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Being an NFL head coach is like wearing several caps at once. They have to get the most out of the team built by the front office, hoping the players will become Pro Bowlers or All-Pros. Likewise, they must handle tough questions from the media, especially after a loss. They must answer with class and, if need be, cover for their players who failed to deliver during critical moments.
More importantly, they must create a sound strategy to put their team in a position to win every game. They deflect praise when the team is doing well and take the blame when they fall short.
Here are the 32 men employed as head coaches for the 2024 NFL season. It’s a healthy mix of former coordinators turned head coaches, returning mentors, former interim coaches, and longtime mentors.
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Arizona Cardinals – Jonathan Gannon
Arizona Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon on his defensive front philosophy.
The Cards added a trio through free agency and Darius Robinson 27th overall.
pic.twitter.com/r73kiScMxo— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) April 26, 2024
Gannon will coach the Cardinals in his second season. His first year was disappointing, finishing with a 4-13 record. However, he didn’t have starting quarterback Kyler Murray for the first nine games last year. He and his staff will try to turn things around in 2024 with the help of new players Marvin Harrison Jr., Darius Robinson, Max Melton, and Trey Benson.
Atlanta Falcons – Raheem Morris
From pottery class to the NFL..
Raheem Morris talks about his coaching journey that eventually led to Atlanta: pic.twitter.com/HFD6hMNutT
— Bussin' With The Boys (@BussinWTB) May 18, 2024
Morris will have his second shot at being an NFL head coach. However, it won’t be the first time he will work for the NFC South franchise because he held various coaching positions for the Falcons from 2015 to 2020. Morris was the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator from 2021 to 2023, helping them win Super Bowl LVI.
Baltimore Ravens – John Harbaugh
After clinching a spot in the AFC Championship game, #RavensFlock Head Coach John Harbaugh started his postgame press conference by reading 1 Chronicles 29:11 👏 pic.twitter.com/u9bb3SIpv8
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) January 21, 2024
He has been at the Ravens’ helm since 2008, making him the second-longest-tenured NFL head coach on his current team. Throughout his stint in Baltimore, he led the squad to 11 playoff appearances, two AFC Championships, and a Super Bowl title. In his 17th season with the team, he continues to chase his first Super Bowl championship with two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson.
Buffalo Bills – Sean McDermott
“WE GOT YOUR BACK”
The players rallied around #Bills HC Sean McDermott this week. It was a rough week for him, so must be a good feeling to get a big win.
pic.twitter.com/CU5eA4cKsJ— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 11, 2023
McDermott returns for his eighth season as Bills head coach. After the departures of Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Tre’Davious White, Micah Hyde, Dane Jackson, and Jordan Poyer, having a revamped team will be his biggest challenge in 2024. Buffalo will try to defend its AFC East title with new skill position players surrounding Josh Allen.
Carolina Panthers – Dave Canales
Dave Canales on getting out in the community: “Let’s build this thing together.” pic.twitter.com/jRLlWlswj8
— Joe Person (@josephperson) May 17, 2024
Before becoming Panthers head coach, Canales had various coaching jobs with the Seattle Seahawks from 2010 to 2022. He helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reach the Divisional Round a year later. Carolina’s top brass hopes he can transform the team with the worst record last season. Turning Bryce Young into a viable franchise quarterback is at the forefront of his job.
Chicago Bears – Matt Eberflus
In a world of connections and relationships, Chicago Bears HC Matt Eberflus and OC Shane Waldron never met before the interview process.
Musta been some interview huh coach ?!#beardown pic.twitter.com/f9CWPbWAR8
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) May 8, 2024
Eberflus’ coaching record improved yearly, from 3-14 in 2022 to 7-10 in 2023. In his third season as Bears head coach, he will have 2024 first overall pick Caleb Williams as his starting quarterback. Mixing him with talented offensive players and a solid defensive unit might lead to Eberflus’ first winning season and postseason appearance as head coach.
Cincinnati Bengals – Zac Taylor
Birthday boy Zac Taylor and his Bengals coaches get their first work in with the rookies on Friday. pic.twitter.com/M3pY2lsXQT
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) May 10, 2024
The Bengals extended Zac Taylor’s contract in 2022, keeping him signed until 2026. But getting another contract will highly depend on how the team will fare over the next three seasons. During his tenure, the Bengals appeared in Super Bowl LVI and made two playoff berths. While they missed last year’s playoffs, Joe Burrow’s return from a season-ending wrist injury improves their chances of making a return.
Cleveland Browns – Kevin Stefanski
Happy 42nd birthday to 2x NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski.
I think he speaks for everyone when he says: “Holy (BLEEP)” pic.twitter.com/5L5uiHVw5N
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) May 8, 2024
The two-time Associated Press Coach of the Year will be in his fifth season as Browns head coach. Cleveland made a playoff return in 2023 thanks to one of the best defensive teams led by reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett. As Joe Flacco’s resurgence helped them clinch a postseason berth last year, Stefanski will try to make another playoff run with Deshaun Watson.
Dallas Cowboys – Mike McCarthy
Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy on what it’s like having Zeke back 😭
“He’s an old school guy. He’ll go up and smack a 60-year-old man in the ass and it hurts. It’s those kinds of things that you just enjoy him — not that I enjoy getting smacked in the ass”pic.twitter.com/Ddw086s61Y
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 12, 2024
Several Cowboys fans called for McCarthy’s ouster after they lost at home to the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round. Despite the disappointing finish for the No. 2 seed, McCarthy is back at the helm in the final year of his contract. The outcome of Dallas’ season will determine if he will get an extension from team owner/general manager Jerry Jones.
Denver Broncos – Sean Payton
Sean Payton speaking on the Denver Broncos’ backfield.
Potentially buyer beware on Javonte Williams. pic.twitter.com/TLIkNAVqnG
— Kyle Yates (@KyleYNFL) May 12, 2024
Payton turned a 5-12 Broncos squad into a unit that nearly made the playoffs in 2023. But in his second season with Denver, he won’t have the services of Russell Wilson, Jerry Jeudy, Lloyd Cushenberry III, Jonathan Harris, Josey Jewell, and Justin Simmons anymore. Conversely, Payton will coach rookie quarterback Bo Nix to become a franchise starter.
Detroit Lions – Dan Campbell
The Dan Campbell playoff locker room speech is even better than you'd hope.
What a moment for the @Lions and Detroit. 💙pic.twitter.com/zSsCtqCXCK
— NFL (@NFL) January 15, 2024
While the Lions didn’t bite kneecaps off under Campbell’s tenure, they’ve undergone an impressive three-year transformation from a 3-13-1 squad to NFC Championship Game participant. In his fourth season in Detroit, expectations remain high for Campbell, especially after falling one win short of the franchise’s first-ever Super Bowl stint.
Green Bay Packers – Matt LaFleur
“There’s no better place to play in the NFL, I said that before I was here. I think this is THEE best venue in all of sports.”
- Matt LaFleur on Lambeau Field
💯💯💯 #GoPackGo
— GBP Daily - Rob Westerman lll (@GBPdaily) May 13, 2024
The 2023 NFL season might be LaFleur's most rewarding head-coaching job. He proved that the Packers are a playoff-level squad even without four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers. LaFleur has a young but talented core on offense, but they cannot rest on the laurels of last season’s success. Instead, he must continue to coach this group until it becomes top NFC contenders.
Houston Texans – DeMeco Ryans
DeMeco Ryans on schedule release:
“I don’t care where it is, when it is. Our team will be ready to go.” pic.twitter.com/AOzdcC0Jo8
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) May 15, 2024
Ryans' first year as Texans head coach was a rousing success. He helped the long-suffering squad win 10 games and a playoff contest. However, he faces a different challenge in Year 2 as he continues to guide young stalwarts C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. The former Texan will try to steer a team facing lofty expectations after trading for Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon.
Indianapolis Colts – Shane Steichen
#Colts HC Shane Steichen’s first impression of AD Mitchell: pic.twitter.com/lxeNJV7EyI
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) May 10, 2024
Steichen gutted out his first season as Colts head coach after losing Anthony Richardson to a season-ending shoulder injury. With Gardner Minshew II at the helm, the Colts finished with a winning record (9-8) but missed the playoffs. Indianapolis will get Richardson back, giving Steichen an incredible athlete who could be the focal point of the offense.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Doug Pederson
Doug Pederson and Brian Thomas Jr pic.twitter.com/3jDQhQwxLH
— John Shipley (@_John_Shipley) May 10, 2024
Pederson only had two losing seasons in seven years as an NFL head coach. He hasn’t experienced that in Jacksonville after leading the squad to consecutive 9-8 finishes. However, returning to the playoffs will be their first order of business. Pederson hopes new additions like Gabe Davis, Mitch Morse, Devin Duvernay, Arik Armstead, and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. can help their cause.
Kansas City Chiefs – Andy Reid
Andy Reid frozen mustache update: pic.twitter.com/ipkzpwKcoo
— NFL (@NFL) January 14, 2024
In his 12th season as Chiefs head coach, Reid can be in a league of his own if he can lead the squad to an unprecedented third straight Super Bowl title. Patrick Mahomes remains the leader on offense, but they will get reinforcements in Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy. Meanwhile, Reid benefits from having All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones under a long-term deal.
Las Vegas Raiders – Antonio Pierce
#Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce on how difficult it is for a defense to go against 12 personnel which we anticipate they'll run a lot with Mayer and Bowers pic.twitter.com/r5HCKSjtrp
— Jesse Merrick (@JesseNews3LV) May 10, 2024
Pierce took on the interim head-coaching role after the Raiders fired Josh McDaniels. He earned the locker room’s respect and trust, prompting principal owner Mark Davis to make him the team’s bona fide head coach. More importantly, his tenacity and openness helped the Raiders win three of their last five games after their Week 13 bye.
Los Angeles Chargers – Jim Harbaugh
Jim Harbaugh is the embodiment of Seize the Day😂 (via @chargers) pic.twitter.com/KEB8DBT7HI
— NFL (@NFL) May 18, 2024
Harbaugh returns to the NFL a decade after his last year with the San Francisco 49ers. Chargers fans feel excited after his hiring because he’s a proven winner in all his head-coaching stints from the University of San Diego to Stanford, San Francisco, and the Michigan Wolverines. He will employ his physical brand of football with Justin Herbert, Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, and Derwin James Jr. leading the way.
Los Angeles Rams – Sean McVay
Free Sean McVay. pic.twitter.com/126jGDFdJ2
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 16, 2024
While McVay will be in his eighth season as Rams head coach, he’s still two years away from turning 40. While he remains among the league’s youngest coaches, he has an impressive resume, including two Super Bowl stints, a Super Bowl victory, and a Coach of the Year Award. They’ve found offensive gems through the draft, but McVay and his staff must find a way to compensate for Aaron Donald’s absence.
Miami Dolphins – Mike McDaniel
Mike McDaniel confirms the story that Johnny Manziel did not watch a single minute of film in Cleveland💀 pic.twitter.com/h2DS8fr61Q
— King of Phinland🐬👑 (@KingOfPhinland) May 18, 2024
The Dolphins hired McDaniel after a spectacular job as offensive coordinator for the 2021 San Francisco 49ers. In Miami, he became the architect of an explosive offense that scored 70 points in one game. McDaniel guided the Dolphins to the playoffs in his first two seasons. In his third year at the helm, their fans hope he can lead the team past the Wild Card round.
Minnesota Vikings – Kevin O’Connell
"The PHYSICAL talent jumps out to me...he's really really refined himself." #Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell has been impressed by QB Sam Darnold so far 🔊@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/S8qfxiIWbW
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 15, 2024
Vikings players gave O’Connell an “A+” during the NFL Players Association’s recent survey. However, he must turn the team’s fortunes around after going from 13-4 in 2022 to 7-10 last year. In addition to getting a healthy Justin Jefferson, he must figure out the quarterback position and go with the option that will help them win more games.
New England Patriots – Jerod Mayo
Jerod Mayo is at the podium ahead of the second day of Rookie Mini camp.
His first impressions of Drake Maye: pic.twitter.com/KIywqxHQEy
— Tamara Brown (@Imtamarabrown) May 11, 2024
As the successor to six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick, Mayo will have massive shoes to fill. But he’s been with the franchise since 2008, starting as an All-Pro linebacker and eventually becoming an inside linebackers coach. Mayo will mentor a franchise that last won a playoff game in 2018 and has had a losing record in three of the last four years.
New Orleans Saints – Dennis Allen
"I think the verbiage we have now is a little less wordy than we have had in the past... The hope in terms of the system is that we can simplify and get guys not to have to think so much."
-- Dennis Allen on adjusting to incoming OC Klint Kubiak's system pic.twitter.com/RP8nWQSee4
— Saints Film Room (@SaintsFilmRoom) May 11, 2024
After Payton's retirement, the Saints promoted Allen from defensive coordinator to head coach. The team slightly improved from 2022 (7-10) to 2023 (9-8). However, making a playoff return will be Allen’s first order of business in his third year on the job.
New York Giants – Brian Daboll
Brian Daboll essentially confirms that Cordale Flott is in line to start at CB2 pic.twitter.com/K9ZJrXu3Bj
— Talkin’ Giants (@TalkinGiants) May 11, 2024
Daboll won Coach of the Year honors after a successful first season with the New York Giants. However, he couldn’t replicate the same result in 2023 when the Giants finished with a 6-11 record. The 2024 season poses new challenges for Daboll, especially after Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney’s departures. New additions Devin Singletary and rookie Malik Nabers will have significant influences on their fate.
New York Jets – Robert Saleh
#Jets HC Robert Saleh on Malachi Corley:
“He is raw, from a route-running ability standpoint, so we’re obviously attacking that. Getting him the ball, and the creativity that comes with it, I think we’re all having a lot of fun looking at ways to get him the ball.” pic.twitter.com/0nJXbfhDXn
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) May 3, 2024
Saleh signed a five-year contract when the Jets hired him as head coach. But as he enters his fourth season on the job, he hasn’t led the Jets to a winning season, continuing their postseason drought to 13 years. Getting Aaron Rodgers back after a season-ending Achilles injury boosts their playoff hopes. The 2024 season could be a make-or-break year for Saleh.
Philadelphia Eagles – Nick Sirianni
It’s the Nick Sirianni shirt for us 🤣 pic.twitter.com/rutmgv2lC4
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) May 19, 2024
Losing six of their last seven games last season could have cost Sirianni his job. However, he remains the head coach of a still-talented Eagles roster. Can Sirianni make it three straight seasons with double-digit victories? Getting new players like Saquon Barkley, Bryce Huff, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Will Shipley could help their cause.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Tomlin
did Mike Tomlin have a winning record in...
2007? YES
2008? YES
2009? YES
2010? YES
2011? YES
2012? YES
2013? YES
2014? YES
2015? YES
2016? YES
2017? YES
2018? YES
2019? YES
2020? YES
2021? YES
2022? YES
2023? YES17 seasons
17 winning records— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 1, 2024
With Belichick parting ways with the Patriots, Tomlin is now the longest-tenured head coach for his current team. He replaced Bill Cowher in 2007 and won one Super Bowl title. But while Tomlin led the Steelers to an 11th postseason appearance during his tenure, they haven’t won a playoff game since 2016. Tomlin hopes to reverse the trend with Russell Wilson or Justin Fields as starting quarterback.
San Francisco 49ers – Kyle Shanahan
#49ers HC Kyle Shanahan on the narrative he can’t win the big game:
“When you say big games, we had to win a bunch of big games to get to the Super Bowl. … To say that the Niners can’t win a big game would be an extremely inaccurate statement.”
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 13, 2024
Shanahan led the 49ers to four NFC Championship Games and two Super Bowl stints in the last five seasons. It’s an impressive streak, despite the heartbreaks they’ve experienced every year, including the overtime loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII. He can still make a deep playoff push in 2024, given that their core on both sides of the ball remains intact.
Seattle Seahawks – Mike Macdonald
“The biggest thing that we’re shooting for is consensus and making it our own.”@Seahawks’ HC Mike Macdonald is working collaboratively with his team to invoke positive change. 👏 (via @NFLTotalAccess) pic.twitter.com/voqT30yucJ
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) May 2, 2024
The Seahawks hope their new head coach can replicate the same defensive tenacity he conjured as the Ravens defensive coordinator. Macdonald has been with the Ravens since 2014 but left the team to join the Michigan Wolverines in 2021. In a division with playoff contenders, him being a defensive genius could help Seattle get over the hump.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Todd Bowles
💻 Todd Bowles@bakermayfield is back as #GoBucs quarterback and head coach Todd Bowles told us how the former No. 1 overall pick has always been himself and that's what works:#NFL pic.twitter.com/KmPNdxWYoH
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) May 7, 2024
Bowles will enter his third season as Buccaneers head coach, hoping his team can surpass last season’s outcome (a Divisional Round loss to the Lions). Signing Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, and Antoine Winfield Jr. to contract extensions will help them stay the course. Bowles has been with Tampa Bay since 2019, winning Super Bowl LV as defensive coordinator.
Tennessee Titans – Brian Callahan
#Titans Brian Callahan on 2nd TD pick T'Vondre Sweat: pic.twitter.com/QvzmMFXdGc
— Kayla Anderson ✨ (@KaylaAndersonTV) May 10, 2024
After five seasons as Bengals offensive coordinator, Callahan will take on a more significant challenge as Titans head coach. His presence will help second-year quarterback Will Levis dissect the game with precision. Callahan has top-notch offensive players like Calvin Ridley, Tony Pollard, and DeAndre Hopkins who could help orchestrate his system perfectly.
Washington Commanders – Dan Quinn
Dan Quinn on installing the offense in OTA. pic.twitter.com/U4WgGlfFdr
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) May 14, 2024
The Commanders presented Quinn with another opportunity to become an NFL head coach. He enjoyed modest success as Falcons head coach from 2015 to 2020, including a stint in Super Bowl LI. Quinn brought in Kliff Kingsbury to focus on Washington’s offense. Meanwhile, he will help Joe Whitt Jr. figure out their defense.
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