New England Patriots
Bill Belichick, New England
His personality isn’t going to melt your heart and his video-taping techniques are the stuff of scandal, but on a week-to-week, year-to-year basis, there’s no better coach in football. He’s a brilliant tactician, known for his in-game adjustments. He’s demanding, but flexible. He likes to be in control, but he’s not afraid to give responsibility to promising young coaches. Truth be told, he’s a bit of an enigma, but genius often comes in that form. The man has won three Super Bowls. Enough said.";
spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","2. Tony Dungy","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/dungy_78923073.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Andy Lyons", "Getty Images", "358", "234", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Tony Dungy
Indianapolis Colts
He’s the quintessential players’ coach, proof that nice guys can finish on top. In some respects, he doesn’t get enough credit. He’s the Joe Torre of the NFL - understated, but a master button pusher. He adjusts to his personnel. In Tampa Bay, he won with defense. In Indianapolis, his offense drives the train. Dungy employs relatively simple schemes that let the players play. He has a .760 winning percentage and one Super Bowl title in six seasons with the Colts. Not too shabby."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","3. Mike Holmgren","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/Holmgren_82107967.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Otto Greule Jr", "Getty Images", "358", "236", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Mike Holmgren
Seattle Seahawks
This is what you need to know about Holmgren: In 16 years as a head coach, he’s had only two losing seasons. Two! That’s a remarkable accomplishment in the ever-changing, here-today-gone-tomorrow era of the NFL. He’s hard on his quarterbacks, but you can’t quibble with the results - a top-10 offense in five of the last six seasons. He already has announced this will be his final season. He hasn’t won a Super Bowl since ’96 with the Packers; maybe it’s his time again."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","4. Tom Coughlin","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/Coughlin_82455375.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Jim Mcisaac", "Getty Images", "358", "232", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Tom Coughlin
New York Giants
Go ahead, say it: Coughlin doesn’t deserve to be this high; he came within one loss last season of getting fired. That is true, but he held the team together and proceeded to one of the greatest post-seasons in the history of any sport. He changed his ways, showing a softer side and giving the players a chance to breathe. He got rid of his biggest headache, Jeremy Shockey, so this should be a harmonious season for the defending champs. He’s gone to the playoffs three years in a row. You think that’s easy in New York? Ask Isiah Thomas."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","5. Andy Reid","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/redi_82372614.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Jeff Zelevansky", "Getty Images", "358", "255", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Andy Reid
Philadelphia Eagles
His stock slipped a bit because of last season’s 8-8 finish, but the man has won five division titles (in the brutal NFC East, no less) and one NFC title. Prior to last season, the only year he didn’t make the playoffs (2005) was when Donovan McNabb missed half the season. Reid can be stubborn and slow to adjust in games (see last year’s Winston Justice/Giants sack fest), but his teams generally are very well prepared."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","6. Jeff Fisher","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/Fisher_82234475.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Doug Benc", "Getty Images", "358", "252", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Jeff Fisher
Tennessee Titans
He started out when he was only 36, back in Houston, and he has developed into one of the league’s most respected coaches over the last 14 years. Fisher molds young, rebuilding teams and turns them into winners. He won 10 games last season with a quarterback (Vince Young) that passed for only nine touchdowns. In the current pass-happy era, that’s some accomplishment."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","7. Mike Shanahan","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/Shanahan_82235148.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Ronald Martinez", "Getty Images", "358", "244", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Mike Shanahan
Denver Broncos
Shanahan, who doubles as the de facto general manager, would be nowhere near the top of a GM list. Curiously, he has a soft spot for old, broken-down defensive linemen. But this is about coaching, and Shanahan still belongs with the elite. Despite two straight non-playoff seasons, he has a .625 winning percentage in Denver. Opposing coaches say he’s still one of the best game planners in the league. If he detects a weakness in an opponent, he will do everything he can to exploit it, over and over. He owns two Super Bowl rings."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","8. Jack Del Rio","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/DelRio_82235187.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Al Messerschmidt", "Getty Images", "358", "236", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Jack Del Rio
Jacksonville Jaguars
He’s the first coach on the list that hasn’t been to a Super Bowl, but Del Rio is on the fast track. Teams hate to play the Jaguars because they know they’ll feel it for a week. They’re big and tough, and that comes from Del Rio. He made one of the gutsiest calls in 2007, cutting Byron Leftwich on the eve of the season and replacing him with the relatively unproven David Garrard at quarterback. Great move."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","9. Lovie Smith","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/070117/070117_lovieSmith_vsmall.vmedium.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "right", "Charles Rex Arbogast", "AP", "274", "198", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Lovie Smith
Chicago Bears
Imagine if he had a real quarterback. He’s managed to win 56 percent of his games with way too much Rex Grossman. This season, he’s going with Kyle Orton, who should commit fewer mistakes than Grossman. Smith, two years removed from an NFC title, always gets his teams to play hard. Example: Despite being out of playoff contention, they whipped the Packers and Saints in the final two games last season."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","10. Jon Gruden","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/Gruden_78728189.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Al Messerschmidt", "Getty Images", "358", "245", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Jon Gruden
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
He won a Super Bowl in 2002 with Tony Dungy’s players. Since then, Chucky’s record is a mediocre 36-44. He’s still a bright offensive mind, but he has to learn he can’t pick quarterbacks from a AARP pool."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","11. Mike McCarthy","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/McCarthy_82101567.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Jonathan Daniel", "Getty Images", "358", "229", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Mike McCarthy
Green Bay Packers
He came within a Brett Favre interception of reaching the Super Bowl in only his second season. Otherwise, he did a fantastic job with a very young team (save for Favre). Even though he’s an offensive guy, McCarthy is building a terrific defense, the backbone on the team. But now comes the pressure point: If Aaron Rodgers stinks like bad cheese, McCarthy’s legacy will be tainted. He’ll be remembered as one of the guys that ran Favre out of town."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","12. Sean Payton","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/Payton_82384262.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Doug Benc", "Getty Images", "358", "252", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Sean Payton
New Orleans Saints
This is a lofty ranking for such a young coach, 44, but he won Coach of the Year in 2006 and already has established himself as one of the top offensive minds in the game. He’ll learn from last year’s 0-4 start, just watch."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","13. John Fox","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/fox_82372626.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Jeff Zelevansky", "Getty Images", "358", "261", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "John Fox
Caronlina Panthers
Hello, hot seat. That Super Bowl appearance seems like a long time ago, especially after two straight non-winning seasons. It could be playoffs or bust."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","14. Mike Tomlin","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/tomlin_82225368.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Rick Stewart", "Getty Images", "358", "249", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Mike Tomlin
Pittsburgh Steelers
He tainted an otherwise terrific rookie season with some awful decisions in a home playoff loss to the Jaguars. Aside from that, he’s a keeper."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","15. Dick Jauron","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/Jauron_82067062.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Rick Stewart", "Getty Images", "358", "235", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Dick Jauron
Buffalo Bills
Yes, Dick Jauron. He’s one of the most underrated coaches in the league. Keep an eye on the Bills; they have a young, rising team."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","16. Norv Turner","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/Turner_82234353.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Lisa Blumenfeld", "Getty Images", "358", "263", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Norv Turner
San Diego Chargers
He almost screwed up one of the most talented teams in the league, starting 1-3 last season, but he rebounded and actually outcoached Bill Belichick in a losing effort in the AFC title game."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","17. Romeo Crennel","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/Crennel_80971401.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Gregory Shamus", "Getty Images", "358", "231", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Romeo Crennel
Cleveland Browns
He’d be higher on the list if his team didn’t choke away a playoff berth in a Week 16 loss to Cincinnati. That said, Crennel has the temperament to be a good one."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","18. Ken Whisenhunt","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/Whisenhunt_82383662.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "G. Newman Lowrance", "Getty Images", "358", "257", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Ken Whisenhunt
Arizona Cardinals
He started the turnaround in the desert by finishing 8-8 in his first season. If he can keep Matt Leinart out of his infamous hot tub, Whisenhunt, a future head-coaching star, could get the Cards into the playoffs."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","19. Wade Phillips","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/phillips_82383784.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Doug Pensinger", "Getty Images", "358", "252", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Wade Phillips
Dallas Cowboys
That object in his rear-view mirror is offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, the presumed coach-in-waiting. If Phillips gets off to a slow start, he could be replaced by Garrett."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","20. Marvin Lewis","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/Lewis_79136412.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Doug Benc", "Getty Images", "358", "251", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Marvin Lewis
Cincinnati Bengals
Truth be told, he’s a decent coach, but it’s hard to take him seriously about cleaning up the team’s image, not after re-signing thug WR Chris Henry."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","21. Eric Mangini","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/Mangini_82208712.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Joe Robbins", "Getty Images", "358", "235", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Eric Mangini
New York Jets
Do you believe in the sophomore jinx? Based on last year, Mangini should. With Brett Favre on board, he can’t afford a junior jinx."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","22. Herm Edwards","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/Edwards_82210532.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Jonathan Daniel", "Getty Images", "358", "265", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Herm Edwards
Kansas City Chiefs
Say what you want about his game-management skills, but he has been to the playoffs in four of his seven seasons. This time, he faces the ultimate rebuilding project."; spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","23. Brad Childress","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/childress_82384256.vlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "Drew Hallowell", "Getty Images", "358", "259", "#000000", "", "", "", ""); spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Brad Childress
Minnesota Vikings
With Adrian Peterson and the top-ranked rushing defense, he still won only eight games. Oh, and about those cellphone calls with Brett Favre...";
spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","Coaches 24 -32","","","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "24. Gary Kubiak, Houston Texans: It’s Year 3. It’s time.
25. Rod Marinelli, Detroit Lions: See Kubiak.
26. Lane Kiffin, Oakland Raiders: We’ll never know about him as a head coach until he escapes from Alcatraz, Al Davis’ prison, that is.
27. Mike Nolan, San Francisco 49ers: If this were a best-dressed list, he’d be at the top. Unfortunately, he doesn’t coach as well as he looks.
28. Scott Linehan, St. Louis Rams: Where have you gone, Dick Vermeil?
29. Tony Sparano, Miami Dolphins: He takes over a 1-15 team and he has Bill Parcells lurking in the background.
30. Jim Zorn, Washington Redskins: Daniel Snyder’s surprise hire just might surprise everyone.
31. Mike Smith, Atlanta Falcons: After the Michael Vick debacle, things can only get better.
32. John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens: He takes over an old team with no quarterback. Good luck.";
spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","Top Motivators","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","Tony Dungy","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/Dungy_motivate2.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Streeter Lecka", "Getty Images", "273", "402", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Tony Dungy, Indianapolis
He's living proof that a coach doesn't have to be a loud, fiery speaker to motivate his players.
Best of the rest
2. Jeff Fisher, Tennessee
3. Herm Edwards, Kansas City
4. Jon Gruden, Tampa Bay
5. Tom Coughlin, New York Giants ";
spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","Top Strategists","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","Bill Belichick","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/Belichick_strategist2.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Jim Rogash", "Getty Images", "273", "414", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Bill Belichick, New England
He’ll spend six days on a game plan, but he’s not afraid to ditch it if it’s not working. No coach adjusts better on the fly.
Best of the rest
2. Dick Jauron, Buffalo
3. Mike Shanahan, Denver
4. Mike McCarthy, Green Bay
5. Andy Reid, Philadelphia";
spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","Top on Offense","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","Mike Holmgren","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/holmgren_offensive3.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Jonathan Daniel", "Getty Images", "269", "400", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Mike Holmgren, Seattle
He’ll figure out a way to make his Xs beat your O, even if your Os are better.
Best of the rest
2. Mike Shanahan, Denver
3. Sean Payton, New Orleans
4. Mike McCarthy, Green Bay
5. Jon Gruden, Tampa Bay";
spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","Top on Defense","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i++] = new Array("","Jack Del Rio","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/NBCSports/Sections/Personal/Vandermark%2C%20Brett/NFL/Coach_Rankings/delrio_defensive3.hlarge.jpg","","", "", "", "", "", "", "Sam Greenwood", "Getty Images", "273", "353", "#000000", "", "", "", "");
spt_rankingNFL_coaches[i-1].body = "Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville
He has an uncanny ability to find players that fit his system. And they play with an attitude.
Best of the rest
2. Jeff Fisher, Tennessee
3. John Fox, Carolina
4. Wade Phillips, Dallas
5. Lovie Smith, Chicago";
// END editorial data