Every year experts discuss their reasoning for their favorite, or they are forced into providing an excuse for a certain team not making the playoffs.

Far too often are quarterbacks placed under the microscope, injury-riddled offensive lines torn apart, or prima donna wide receivers bashed in online blogs.

When do the coaches go under fire?

While it’d be foolish to think they never are under scrutiny, assuming they’re held responsible even half the time would be, well, incorrect.

Example:

What is the reason for Jacksonville’s downfall last season? Was it , a lack of elite receiving threats, or a porous offensive line? It’d be easy to pick one of those three (or all of them), but it’d probably be more accurate to take a closer look at . He’s always been an inconsistent play-caller, hasn’t always made the best off-season moves, and has a history of so-so drafts.

Whether or not he’s the problem in Jacksonville remains to be determined. But then again, why not take a shot at determining it right now?

Here’s to unveiling the good and bad coaches, and where they rank among each other

32. ,

tomcable2

chooses his coaches like he chooses his draft picks; by picking names out of a hat.

Cable, last year’s interim coach, was brought back for really no good reason, as he represents yet another stop-gap in Oakland’s history.

31. ,

McDaniels has a very good resume backing him up, but his decision-making with Denver early on has been questionable, at best.

After riding out of town, however, McDaniels recovered nicely through solid free agent pick-ups and a good draft, overall. He still has a lot of work to do with his suspect defense, but should be able to work wonders with and three very dynamic receiving options.

30. ,

Caldwell steps into big shoes by replacing the retired , but there shouldn’t be any major worries. and co. should do enough on their own that the transition will be easier than expected. Caldwell is a sound offensive mind, but without running-mate Tom Moore (retirement), could face some bumps in the road.

29. ,

Schwartz comes with a good history from Tennessee, and brings the right mind-set to turn the lowly Lions’ franchise around. Getting to a competitive level won’t be easy, but as long as he doesn’t go 0-16, his first year should be a success.

28. ,

St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo

St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo

Spagnulolo was brought in to right a ship that had been sailing off course for years now, and still looks like it’s far away from coming back to shore.

He’s a defensive-minded coach, which is something the Rams need sorely, but their offense is arguably the main issue. How effective he can be with the development of their young offensive talent, as well as what he does at quarterback will be instrumental to their success.

27. ,

Morris took over for the quarterback-collecting , and began cleaning house on his first day. Exactly what you like to see out of a new head coach.

Out with the old, and in with the new. Despite releasing several beloved veterans (Derrick Brooks among them), Morris has restored a winning feeling in the locker room, and has made several key moves that could make Tampa Bay a playoff contender within the next two seasons.

26. ,

Haley receiver a lot of exposure during the Cardinals playoff run last season, prompting the Chiefs to take notice, and furthermore, take action.

Brought in to teach (or ) what it takes to be successful in the , as well as promote consistency, overall, Haley appears ready for the challenge. After clearly not backing down from an angry in a sideline shouting match last season, one can understand why.

25. ,

After being the true cornerstone of the defense for years, Ryan is trying his hand at running an NFL team. So far, so good.

He’s lured several stand-out defensive players from his 2008 Ravens’ roster, and even landed the Jets quarterback of the future, , is this year’s draft. Ryan appears poised to lead another great defense, while already setting up his offense for success.

24. ,

Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Washington Redskins head coach Jim Zorn (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Zorn and the Redskins as a whole had very mixed reviews from his debut season.

After a great start to the season, Zorn’s pet project, , fell back down to earth, and the Redskins ended the season at 8-8, after starting 6-2.

It could be Zorn’s inexperience as a head coach, his quarterback’s ineffectiveness, or just the result of an over-achieving team running into superior talent. Regardless, it’s if Zorn can showcase the game-planning he did in the first eight weeks of 2008, he should be fine.

23. ,

Singletary took over for the fired last season, correcting the character of the team, while helping them finish the season strong, with a record of 5-4.

Singletary is all about attitude, character, defense, and pride. With his leadership and discipline, the 49ers should be able to succeed as long as the right talent sees the field.

22. ,

If you want Super Bowls, division titles, and playoff appearances, hire someone else. But if you want solid, well-balanced mediocrity, then Jauron is your guy.

Hey, of course it’d be nice to go 13-3 every season, but sometimes you just have to realize that it’s not possible, right? Maybe you can’t-but Jauron has, and it seems to be working for him.

All jokes aside, Jauron is a good defensive mind with very average judgment, and very little influence on his offensive players. Throughout his career, Jauron has been the poster boy for “almost, but not quite”, as he has had one winning season (with Chicago), where he led the Bears to a 13-3 record and a division title.

Jauron went on to record two losing seasons before being fired, and went 1-4 with the Detroit Lions as an interim coach. After the Lions passed on him, Buffalo felt like they wanted to be an average football team, and hired him to be the head coach.

Three straight 7-9 campaigns later, and Jauron is entering what is likely to be his final season with the Bills, regardless of what has to say about it.

21. ,

Childress has improved the Vikings offense every year, while also leading Minnesota to a better record every year in his three seasons as head coach.

After a 6-10 rebuilding season in 2006, Childress guided his team to an 8-8 record, and then a 10-6 finish in 2008, which found Minnesota winning the division.

Progress is progress, and for the moment, there isn’t too much that can be said that could shine a poor light on Childress. There’s obviously room for improvement, but he’s proven he’s a solid coach.

20. ,

Seattle Seahawks coach Jim Mora previously coached the Atlanta Falcons for three seasons from 2004-06.

Seattle Seahawks coach Jim Mora previously coached the Atlanta Falcons for three seasons from 2004-06.

Mora started his head coaching career off with a bang much too big for him or his team to handle.

The Falcons shocked everyone in 2004, as they went 11-5, won their division, and reached the NFC title game. After losing to the Eagles, there was optimism in the air. However, Mora and his quarterback, Mike Vick, never progressed as expected, and the Falcons endured two seasons of mediocrity before Mora was fired.

Which brings Mora to Seattle, where he sat back and relaxed during ’s “swan song”, knowing he’d be getting the head coach spot once Holmgren retired. However, Seattle’s defense was spotty at best with Mora calling most of the shots, and his future seems to be very uncertain.

19. ,

Lewis began his Bengals career with a lot of excitement, as he led his team to two straight 8-8 seasons, and then exploded with an 11-5 record in 2005. The Bengals won the division that year before falling to the arch rival, Pittsburgh Steelers.

Since then, Lewis has struggled getting his surprise 2005 team back over the hump, leaving his offense stuck in mediocrity, and his defense almost non-existent.

After a horrible 4-11-1 season that saw franchise quarterback miss over half the season, the writing is on the wall for the once praised Lewis. It’s win or get out.

18. ,

Mangini seems to almost be surviving on his nickname: Man-genius. While it’s safe to say he’s learned plenty since being under former boss, ’s wing, that doesn’t mean he’s destined to be a great coach.

Mangini showed promise in his first and third season as a head coach, leading the Jets to records of 10-6 and 9-7. However, a late season collapse last year, as well as a horrid 4-12 showing the year before, show that he’s an inconsistent team manager, and is susceptible to risky decision-making.

It won’t get any easier in Cleveland.

17. ,

Kubiak is a sound offensive mind with an exceptional judgment of talent. He’s well known for his great offensive schemes while an assistant to in Denver, and has already put his genius on display in just three seasons with the Texans.

While he hasn’t broken the .500 barrier yet, Kubiak has shown plenty of promise, as he’s pieced together and offense that could rival any other team in the league. However, having a good offense wasn’t a concern after his second season.

With the defense improving, and former number one pick showing elite ability, the Texans and their underrated coach look to the playoffs in 2009.

What coach takes our #1 spot? We hate to make you wait, but you have to. Don’t worry though, it won’t be for long.

Share