Grading the NFL Coaches - National Football Conference

Each year at about this time, we pause briefly from baseball season for an overview of the NFL, a few weeks before we have to get down to the nitty-gritty of analyzing the teams in detail for the upcoming season. We like to place a grade on each coach. Even though good coaches themselves can't overcome an oddsmaker's pointspread in any one game, over the course of the season you can see the difference. (And, for whatever it's worth, we get more feedback from the public on this topic than any we discuss, proving once again that NFL football is No. 1 in sports handicapping.)

Jon Gruden, Tampa Bay - A: One of the sharpest, most driven, irrepressible personalities in the game. Demands attention to and proper execution of his complex offense, and gets it. In essence, Gruden defeated his own players and system when he upset his former Oakland team in the Super Bowl.

Andy Reid, Philadelphia – A: Probably would have had his team in the Super Bowl last season instead of the Bucs were it not for the ankle injury suffered by quarterback Donovan McNabb. Excels at play-calling, motivating his team, getting the most out of his players, and coping with adversity.

Bill Parcells, Dallas – A: He's a future hall of famer. Demanding, insistent; terrific style of "situational coaching" to develop players into winners. He's a tick behind others here because he tends to burn out and lose interest (some insiders say he took the Cowboy job largely because of the huge bucks).

Mike Holmgren, Seattle – B+: Bit off more than he could chew when he tried to wear too many hats the past few seasons. Still one of the best offensive "schemers" in the game. Could move back up to "A" now that he's no longer the Seahawk general manager as well as coach.

Dan Reeves, Atlanta – B+: Michael Vick "arrived" sooner than expected due partly to Reeves' grooming; he's retailoring his offense. He's Tom Landry-dry, but thorough. Has gotten teams to the Super Bowl without the best talent in the conference.

Mike Martz, St. Louis – B: It wasn't his fault that he lost most of his 2002 offensive line to injury. But, it is his fault that he takes so many risks with his offense, his quarterbacks get beat up, and his defense doesn't get enough "protection."

Mike Sherman, Green Bay – B: Has kept the Packers in contention despite injuries and considerable player turnover. Handles adversity well. Still has to prove something before moving up to the elite class.

Steve Mariucci, Detroit – B: Still hasn't shown the proper appreciation of defense. But, he's excellent at communicating with and motivating young players. He even reached out to make up with Terrell Owens while in San Francisco!

Jim Fassel, New York Giants – B: An excellent offensive coordinator who is in just a little over his head as a head coach. His teams always manage to lose a couple of games they should have won; needs some of Parcells' demanding demeanor.

John Fox, Carolina – B: Took only one year to show he belonged higher on this list than some others. Panthers went from 31st in defense to second. He nearly finished .500 with a weak team.

Dick Jauron, Chicago – B-: Solid with fundamentals. Well-liked by his players, who are rarely "flat." His team was ripped by injuries on defense, the offensive line, and at quarterback in 2003. We'll cut him a little slack for that.

Dennis Erickson, San Francisco – B-: Has done best in his career in college situations, where he could line up faster, quicker players than the other coach. With the talent quite equal in the NFL, he still must prove himself.

Dave McGinnis, Arizona – B-: Really hasn't had the personnel or the front-office support to show whether he could move higher. But, all who know him like him, and respect him.

Steve Spurrier, Washington – C+: Known as "Saint" Spurrier in Gainesville, the rookie NFL head coach didn't have very much fun with his "Fun 'n' Gun" offense against the fast defensive backs in the pros. He loves his offense more than his defense. But, he's a "players' coach."

Jim Haslett, New Orleans – C: Should have accomplished more with the talent he's had. Can be too "cutting" at times. The Saints lost their last four games in 2001 and their last three in 2002. Bad chemistry?

Mike Tice, Minnesota – C-: Seemed headed to a "D" (or worse!) last year when the Vikes stumbled out of the gate with four straight losses. He closed 6-6 to earn a passing grade. Never previously a head coach.

Next issue, we'll look at the American Football Conference.

Chuck Sippl is the senior editor of The Gold Sheet, the first word in sports handicapping for 46 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. Look for The Gold Sheet's new 2003 College and Pro Football Annual on newsstands this summer. To reserve a copy, just call The Gold Sheet at (800) 798-GOLD (4653), and mention you read about it in Card Player. You can look up The Gold Sheet on the web at www.goldsheet.com.