On Football provides in-depth analysis of the most significant developments in the NFL on a weekly basis. Here’s the latest scoop on the league’s coaching changes and their impacts.
For teams contemplating a shift in coaching staff, recent examples in the NFL showcase the potential for rapid improvement. Entering Week 11, three franchises boasting new head coaches were firmly positioned for playoff contention. Leading this trio was Dan Quinn’s Washington Commanders, who held a record of 7-4, despite succumbing to a 26-18 defeat against Philadelphia on Thursday night.
The Atlanta Falcons, under the leadership of Raheem Morris, stood at the forefront of the NFC South with a 6-4 record. Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers were in a solid position as well, currently occupying the second wild-card slot in the AFC with a 6-3 standing.
What these successful coaches share, alongside their achievements this season, is a history as head coaches in the NFL. Harbaugh, famously known for leading the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance, transitioned to coaching at Michigan, where he achieved a national title last season. Quinn was at the helm of the Falcons squad that infamously squandered a 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl against Tom Brady’s New England Patriots. Morris, on the other hand, had previously led Tampa Bay to one ten-win season within three years and served as the Falcons’ interim head coach in 2020.
Contrarily, among the four other first-year head coaches—Mike Macdonald of Seattle (4-5), Brian Callahan of Tennessee (2-7), Jerod Mayo of New England (3-7), and Antonio Pierce of Las Vegas (2-7)—their combined record stands at a disheartening 11-26. While Macdonald, Callahan, and Mayo are facing their first seasons in charge, Pierce had a prior stint as interim coach for the Raiders where he managed a 5-4 record.
Rookie coaches achieving prompt success isn’t a novelty. Since the 2006 season, at least one team with a new coach has made it to the playoffs each year. Last season, DeMeco Ryans guided Houston to an AFC South title along with a playoff win, and in 2022, an unprecedented five first-year coaches led their teams to postseason action.
Quinn took over a struggling franchise that hadn’t experienced a winning season since 2016. The Commanders made a strategic choice with the No. 2 pick in the draft, selecting quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is a strong contender for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Besides that, Washington bolstered their squad by signing various starters in free agency, including linebackers Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, and Dante Fowler Jr., along with center Tyler Biadasz, left guard Nick Allegretti, tight end Zach Ertz, edge rusher Clelin Ferrell, and safety Jeremy Chinn. Notably, they also acquired running back Austin Ekeler, drafted wide receiver Luke McCaffrey, and recently traded for star cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
Despite the defeat against the Eagles (8-2), the Commanders maintain a viable opportunity to clinch the NFC East, thanks to a more favorable schedule moving forward. After a bye week, they will face teams such as the Cowboys, Titans, and Saints, with crucial games against the Eagles and Cowboys scattered in between a matchup with Atlanta.
Morris stepped into a role where the Falcons had not had a winning season since 2017. To address their quarterback needs, Atlanta secured a substantial contract for Kirk Cousins. They also enhanced their roster by bringing in receiver Darnell Mooney and Pro Bowl safety Justin Simmons via free agency, and added pass rusher Matthew Judon through trade.
With two wins against Tampa Bay (4-6), the Falcons have carved out a significant lead over the three-time reigning division champions, reinforcing their position in the NFC South.
Harbaugh is navigating a well-set team in Los Angeles, with franchise quarterback Justin Herbert in place. The Chargers had reached the playoffs in 2022. To further strengthen their offensive capabilities, they signed running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, while also drafting right tackle Joe Alt with the fifth overall pick, and wide receiver Ladd McConkey in the second round to fill the voids left by Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
However, the Chargers face a daunting schedule in the coming weeks, starting with a home game against the Bengals, followed by competitions against formidable opponents like the Ravens, Falcons, Chiefs, Buccaneers, and Broncos, before concluding the season against the Patriots and Raiders.
Earnest efforts are needed from Harbaugh’s team to secure a playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Jets and Saints have already parted ways with their head coaches and will be on the lookout for new leadership. Another few teams might soon join them in this search.
This season illustrates that rebuilding a team does not necessarily require years of struggle to achieve success.