wait and find out.
New York Giants: Brian Daboll: D
Daboll’s Giants lost a close and heartbreaking 22-27 battle against the Washington Commanders. Daboll himself also didn’t have a good coaching day for the majority of the game. Daniel Jones may have thrown two touchdown passes against no interceptions and scored a rushing touchdown, but Daboll abandoned the passing attack in the first half. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s defense wasn’t able to land a single sack or interception against Jayden Daniels. Daboll and the Giants need to regroup and get focused for their week 10 game abroad in Munich, Germany, when they’ll square off against the Carolina Panthers.
New York Jets: Jeff Ulbrich: B
Ulbrich finally earned his first win of the 2024 season as the Jets defeated the Houston Texans 21-13. Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdowns against no interceptions, Breece Hall rushed for 74 yards, Davante Adams scored his first touchdown as a Jet, and Garrett Wilson hauled in two touchdowns. The Jets’ defense, coached by Ulbrich, had eight sacks against C.J. Stroud on the night.
A very nice win for Gang Green as Ulbrich said to the press, it was a very cool win for the team, but the team still has some minor mistakes to clean up, such as Malachi Corley almost scoring his first touchdown but dropping the ball just before entering the end zone. Ulbrich’s Jets have a tough road test ahead of them as they travel to the desert for a week 10 match-up against the Arizona Cardinals.
Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Sirianni: C+
The Eagles may have won their Sunday afternoon battle 28-23 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but Sirianni’s Eagles faced a couple of questionable decisions and a couple of poor executions. Saquon Barkley lost a fumble, which was recovered by Travon Walker, who scored a touchdown for the Jags. Jalen Hurts played very nicely, as he threw two touchdown passes and scored a rushing touchdown, while Barkley had 159 rushing yards, scored a rushing touchdown, and a receiving touchdown.
The Eagles’ defense, coached by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, had two sacks, a fumble recovery, and two interceptions and held the Jaguars’ rushing attack to a combined 60 yards. Sirianni may not be considered a Tier I head coach in the league, but he can still coach his NFL team to victory.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Tomlin: Bye Week
So far, Tomlin has done a very nice job leading the Steelers with both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson as quarterbacks, while his defense continues to be one of the best in the league. The Steelers travel to the nation’s capital for a showdown with the Washington Commanders in week 10.
San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan: Bye Week
Shanahan’s 49ers have dealt with a lot of injuries but have shown a lot of resilience with the next man up as the team tries to stay competitive in the NFC West.
Seattle Seahawks: Mike Macdonald: C
MacDonald’s Seahawks played better than they did in week eight, but they unraveled and lost 20-26 in overtime against the Los Angeles Rams. Geno Smith didn’t play his best game, as he threw three touchdowns against three interceptions. Kenneth Walker III had 83 rushing yards, Jaxon Smith-Njigba scored two touchdowns, and Tyler Lockett scored a touchdown. The Seahawks’ defense, coached by defensive coordinator Aden Durde, had an interception but no sacks against Matthew Stafford.
Macdonald continued to back Smith despite fans calling for Sam Howell to get some reps. Macdonald also said the team has to drastically improve during their week 10 bye week. Macdonald’s Seahawks will return to action in week 11 when they’ll square off against the San Francisco 49ers on the road.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Todd Bowles: B-
Todd Bowles’ Buccaneers were in a good and rare position to defeat the defending Super Bowl champion, Kansas City Chiefs, with less than a minute in the game. Still, Bowles decided to go for an extra point instead of attempting a two-point conversion, resulting in the Chiefs defeating the Bucs 24-30 in overtime. Baker Mayfield played a good game, as he threw two touchdowns against no interceptions. The Bucs’ rushing attack was held to a combined 95 yards, and Cade Otton and Ryan Miller scored touchdowns. Bowles’ defense had a fumble recovery and four sacks against Patrick Mahomes.
When asked whether the Bucs should’ve gone for two, Bowles told the press they wanted the extra point and overtime due to the wet conditions on the field. Despite that, Bowles’ Bucs put up a good fight before losing in overtime. The Bucs return home for a week 10 showdown against the San Francisco 49ers.
Tennessee Titans: Brian Callahan: C-
Callahan’s Titans may not be the best team in the league by any stretch of the imagination, but they managed to earn a nice 20-17 overtime win against the New England Patriots at home. Mason Rudolph threw two touchdowns against an interception, Tony Pollard rushed for 128 yards, Calvin Ridley had 73 receiving yards, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Nick Vannett both scored touchdowns. Callahan’s and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson’s defense played well as they were able to intercept two of Drake Maye’s passes, recover two fumbles, and sacked the rookie signal caller four times.
Callahan got emotional after the win and said he needed the win badly. Rudolph said he puts his heart and soul into coaching, and everything is just his first time. He certainly deserves a cold one to enjoy after the game. Callahan’s Titans travel west for a week 10 showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers on the road.
Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn: A-
Quinn’s Commanders played a close and competitive game against the New York Giants and won 27-22. Jayden Daniels continued to shine, as he threw two touchdowns to Terry McLaurin against no interceptions and wasn’t sacked at all. The Commanders’ defense had two sacks and a fumble recovery by Bobby Wagner. Quinn’s team played their hearts out, as they looked more fierce offensively. Quinn’s Commanders return home and will welcome the Pittsburgh Steelers to town in week 10.
Also Read: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams’ Head Coaches From WORST To FIRST After Week 8 Of The 2024 Season
