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Sadly, we have just three more NFL games this year, as we are days away from Championship Weekend. The Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs, while the San Francisco 49ers host the Detroit Lions.
Coaches play a massive role in any team's success in the NFL, including individuals other than just head coaches. All four of the remaining defensive coordinators call the defense's plays, while two of the offensive coordinators call plays for their respective teams.
Who is the best offensive coordinator left in the playoffs? Who's the best defensive coordinator? Let's take a look.
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Offensive Coordinator Rankings
4). Chris Forester: San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers offensive line coach/run game coordinator, Chris Forester, is the default number four on the offensive side as he holds the lowest title among others on this list. However, he is highly respected and played a crucial role in the 49ers' significant improvement in pass blocking. Kyle Shanahan manages most of the offensive duties, and the lack of a higher title keeps Forester at number four.
3). Matt Nagy: Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator, Matt Nagy, comfortably takes the number three spot. While he holds the title of offensive coordinator under Andy Reid, Reid still manages the play-calling duties. Nagy experienced success as the team's coordinator in 2016-17, but he is the only one on the list with the official offensive coordinator title who doesn't call plays.
2). Todd Monken: Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, has propelled the team to new heights in his first season. The Ravens' offense ranked fourth in DVOA this year. In his previous tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team consistently ranked in the top 12th in EPA/play. However, his 2019 stint with the Cleveland Browns wasn't as successful. The concepts introduced to Lamar Jackson this season have significantly contributed to elevating his game, and the Ravens could be on their way to a title.
1). Ben Johnson: Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, assumed the role last year for his first-ever position as an NFL offensive coordinator. Impressively, the Lions ranked in the top 10 in DVOA in each of those two years, securing the fifth spot this season. Johnson is gaining significant attention in the head coaching market this offseason for good reason. He has played a key role in reviving Jared Goff's career and has implemented a successful scheme that maximizes the strengths of the Lions.
Defensive Coordinator Rankings
4). Steve Wilks: San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks guided his unit to become the fourth-best defense in DVOA this season in his first year with the Niners. While Wilks has been coaching for a while, his previous stints as the defensive coordinator haven't been as successful, but the talent in Carolina and Cleveland wasn't exactly stellar. In contrast, the Niners boast talent across the board, and the coaches before him set the blueprint for success. Wilks is a very solid coach, but those ahead of him are considered some of the best in the business.
3). Aaron Glenn: Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn assumed the role in 2021, and his defense initially faced challenges in the first two seasons when the talent wasn't up to par. However, in 2023, Detroit improved significantly, ending the season 13th in DVOA from 27th the year prior. This improvement reflects the enhanced talent and familiarity with Glenn's defensive scheme. While Wilks may be experiencing more success this year, Glenn's ability to contribute to the turnaround of a defense earns him the third spot.
2). Mike McDonald: Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator, Mike McDonald, previously led the Michigan defense to a dominant season in 2021 and has continued to excel with the Ravens since taking over in 2022. Baltimore has consistently ranked in the top 10 in DVOA defense each year, including securing the number one spot this season. Despite his relatively recent entry into the position, McDonald is a hot coaching candidate for good reason. His coaching prowess has played a significant role in shaping some very elite defenses and is a key factor in their success.
1). Steve Spagnuolo: Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo boasts an impressive coaching career, being a three-time Super Bowl champion, twice with the Chiefs and once with the Giants in the same position in 2007. While his time as a head coach didn't pan out as expected, Spagnuolo has thrived in his role with the Chiefs. Kansas City has maintained a top 15 DVOA defense each of the last two years, ranking seventh this year. His contributions have been instrumental in the team's continued dominance, especially in compensating for offensive losses like Tyreek Hill.
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