The AFC has long been a breeding ground for some of the best coaching minds in the NFL and this season is no different. However, some are finding the season a little more difficult than others. Here’s how all 16 AFC head coaches rank so far, from worst to best.
16. Doug Pederson — Jacksonville Jaguars
Doug Pederson and the Jacksonville Jaguars have looked all out of sorts throughout this 2024 NFL season. While there’s no question Pederson is a capable coach, he may not be the right fit for this team anymore.
15. Antonio Pierce — Las Vegas Raiders
Antonio Pierce’s Las Vegas Raiders are not a very good football team, plain and simple. But, despite the Raiders being last in the AFC West, he does deserve some time to figure this team out.
14. Jerod Mayo — New England Patriots
Much like many of the coaches on this list, Jerod Mayo inherited a tough situation in New England. But, with that said, the Patriots are currently one of the worst teams in the NFL.
13. Kevin Stefanski — Cleveland Browns
This season has been a disaster for the Cleveland Browns, but that’s not all on Kevin Stefanski’s shoulders. While the offense has been effective at times, all the talk surrounding Deshaun Watson has made things very complicated.
12. Jeff Ulbrich — New York Jets
Jeff Ulbrich became the New York Jets’ interim head coach after Robert Saleh was fired, but the team hasn’t really improved since. While Ulbrich isn’t solely to blame for the Jets’ issues, he hasn’t been a part of the solution either.
11. Brian Callahan — Tennessee Titans
Brian Callahan is in his first season as the Tennessee Titans head coach, so I won’t judge him too harshly too soon. But, with that said, the Titans do not look good this season. Is that due to poor management or poor coaching? Time will tell.
10. Shane Steichen — Indianapolis Colts
Shane Steichen showed promise in his first season with a young Colts roster, and while his second year as head coach has been all over the place, he’s never had a consistent quarterback.
9. Zac Taylor — Cincinnati Bengals
Zac Taylor’s tenure in Cincinnati saw an impressive Super Bowl run in 2021. And, thanks to a high-powered offense led by quarterback Joe Burrow, Taylor’s stock has risen. However, the team is struggling for wins this year, so consistency remains key to his future.
8. Mike McDaniel — Miami Dolphins
There’s no question the Miami Dolphins have struggled this season, but head coach Mike McDaniel has taken this Dolphins team to the playoffs in back-to-back years. While he is under some pressure to deliver, it’s clear he’s one of the top offensive minds in the league.
7. Sean Payton — Denver Broncos
Returning to coaching with the Broncos, Season Payton’s experience is highly regarded. While his start with Denver was rocky, landing rookie QB Bo Nix has been successful thus far and they look to be heading on the right path.
6. DeMeco Ryans — Houston Texans
DeMeco Ryans is the real deal. In his first year, Ryans quickly improved the Texans’ defense and gave star quarterback C.J. Stroud a great deal of confidence to compete at the highest level. While the team still has issues to figure out, it’s clear Ryans will be their coach for a very long time.
5. Jim Harbaugh — Los Angeles Chargers
This is Jim Harbaugh’s first year as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, but he’s already turned this franchise around after some pretty rough years. While they’re still sitting behind the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West, it’s clear Harbaugh was a good head coaching decision for the franchise.
4. Sean McDermott — Buffalo Bills
Sean McDermott has transformed the Bills into Super Bowl contenders and they’ve been one of the strongest teams in the league for a while now. Simply put, his leadership and consistency in Buffalo have made him one of the most respected coaches.
3. John Harbaugh — Baltimore Ravens
A Super Bowl champion, John Harbaugh has consistently kept the Baltimore Ravens competitive with a physical, balanced approach. And now with quarterback Lamar Jackson, it really seems as if the Ravens could win the Super Bowl this year.
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2. Andy Reid — Kansas City Chiefs
Alongside generational quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid has turned the Kansas City Chiefs into a true dynasty. Known for his innovative play-calling and adaptability, Reid has crafted one of the most dynamic offenses in the league and has been able to sustain excellence year in and year out.
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1. Mike Tomlin — Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Tomlin’s consistency in Pittsburgh is unparalleled. In fact, he has NEVER had a losing season in the 17 years he’s coached the Steelers. Known for his motivational skills and defensive mindset, Tomlin’s leadership has kept Pittsburgh competitive year after year.
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