Grading the NFC Coaches

As I've said on several occasions, football is by far the "king" of sports betting – and the NFL is the "king of kings." Even during the teeth of the baseball season, the start of NFL training camps draws nearly as much ink and radio and TV coverage as the national pastime.

That's why now is a good time to examine and grade the coaches. It's before the time when injuries start affecting the performance of their teams and coloring opinions against them. The loss of key players can make any coach look bad for one season. I am one of those in the handicapping profession who believes coaches can make a significant difference in the pointspread outcome of several games for their teams over the course of the campaign. This year, we'll start with a review of the AFC coaches.

Bill Belichick, New England – A: Has won two Super Bowls in the last three years, going 27-9-2 vs. the spread in the two title years without putting the team in "salary cap jail." A master of defensive design and deception whose flexibility and personnel judgment have allowed him to pass, at least for now, former mentor Bill Parcells.

Dick Vermeil, Kansas City – A-: No question about his thoroughness, leadership, and offensive creativity. But K.C.'s defense hasn't "kept up with the Joneses" (or the Belichicks).

Jeff Fisher, Tennessee – A-: Keeps achieving despite injuries and personnel turnover due to some questionable front-office moves.

Brian Billick, Baltimore – A-: Won the Super Bowl with a marginal offense; now near the end of the ensuing rebuilding job. Bright and funny. Arrogant, but extremely competent.

Mike Shanahan, Denver – B+: Yes, key injuries hurt Denver's chances last year. Still, insiders say Shanahan has lost some of his fire. Sometimes at fault for loving his offense at the expense of his defense. Trying to rectify that in 2004.

Tony Dungy, Indianapolis – B+: Intelligent, respected, solid in most areas, but won't move up until he can finally drive his team through tough opponents in the playoffs. Hasn't done it his first eight years.

Dom Capers, Houston – B+: Has gone 4-12 and 5-11 the last two years with an expansion team that has suffered unfortunate injuries, but the Texans have never been a pushover. Just a few players and a little good luck away from a playoff run this year.

Butch Davis, Cleveland – B: Working his way to lower grades on this list due to a curious string of in-game and off-the-field personnel problems, his continuing QB uncertainty, and "misses" with some key player moves. Might have won three national titles had he stayed at Miami.

Bill Cowher, Pittsburgh – B: Is not solving his team's year-to-year problems as he once did. Not as intimidating as in the past. Can be "out-schemed."

Herman Edwards, N.Y. Jets – B: Jury is still out as Edwards starts his third year, because he's coaching a team in transition. But, he's smart and respected by his players, who didn't quit last year despite major free-agent losses, early injuries, and a disastrous 0-4 start.

Dave Wannstedt, Miami – B: A great friend, former assistant, and true believer in Jimmy Johnson and "Jimma's" approach. Unfortunately, he lacks Johnson's inspiration and ability to get his team "over the hump." Frequently out-coached by those on the "A" list.

Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville – B-: A rookie head coach who took over a declining team with salary-cap and attitude problems last year, then started 1-7. Gets a decent grade for unifying his players and keeping them fighting in a "lost season."

Marty Schottenheimer, San Diego – C+: Knows, and repeatedly uses, every cliché in the book, so it's easy for today's players to "tune him out." Still competent, but wears out his players verbally and physically.

Norv Turner, Oakland – C+: Well-liked and technically competent. But, never achieved more than "B" status in 6-plus years as head coach in Washington, and maybe never will.

Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati – C: Yes, he elevated Cincy's chronic underachievers to .500 in 2003. But, insiders say the talent was there to do even better, as career-assistant Lewis was learning on the fly how to be a head coach. This year's move to QB Carson Palmer is the right one for the long term.

Mike Mularkey, Buffalo – Incomplete: Has never been a head coach at either the college or pro level. As offensive coordinator of the Steelers, was given the task of improving the judgment and accuracy of Kordell Stewart. Mularkey first simplified the system, but the eventual answer was to give the job to Tommy Maddox. Mularkey then presided over the decline of the Pittsburgh ground game. Now, he must design an attack that fits strong-armed but immobile Drew Bledsoe.

NFC coaches next issue.

Chuck Sippl is the senior editor of The Gold Sheet, the first word in sports handicapping for 48 years. The amazingly compact Gold Sheet features analysis of every football and basketball game, exclusive insider reports, widely followed Power Ratings, and a Special Ticker of key injuries and team chemistry. To begin your handicapping for this season, look for the 2004 Gold Sheet Football Preview at your local newsstand. If you'd like to reserve a copy, call The Gold Sheet at (800) 798-GOLD (4653) and be sure to mention you read about it in Card Player. You can look up The Gold Sheet on the web at www.goldsheet.com.