The 2024 NFL regular season has come to a close, and it’s time to evaluate the masterminds behind the action—the head coaches.
Let’s take a look at the guys who have been wheeling and dealing with the best of them and who might be getting a pink slip sooner rather than later—and rank all 32 from last to first.
Who are the top-ranking head coaches in the NFL after week 18?
32. New England Patriots: Jerod Mayo
Week 18 went just about as bad as it could for Jerod Mayo, who despite the victory, was relieved of his duties after the game. The writing was on the wall for much of the season as the Patriots floundered under his leadership.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars: Doug Pederson
Head Coach Doug Pederson faced challenges throughout the NFL season, culminating in a 4-13 record. After a year like that, it’s hard to imagine Pederson avoids the chopping block.
30. Las Vegas Raiders: Antonio Pierce
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Antonio Pierce has been a better interim head coach than many expected, but it’s clear he’s not the long-term answer for Las Vegas. The team faces a tough decision this offseason.
29. Tennessee Titans: Brian Callahan
Brian Callahan’s first year as an NFL head coach couldn’t have gone much worse. The Titans secured the league’s worst record and the number-one overall pick. Now Callahan has to hope he sticks around to enjoy the benefits of that top selection.
28. New York Jets: Jeff Ulbrich
Credit to Jeff Ulbrich for letting the Jets play loose and free in Week 18. It was the most fun and relaxed they’ve looked all year, even if the result didn’t matter much.
27. New York Giants: Brian Daboll
Brian Daboll’s job security feels shakier than ever after a 3-14 season. Despite his reputation, Daboll’s inability to stop the Giants’ regression raises serious questions about his future.
Also Read: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams’ Head Coaches From WORST To FIRST After Week 15 Games Of The 2024 Season
26. Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski
It’s hard to imagine a more dysfunctional season than what Kevin Stefanski endured in Cleveland. Despite his best efforts, the team’s chaos proved too much to overcome.
25. Atlanta Falcons: Raheem Morris
Raheem Morris started his rookie head coaching campaign strong, but the second half of the NFL season felt like air leaking from the balloon. The Falcons squandered a lead in the NFC South, leaving plenty of questions heading into 2025.
24. Miami Dolphins: Mike McDaniel
Mike McDaniel isn’t on the hot seat yet, but things could head in that direction quickly. Miami’s second-half collapse has raised some eyebrows in the ownership box.
23. New Orleans Saints: Darren Rizzi
Darren Rizzi brought energy as the interim head coach, but the Saints’ overall performance was lackluster. Rizzi did well in a tough spot, but New Orleans needs a fresh direction.
22. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon
Jonathan Gannon’s 2024 campaign was disappointing, but he kept his team motivated until the end. Arizona’s Week 18 win was meaningless but might have bought him some goodwill heading into next year.
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Zac Taylor
It wasn’t always pretty, but Zac Taylor pulled the Bengals out of their midseason funk and guided them to a 9-8 record. Not a bad recovery for a team that looked out of the hunt earlier in the year.
20. Indianapolis Colts: Shane Steichen
It was disappointing that the Colts failed to improve this NFL season under coach Shane Steichen. Missing the playoffs for a fourth straight season means Steichen’s seat is getting warmer.
19. Chicago Bears: Thomas Brown
Thomas Brown notched a win to close the year, but his time as interim head coach didn’t inspire much confidence. The Bears will likely look elsewhere for a permanent solution.
18. Dallas Cowboys: Mike McCarthy
A 7-10 record leaves Mike McCarthy squarely in the spotlight. The Cowboys face a crucial offseason, and McCarthy’s future hangs in the balance as fans grow restless.
17. San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan
Injuries plagued the 49ers, but Kyle Shanahan’s squad still underachieved. A disappointing NFL season for a coach held to high standards year in and year out.
16. Green Bay Packers: Matt LaFleur
Matt LaFleur’s decision to play starters in a meaningless game backfired spectacularly as Jordan Love and Christian Watson suffered injuries. Monday morning quarterbacking won’t make that call age any better.
15. Seattle Seahawks: Mike Macdonald
Mike Macdonald impressed in his first season, leading the Seahawks to 10 wins. Unfortunately, they missed the playoffs due to a tiebreaker, but Macdonald showed plenty of promise.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Todd Bowles
Todd Bowles guided the Bucs to another NFC South title. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but credit to Coach Bowles for keeping Tampa Bay steady through adversity this NFL season.
13. Houston Texans: DeMeco Ryans
DeMeco Ryans instilled a winning culture in Houston, capturing a second consecutive AFC South title. Ryans continues to elevate the Texans in his short time at the helm.
12. Carolina Panthers: Dave Canales
Dave Canales silenced critics with the Panthers’ late-season surge. His creative play-calling and belief in Bryce Young paid off in a thrilling overtime win to close out the year.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Tomlin
Mike Tomlin’s Steelers cooled off after a hot start, putting pressure on him heading into the playoffs. Tomlin’s postseason success will dictate how this year is ultimately remembered.
10. Buffalo Bills: Sean McDermott
Sean McDermott steered Buffalo to another AFC East crown, choosing to rest key players in Week 18. The coach is focused squarely on the NFL playoffs, where expectations remain high.
9. Philadelphia Eagles: Nick Sirianni
Nick Sirianni led the Eagles through a rollercoaster of a season. Despite the noise, Sirianni deserves credit for keeping Philadelphia competitive.
8. Denver Broncos: Sean Payton
Coach Sean Payton’s rebuilding efforts in Denver bore fruit, guiding the Broncos to the NFL playoffs. His leadership shone as the Broncos rallied late in the season.
7. Washington Commanders: Dan Quinn
Dan Quinn’s first year in Washington was a success. His defensive expertise and leadership earned the Commanders a playoff berth and renewed energy within the franchise.
6. Minnesota Vikings: Kevin O'Connell
Kevin O’Connell impressed throughout the year, but his team came up short in Week 18 against the Lions. Still, O’Connell’s work with this young Vikings team cannot be overstated.
5. Los Angeles Rams: Sean McVay
Sean McVay continues to prove he’s one of the best coaches in the NFL. The Rams bounced back from early struggles to capture the NFC West title.
4. Baltimore Ravens: John Harbaugh
John Harbaugh’s steady hand guided the Ravens to another AFC North championship. The real challenge lies ahead as Baltimore eyes a deep playoff run.
3. Los Angeles Chargers: Jim Harbaugh
Jim Harbaugh transformed the Chargers in his first year, leading them to 11 wins and a playoff berth. His impact was immediate, and the franchise looked rejuvenated.
2. Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid
Andy Reid’s Chiefs claimed another AFC West title. Reid’s consistency and brilliance continue to solidify his legacy among the greatest NFL coaches of all time.
1. Detroit Lions: Dan Campbell
Dan Campbell’s Lions captured the number one seed and transformed into an NFC powerhouse. Campbell’s culture-building and leadership have Detroit dreaming big.
