By Robert Wilkinson
Another National Football League season has concluded. Ten teams hired a new head coach. Here are my grades for every hire.
Arizona Cardinals, Mike LaFleur: B+
This looks like a solid hire. The former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator finally gets his opportunity and could lead the Cardinals to eight to 10 wins.
Atlanta Falcons, Kevin Stefanski: F
This is a bad hire. He is coming off one of the worst coaching tenures in NFL history. Although Stefanski won AP NFL Coach of the Year twice, he draws criticism from me for moving on from franchise quarterback Baker Mayfield, who recently criticized him publicly. He replaced him with Deshaun Watson, who was suspended for almost a whole season.
Baltimore Ravens, Jessie Minter: A
This is an excellent hire. He served as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers the last two seasons. He was the main reason the defense performed so well. I am looking forward to seeing what he can bring to Baltimore.
Buffalo Bills, Joe Brady: A-
I was not a fan at first, but I’m giving him this grade based on his staff hires and introductory press conference. Promoting from within will help this team. I have seen similar situations in other sports. For example, the Boston Celtics promoted Brad Stevens from head coach to general manager. The South Carolina Stingrays, the Washington Capitals ECHL affiliate, promoted Jared Bednar from assistant coach to head coach. Bednar now serves as the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche.
Cleveland Browns, Todd Monken: F
What more needs to be said? The Cleveland Browns will be bad no matter who they hire. However, I am looking forward to seeing how well he develops quarterback Shedeur Sanders. He worked with Lamar Jackson while serving as Baltimore’s offensive coordinator since 2023.
Las Vegas Raiders, Klint Kubiak: B+
He brings Super Bowl experience as the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator. Las Vegas could be a threat if Indiana University quarterback Fernado Mendoza takes over as the starter.
Miami Dolphins, Jeff Hafley: C
This hire could have been worse. The unproven former Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator steps into a role with talented players.
New York Giants, John Harbaugh: A+
What more needs to be said? He was outstanding in Baltimore. He could build a winning culture in New York similar to the one he built in Baltimore.
Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike McCarthy: B-
The veteran former head coach of the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys could reunite with Aaron Rodgers.
Tennessee Titans, Robert Salah: A-
I am eager to see what he can do with this opportunity. He steps into a better situation than the one with the New York Jets.
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