Where does Andy Reid rank among active NFL coaches?
By Grant Tuttle
27. Bill O’Brien, Houston Texans
Coaching history:
O’Brien has spent time as an offensive coordinator with the Patriots and as a head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions. He now enters his 6th year as the Texans head coach. Although Bill O’Brien has had winning seasons in four of his five seasons, the Texans have always seemingly been loaded with talent and unable to consistently defeat the teams that they should beat. Where he belongs on a coach ranking is truly up for debate.
Coaching record:
42-38 (Houston Texans)
2019-2020 outlook:
On the hot seat
The Texans will be faced with a decision at some point. Either the team can continue to have 9-7 seasons, or they can make a change and try to win a Super Bowl in the prime of Deshaun Watson‘s career. Nothing is guaranteed in the NFL and with the Colts entering the discussion as contenders from the AFC South, the Texans may be forced to move on from O’Brien faster than they are comfortable with.
26. Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals
Coaching history:
Zac Taylor served as a wide receivers and Quarterbacks coach in his short NFL career. After two seasons of working on Sean McVay’s staff, the Bengals are ready to take a chance on the coach that can lead them out of the struggles that the franchise has seen for a decade. Whether Taylor is the guy for the job is yet to be seen.
Coaching record:
N/A (First-Time Head Coach)
2019-2020 outlook:
Middle of the road
Even if the Bengals are bad, Taylor will likely get 15 chances to turn it around. If the Bengals have done anything well, it’s retaining head coaches. With uncertainty at quarterback, the team is hopeful that Taylor can get the best out of Andy Dalton. The offense and defense both have talent, but have vastly underperformed. It seems unlikely that the Bengals will be able to defeat the Browns or Ravens, but with better coaching, the team may defeat teams that they should.
25. Jon Gruden, Oakland Raiders
Coaching history:
Jon Gruden spent a long time out of football but just signed a 10-year deal with the Raiders last year. Although he has a winning record, he inherited much of his success in Tampa Bay. Gruden had a failure of a season last year. After trading away Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper, Gruden has a lot to prove.
Coaching record:
99-93 (Raiders and Buccaneers head coach)
2019-2020 outlook:
Losing season
Who knows what is going on with the Raiders? Antonio Brown has problems with his feet and with his helmet. The defense does not seem to have very many playmakers. Jon Gruden will have to establish himself as a good head coach. Unfortunately, in a division with the Chiefs and Chargers, it is very unlikely that the Raiders win very many games.
24. Doug Marrone, Jacksonville Jaguars
Coaching history:
Doug Marrone has had a confusing coaching career. It seems as though the Jaguars consistently have a good defense; However, have a consistently good team has been a struggle. Marrone has never had a quality quarterback. With Nick Foles under center, the Jaguars are hopeful that Marrone can find some offensive firepower.
Coaching record:
31-35 (Jacksonville Jaguars)
2019-2020 outlook:
On the hot seat
Although Marrone has shown flashes of being a very good coach, this may be his last chance to show consistency. In order to compete with Houston and Indianapolis, the Jaguars must have a decent offense. The Colts are a contender and the Texans continually hover around a Wild Card bid. Nick Foles and company must save Marrone’s job.
23. Freddie Kitchens, Cleveland Browns
Coaching history:
Freddie Kitchens has been an assistant coach with the Cardinals and the Browns before being hired as the head coach in Cleveland. John Dorsey has been a good talent evaluator and I believe that he likely knows how to identify good coaches. With young and up and coming stars such as Baker Mayfield, Odell Beckham Jr., and Myles Garrett The Browns and Freddie Kitchens may surprise a lot of people.
Coaching record:
N/A (First-time head coach)
2019-2020 outlook:
Playoff run
With a depleted Steelers team and a questionable Ravens squad, the Browns are in a great position to make a playoff run. There is definitely no shortage of talent in Cleveland. It will be up to Kitchens to lead this team to its full potential. I believe the AFC will soon run through Cleveland as well and Kansas City and Indianapolis.