10 Quarterbacks Who Treated Their Coach Like a Side Character

In the NFL, the quarterback is supposed to be the leader on the field, but that doesn’t mean they get to run the entire show. Some QBs, however, had difficulty remembering that their coach wasn’t just a supporting actor in their football drama. 

Whether it was undermining play calls, going rogue in the huddle, or acting like the coach was lucky to be in their presence, these quarterbacks thought they were the main character—and treated their coach accordingly. Here are ten signal-callers who didn’t just play the game, they tried to direct it too.

10. Cam Newton

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton yells \"I'm back!\" after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in a game in 2021
Rob Schumacher / USA TODAY NETWORK

Cam had the swagger, the arm, and the spotlight—and sometimes that meant Ron Rivera got left in the shadows. When Cam was rolling, it felt like he was running his production, and everyone else was trying to keep up.

9. Jay Cutler

Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler (6) runs for a first down against Auburn defense at Jordan-Hale Stadium in Auburn, Ala., Sept. 14, 2002. Cutler Rushed for 32 yards, but Auburn came out on top 31-6. 091402 Vu Fb Auburn
John Partipilo / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Cutler’s body language alone told you he wasn’t interested in being coached. He often looked like he was tolerating his coaches at best and ignoring them at worst.

8. Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during organized team practice at the Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe on May 28, 2025
Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Reports of Kyler tuning out coaching suggestions became a frequent subplot in Arizona. When your QB has his study clause in the contract, it’s a sign he’s not exactly embracing the team dynamic.

7. Ben Roethlisberger

Miami University's Ben Roethlisberger sets up to throw during the RedHawks spring football game at Miami in Oxford on April 20, 2002. Title No Title
Ernest Coleman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ben had no problem making it clear he ran the Steelers’ offense as he saw fit. Over the years, more than one coordinator probably felt like they were just there for moral support.

6. Jim McMahon

Nov 3, 1996; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback (9) Jim McMahon during the 1996 season before his game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Imagn Images © Copyright Imagn Images
RVR Photos-Imagn Images

McMahon played like a quarterback and carried himself like a rock star. Mike Ditka may have been the head coach, but McMahon often acted like he was running the show, especially if cameras were around.

5. Deshaun Watson

Oct 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Even before his off-field controversies, Watson was already challenging coaches behind the scenes. He clarified that he wanted more say in team decisions and less oversight from the sidelines.

4. Baker Mayfield

Feb 1, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during NFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Baker didn’t just challenge coaches—he aired it in postgame pressers and interviews. If things weren’t going his way, someone on the headset was probably getting blamed.

3. Brett Favre

Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre is able to get off a pass despite being dragged by Detroit Lions Luther Ellis during the second quarter of their game on Dec. 10, 2000 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis
Dale Guldan / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Favre had a reputation for freelancing and going off-script, much to the chagrin of his coaches. Sure, he made magic happen, but it usually looked like he was doing it with a shrug and a smirk, not a game plan.

Read More: Ranking the 20 Best Quarterbacks Playing Right Now

2. Aaron Rodgers

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12)] celebrates during the Green Bay Packers 24-16 win over the Carolina Panthers in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Sunday, November 10, 2019. RICK WOOD/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
Rick Wood / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Rodgers might be the poster child for QB-coach tension in the modern NFL. From passive-aggressive comments to audible eye rolls, he clarified who he thought the smartest guy in the building was.

Read More: 15 Quarterbacks Who Thought the Franchise Revolved Around Them

1. Tom Brady (Tampa Edition)

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a touchdown pass over the Tennessee Titans defense at LP Field in Nashville on Sept. 9, 2012. The Titans lost their home and season opener 34-13
George Walker IV / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In New England, Brady was all business with Belichick. But once he hit Tampa, it felt like Bruce Arians was more of a guest star on The Tom Brady Show—especially when Brady drew up plays on the sideline like a coordinator with six rings.

Read More: 10 Quarterbacks Who Thought They Were Smarter Than Their Coach

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