Grading the NFL Coaches - American Football Conference

In my last column, I graded the NFC coaches. Let's now take a look at the AFC mentors. As I've said before, the edge possessed by even the best of coaches can be neutralized, in any one game, by just one swift move of the oddsmaker's pen. But, over a period of time, the true coaching acumen of the best in the profession will show through. Here's how the AFC coaches look going into the 2003 season.

Brian Billick, Baltimore – A-: Has had to go through a salary cap-necessitated rebuilding period, not to mention great discontinuity at the crucial quarterback position, the loss of former defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis in 2001, and the lengthy absence of Ray Lewis in 2002. But despite his team's flaws and limitations, he's still kept it in contention. He has selected and developed his young players wisely. Billick (19-9-1 as an underdog) has "stolen" more wins in the last three seasons than any other AFC coach.

Jeff Fisher, Tennessee – A-: Has proven to be an excellent leader. He scared the heck out of the Rams a few years ago in the Super Bowl. Continues to win at a playoff level despite Steve McNair's nagging injuries, holes in his defense, and a slowing Eddie George. Knows when to ease up on his players.

Butch Davis, Cleveland – A-: This is perhaps a bit generous of a grade, but he's made the right move again and again in getting the still-building, still-incomplete, expansion Browns to the playoffs in his second season on the job. He did everything but knock off the Steelers in Pittsburgh in last year's playoffs. Was 8-2-1 as an underdog in 2002.

Dick Vermeil, Kansas City – A-: He's still an enthusiastic teacher even though he'll turn 67 this season. Has been named Coach of the Year at the high school, junior college, college, and NFL levels. He restored the confidence and effectiveness of quarterback Trent Green after his severe knee injury. He's great for team morale. Is a couple of defensive players away from making another playoff run.

Mike Shanahan, Denver – B+: He's still one of the sharpest minds and most demanding coaches. He's downgraded slightly this year because of some questionable personnel moves as a "total control" coach in recent seasons, and also because of hints that he might like a "change of scenery." Is gambling that Jake Plummer has more "Elway" in him than Brian Griese did.

Bill Belichick, New England – B+: An A- last year, Belichick gets downgraded this year for letting his prized defense deteriorate so far, so fast – and for failing to develop a consistent ground game. His team is now on a two-year program to get younger and faster. Was 13-6 as a dog the last two years.

Bill Callahan, Oakland – B+: Gets a high grade not just because he got his team to the Super Bowl in his first season, but also because he had prepared well to be a head coach, keeping detailed notes from all of his previous stops, then seeking – and getting – a lengthy one-on-one meeting with John Wooden at the great one's home. He was outfoxed in the Super Bowl by close friend Jon Gruden, however.

Dom Capers, Houston – B+: Did relatively a lot with relatively little last year, "stealing" three games despite an injured offensive line, no ground game, a rookie quarterback, and a defense featuring several castoffs. His team now has bright prospects.

Bill Cowher, Pittsburgh – B: He "married" himself too early and then too long to too erratic, too emotional quarterback Kordell Stewart. As a result, has "lost" some other aspects of his team (for example, pass defense) and coaching impact. He's now trying to get a few years out of the immobile (but more accurate) Tommy Maddox.

Dave Wannstedt, Miami – B: Great guy and a solid coach, but can't get over "the hump" in the big ones. Parcells won with Ray Lucas subbing at quarterback; Wannstedt couldn't.

Herman Edwards, New York Jets – B: Nice improvement from his C- of last year. Was much more assertive in 2002. He benched Vinny and trusted Pennington. The players love him.

Tony Dungy, Indianapolis – B: He's professional and self-controlled to a fault. Many times in football it's a big help to be a tough s.o.b. in addition to being poised.

Marty Schottenheimer, San Diego – B: He's solid in all the basics, but has a unique knack of wearing his teams down with physical camps, long practices, and unending old-school platitudes.

Gregg Williams, Buffalo – C: Was supposed to know more about defense and special teams. Without Drew Bledsoe's heroics in 2002, he might be 7-25 in two years with the Bills.

Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati – Incomplete: First-time head coach whose reputation actually took a bit of a hit last year as the defensive coordinator in Washington.

Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville – Incomplete: Has gotten rave reviews for his leadership as a player and/or assistant at all seven of his NFL stops. Is a first-time head coach.

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, 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.