Ranking every NFL head coach in 2024 feat. Matt LaFleur at No. 20

Where does Matt LaFleur rank in the NFL head coach hierarchy?

The 2024-25 NFL season has seen multiple head coaching changes, headlined by the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks respectively parting ways with Bill Belichick and Pete Carroll after multiple fruitful seasons that saw a combined seven Super Bowl titles.

However, there have also been multiple holdouts – 25 of them to be exact. That includes the Green Bay Packers’ Matt LaFleur, who last season presided over an overachieving squad of youngsters led by first-time leader Jordan Love. But what is his place in the current rankings?

NFL 2024-25 head coach rankings

32) Dennis Allen, NO

How Dennis Allen was able to pull off a 9-8 season out of an underperforming Derek Carr is a massive mystery. That still does not dispel the notion that he is the most anonymous head coach on the roster; and with the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers undergoing systemic changes, the Saints may very well end up becoming the worst team in the NFC, if not the NFL, since their first few years of existence, spelling the end of his tenure.

31) Sean Payton, DEN

Sean Payton has a massive talent problem. His quarterback room is very weak; there are no notable weapons aside from fading Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton; and Patrick Surtain II is all alone in the defense after the release of Justin Simmons. This may figure to be his last-ever season as a top-tier coach before he is forced to retire.

30) Brian Daboll, NYG

The Giants suffered a significant offensive blow when tight end Darren Waller retired. But even if he did not, Brian Daboll would still face tough divisional competition in what could be a make-or-break season for him. Rome Odunze figures to be a borderline top talent, but he needs a better passer than Daniel Jones coming off an Achilles injury. It is a shame because the defense has the potential to be one of the best.

29) Antonio Pierce, LV

Antonio Pierce may have saved the Raiders from ignominy after Halloween 2023, but this season figures to be different. Featuring the NFL’s weakest quarterback rotation, it will not be long before he wastes Brock Bowers’ and Maxx Crosby’s potential with bad results.

28) Jerod Mayo, NE

Jerod Mayo is one of the more accomplished linebackers in Patriots history, being at his best during their decade-long title drought. But as a rookie head coach, he will walk into a roster that is in flux. A new quarterback with not much in the name of weapons, a weak offensive line, and a rebuilding defense – all signs point to him failing to elevate the team.

27) Mike MacDonald, SEA

Mike MacDonald has some massive shoes to fill, and he will struggle to do so. Even though the Seahawks have some good pieces on the offense, their defense needs some work after multiple departures. And he will need plenty of it.

26) Sean McDermott, BUF

Now this will be shocking, but Sean McDermott may very well be a dead man walking in 2024. His top two wide receivers, starting center, and three defensive backs are gone; Von Miller continues to underwhelm a third of the way into his six-year contract; and some other conference rivals are either on the rise or still strong favorites. He could be gone and with him the Bills’ contendership.

25) Doug Pederson, JAX

The Jaguars should, on paper, be a better team, especially after getting more passing help for Trevor Lawrence in the form of Gabe Davis, Brian Thomas Jr,, and Devin Duvernay. But with the rest of the AFC South also making major moves of their own, Doug Pedersen suddenly finds himself on the hot seat; and he will have to hope that his team continues to play well.

24) Jim Harbaugh, LAC

Jim Harbaugh’s first NFL tenure with the San Francisco 49ers (2011-14) is one of the better short-lasting ones. He had a wonderful array of weapons, both offensive and defensive; and every season bar the last resulted in a conference title game, of which he won the second. But the Chargers that he will handle just lost their dual-threat starting running back, both top wide receivers, and their underrated tight end – not a good sign of things to come for a supposed offensive guru.

23) Dave Canales, CAR

Dave Canales came in with one job: to fix the Panthers’ offense. On that, he has largely succeeded, as he has a legitimate core in Bryce Young, Chuba Hubbard, Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, and Xavier Legette. Too bad the offensive line and defense will be his downfall.

22) Jonathan Gannon, ARI

For a supposedly defensive-minded coach, Jonathan Gannon seems to be leaning towards a more offensive-oriented team. The Cardinals have a potentially dominant core of Kyler Murray, James Conner, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Trey McBride; however, their defense besides the long-suffering Budda Baker leaves much to be desired.

21) Kevin O’Connell, MIN

Kevin O’Connell has a massive problem before him. With Kirk Cousins leaving for Atlanta in free agency, he has a rather weak quarterback room before him, which could spell trouble for Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and TJ Hockenson. The defense has also been rebuilt, but it will not be enough to save him from a dead-last finish.

20) Matt LaFleur, GB

Matt LaFleur may have created a miracle in 2023, but he will get a massive reality check-in 2024. Aaron Jones is gone, replaced by Josh Jacobs, who was worse than him; and while the rest of the team is still solid, offseason moves by the rest of the NFC North will put him under pressure to outdo his heroics.

19) Zac Taylor, CIN

Zac Taylor will have a slightly different roster in 2024. Joe Burrow will be back from his wrist injury, but top running back Joe Mixon and veteran WR Tyler Boyd are gone. The defense has also not changed much, even with the return of safety Vonn Bell. In a closely contested AFC North, the Bengals may be the odd man out again.

18) Mike McDaniel, MIA

The Dolphins’ offense just got better after they added veteran wideout Odell Beckham Jr. and underrated explosive tight end Jonnu Smith. Their defense, meanwhile, is still solid despite some key departures like cornerback Xavien Howard – and Mike McDaniel can still lay claim to having the best-balanced roster in the NFL right now.

17) Robert Saleh, NYJ

For the first time since 2015, the New York Jets look like playoff contenders. Aaron Rodgers is returning from his devastating Achilles injury, his receiving corps and offensive line have been massively upgraded, and the defense is still solid. Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas may finally be reaping the fruits of their big gamble from 2023.

16) Shane Steichen, IND

Shane Steichen is considered one of the best quarterback nurturers in all of football. With him, Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts unlocked their true potential as franchise quarterbacks, and Gardner Minshew became a surprise Pro Bowler.

But his tenure will only get better, as Anthony Richardson finally returns. With a core of Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and Adonai Mitchell, plus a top-notch offensive line and a defense led by Pro Bowlers DeForest Buckner and Kenny Moore II, he figures to have a better situation than in 2023.

15) Dan Quinn, WAS

The Commanders went on a massive overhaul in 2024, hiring a new general manager in Adam Peters and head coach in Dan Quinn and splurging on free agents. The result is a decent roster led by rookie dual-threat quarterback Jayden Daniels that may surprise everyone.

14) Matt Eberflus, CHI

Matt Eberflus will have a very good roster situation in 2024: a top-tier quarterback in Caleb Williams who will have plenty of weapons and a burgeoning defense that features multiple Pro Bowlers. Expect the Bears to finally make the playoffs for the first time under his tenure.

13) Brian Schottenheimer, TEN

Brian Schottenheimer will inherit a vastly improved roster in 2024 – sophomore quarterback Will Levis; running back Tony Pollard; wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, and Tyler Boyd, tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo; a rebuilding offensive line; a solid defense, and quite possibly the NFL’s most stacked special teams trio. These ingredients could give the Titans the AFC South once more.

12) DeMeco Ryans, HOU

DeMeco Ryans was a revelation in 2023, unlocking the true potential of CJ Stroud and Will Anderson. But that may be nothing compared to 2024, as he now has Stefon Diggs to complement Nick Collins and Tank Dell, forming one of the most potent wideout trios of all time. He also got veteran pass rusher Danielle Hunter to bolster the defense, making his roster more star-studded than before.

11) Todd Bowles, TB

During the offseason, Todd Bowles lost linebackers Devin White and Shaquil Barrett and cornerback Carlton Davis. That may mean a season wasted for Baker Mayfield and the offense.

10) Mike McCarthy, DAL

Mike McCarthy may be facing a crossroads year, but his roster is still top-notch. With Dak Prescott reuniting with Ezekiel Elliott, CeeDee Lamb, and Brandin Cooks poised to be a top-notch WR duo, Jake Ferguson coming off a breakout season, and the offensive line getting some much-needed new blood; the Cowboys are still in good hands, after all.

9) Kyle Shanahan, SF

The San Francisco 49ers will have many questions heading into 2024, but what cannot be denied is that Kyle Shanahan still has a top-notch roster at his disposal that is littered with Pro Bowlers. However, he still has to overcome his habit of blowing crucial leads to be considered the best in the NFC West.

8) Nick Sirianni, PHI

2023 was rough for the Eagles, as they went from 11-0 to losing six of seven, including the Wild Card game at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But new star-studded coordinators should help him elevate a roster that is still reeling from the retirements of franchise legends Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox.

7) Mike Tomlin, PIT

Mike Tomlin has himself a decent offense led by dual-threat quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, even if the wide receiver room is lacking, as it has running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren and tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. But the defense is the star of the show, as ex-Baltimore Raven Patrick Queen joins forces with TJ Watt to form a terrifying pass-rusher duo.

6) John Harbaugh, BAL

Speaking of the Ravens, John Harbaugh caught one of the biggest fish out there: Derrick Henry, who will form a terrifying ground pair with Lamar Jackson. The line behind them is one of the best, and of course, there is the defense. Another AFC North title seems to be on the cards unless the Cleveland Browns have anything to say about that.

5) Raheem Morris, ATL

Raheem Morris returns to the Falcons with one goal: to clinch the Super Bowl. To this end, he has assembled a very deep roster filled with Pro Bowlers and difference-makers, all led by Kirk Cousins. His hard-nosed defensive coaching style should be a great fit for the team.

4) Kevin Stefanski, CLE

The Cleveland Browns are suddenly the best team in the AFC North. Deshaun Watson looking to complete his redemption tour, Nick Chubb returning from his horrific leg injury, and Jerry Jeudy joining a stacked receiving corps – what else is there not to love from Kevin Stefanski and his men?

3) Dan Campbell, DET

Sticking to previously long-suffering teams in the Great Lakes area, the Lions have reaped the massive benefits of Dan Campbell’s wizardry. They had one of the best offenses in 2023, and in 2024 their defense looks to join their level.

2) Sean McVay, LAR

The Rams had a great rebound in 2023, as Sean McVay and his offense put up strong numbers. The core of Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams, Cooper Kupp, Tutu Atwell, and Puka will remain for 2024; and while Aaron Donald may be retired, Kobie Turner looks set to seamlessly fill his shoes.

1) Andy Reid, KC

Who else but Andy Reid to lead this list? Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are still the foremost passer-receiver duo in the league, and their offensive line enables it. Chris Jones is still one of the best defensive players, and their secondary has become a highly underappreciated part of the team. Rivals will need to be creative to unseat the NFL’s newest dynasty.