Not every great coordinator is meant to wear the big headset. Some guys are brilliant with X’s and O’s but just aren’t cut out for running the whole show.
Whether it was bad leadership, poor decision-making, or just getting in over their heads, these coaches proved that moving up isn’t always moving forward. Here are 15 NFL head coaches who should’ve stayed in their coordinator lanes.
15. Pat Shurmur
Shurmur had success as an offensive coordinator, but his head coaching stints with the Browns and Giants were forgettable at best. His playbook never quite translated to overall team success.
14. Romeo Crennel
A defensive guru under Bill Belichick, Crennel struggled when given full control in Cleveland and later in Kansas City. The leadership skills just didn’t match the defensive chops.
13. Mike Tice
Tice knew how to coach up an offensive line, but as a head coach, things quickly unraveled in Minnesota. He was more suited for the trenches than the big chair.
12. Joe Philbin
Philbin helped engineer a great Packers offense, but his time in Miami was filled with awkward leadership moments and underwhelming results. The Dolphins never looked inspired under his watch.
11. Rod Marinelli
Marinelli was a respected defensive mind, but his 0-16 run with the Lions says it all. Sometimes being the boss just isn’t the right fit.
10. Jim Schwartz
Schwartz had a fiery personality and a sharp defensive mind, but his time in Detroit was all bark and little bite. He’s been much more effective calling plays than calling shots.
9. Nathaniel Hackett
Hackett had decent success as a coordinator, but his lone year in Denver was a masterclass in how not to manage a football team. It was clear early on that the head job didn’t suit him.
8. Todd Bowles
As a defensive coordinator, Bowles is elite. As a head coach? His conservative style and clock management have been head-scratchers more than game-changers.
7. Mike Nolan
Nolan looked sharp in a suit, but not so much on the sideline in San Francisco. He couldn’t turn his defensive savvy into wins when he had full control.
6. Norv Turner
Turner’s offensive genius never quite translated to head coaching success. He had talented teams, especially in San Diego, but always came up short when it mattered.
5. Josh McDaniels
McDaniels thrived in New England’s system, but has flopped twice as a head coach. His stints in Denver and Las Vegas showed he’s much better as a second-in-command.
4. Bill Musgrave
Musgrave could draw up a solid game plan, but his brief coaching stops lacked impact. He just didn’t have the presence or leadership to rally an entire team.
3. Steve Spagnuolo
Spags will always be remembered for that Giants Super Bowl run as a defensive coordinator. But his head coaching stint in St. Louis? Not so much. Plus, he’s been killing it as the Chiefs defensive coordinator the past handful of years.
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2. Jason Garrett
Garrett was a steady offensive coordinator but felt like a placeholder as head coach of the Cowboys. He clapped more than he coached and never got Dallas over the hump.
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1. Wade Phillips
Wade is one of the best defensive minds the league has ever seen, but his head coaching stints never quite clicked. He’s the ultimate “great coordinator, not-so-great head coach” example.
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