NFL Head Coaches: Ranking the NFC West’s Best
NFL training camps are in progress, bringing excitement for fans as teams prepare for a new season. The preseason officially begins with the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers in the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, August 6, broadcast on NBC. The rest of the first week of preseason follows on August 13. With the regular season nearing (September 9), various offseason storylines have emerged for all 32 NFL teams.
Previously, we explored key position battles, rookies vying for starting roles, and players at risk of being cut. Now, we turn our attention to the coaches, evaluating the head coaches in each division. We have ranked the NFC West’s head coaches based on their achievements and potential impact in the upcoming season.
1. Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
Sean McVay leads the NFC West rankings largely due to his Super Bowl victory, setting him apart from others like Kyle Shanahan. McVay holds a 92-57 record, with playoff appearances in seven of his nine seasons. He has secured four division titles, reached three NFC Championship Games, coached in two Super Bowls, and claimed one championship.
The Rams have high hopes for another Super Bowl appearance this season, after acquiring Myles Garrett and potentially convincing Aaron Donald to return from retirement.
2. Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Shanahan has been instrumental in the 49ers’ success since 2019, yet a Super Bowl title remains elusive. He has guided the team to five playoff appearances, four NFC Championship Games, three division titles, and two Super Bowl berths. However, victory has slipped away each time.
With key players like Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Mykel Williams, and Christian McCaffrey healthy, and a formidable defense, the 49ers have a strong potential to make a significant playoff impact.
3. Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks
Mike Macdonald, with a two-year head coaching career, already has a Super Bowl title. Though his tenure is shorter than Shanahan’s, the Seahawks’ success last season was markedly driven by a historic defense.
Macdonald has earned a 24-10 record, and with returning talent like quarterback Sam Darnold, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and the standout defense, he may rapidly climb up the ranks.
4. Mike LaFleur, Arizona Cardinals
Mike LaFleur faces a challenging first-year head coaching scenario with the Cardinals, who are predicted for a tough season. Arizona’s quarterback Jacoby Brissett and a struggling defense present obstacles.
However, fans can look forward to watching rookie Jeremiyah Love and standout receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Though LaFleur might find victories scarce next season, the future offers the prospect of building around talents like Arch Manning or Dante Moore.