Former 国产外流网player and scout Bucky Brooks knows the ins and outs of this league, providing keen insight in his notebook. In today's installment, he explores which teams excel in one absolutely critical area ...
The 国产外流网coaching carousel is spinning once again this week, with firings and interviews headlining league news. But of course, at this odd time on the league calendar, we're also about to kick off the playoffs, which truly showcase the work done by some of the best teachers and tacticians in the business.
Though the teams with superior roster talent routinely win in the regular season, the managerial moves and strategic decisions made by coaches in the postseason tournament typically decide who hoists the Lombardi Trophy in February.
With coaching at the forefront of all league activity this week, it's the perfect time to survey the landscape and determine which teams are sitting pretty in this realm. Here is my ranking of the top five coaching staffs in the 国产外流网right now.
No surprise here. When you're vying for a three-peat -- and have won three Super Bowls in the past five seasons -- you're probably doing something right. The Chiefs have climbed to the top rung of the 国产外流网ladder with a collection of coaches who are masterful football minds.
Andy Reid is the greatest coach in the game today, with an innovative playbook that transforms quarterbacks into stars. Dating back to his days in Philadelphia, the coaching veteran has routinely crafted game plans and call sheets that enable his QB1s to maximize their abilities while minimizing the potential damage of their shortcomings. Though he is currently coaching a generational talent in Patrick Mahomes, Reid has been able to tweak his scheme to help the quarterback win with or without a stellar supporting cast.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and special teams coordinator Dave Toub are elite unit leaders who understand how to get the most out of their personnel with clever tactics. Spagnuolo is a blitzing specialist with an encyclopedia of exotic pressures that keep quarterbacks guessing within the pocket. Considering how Toub challenges opponents with innovative and aggressive kicking-game schemes, it is not a coincidence the Chiefs have won 11 one-score games this season, allowing them to snag the No. 1 seed in their pursuit of an unprecedented feat: three straight Super Bowl titles.
If you're an All-22 nerd, then you know it's hard to find a better group of schemers than the one in Minnesota. Head coach/offensive play-caller Kevin O'Connell is a whiteboard wizard with an exotic playbook that creates big-play opportunities for runners and pass catchers on the perimeter. The former 国产外流网quarterback's clever schemes have helped wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison emerge as an unstoppable tandem despite facing various double-coverage/bracketing tactics designed to limit their touches.
While KOC's creative formations and unique motions open up the field, the Vikings' head man is actually at his best when it comes to managing quarterbacks. The proof is in the pudding, based on the play of Sam Darnold and Kirk Cousins, among others, on his watch. He has a knack for elevating QB play through his play-calling brilliance, helping transform middling signal-callers into stone-cold killers in his scheme.
Defensively, Brian Flores has transformed the Vikings into a salty unit, with his aggressive schemes meshing with a group of high-IQ veterans. As a blitz-happy mad scientist with a playbook loaded with exotic and unorthodox pressures, the former 国产外流网head coach tests the instincts, awareness and discipline of opposing quarterbacks and play-callers. Many opponents wilt under the relentless barrage of pressures from a diabolical DC. Consequently, Minnesota can overwhelm opponents with its offensive or defensive prowess.
If you appreciate culture and team-building, you love Dan Campbell's work in Detroit. The former 国产外流网tight end has remade the Lions in the image of a gritty city that fully appreciates a blue-collar squad that does not flinch in any situation. Moreover, this team's fun factor reflects its leader's unbridled energy and passion for the game.
Ben Johnson has made the Lions must-see TV for observers who appreciate trickery and gadgetry on the perimeter. The offensive wizard is not afraid to utilize deception and misdirection to create explosive plays, but he also makes it a point to keep his top playmakers engaged throughout the game. Johnson puts Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta in prime playmaking positions, making the game easy for quarterback Jared Goff. With a talented offensive line that specializes in pummeling opponents at the point of attack, Detroit can win by utilizing force or finesse to get the job done.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has created a buzz in league circles with his evolution as a play-caller and tactician throughout his tenure in Detroit. The former Pro Bowl cornerback adapted his schemes to fit his talent while retaining the aggressive approach that creates chaos for opponents. Whether featuring man-to-man or zone coverage behind an aggressive blitz, Glenn is not afraid to switch up his plan in order to accentuate the strengths of his personnel. With the crafty defensive play-caller capable of working around the inexperience of young players and the limitations of backups thrust into prominent roles by injury, the Lions' defensive leader has shown the creativity and adaptability elite coaches possess.
Given Detroit's immense success with a coaching staff full of former players, the football world is paying close attention to the Lions' approach.
Whether you love him or hate him, Nick Sirianni deserves props for creating and sustaining a winning culture in Philadelphia. Though the head coach's brash on-field persona overshadows his work at times, it is hard to dispute his impeccable record (48-20 in the regular season) since taking over as the leader of a talented but temperamental squad. As a CEO type of coach who sets the standard but delegates responsibilities to his assistants, Sirianni effectively manages a locker room loaded with strong personalities. While the Eagles' internal squabbles occasionally dot the headlines, the polarizing head coach typically finds a way to keep his team locked in and focused when it matters most.
Philadelphia's defensive rise is a testament to Vic Fangio's work in his first year as a coordinator with the franchise. The veteran quickly fixed the secondary's problems by inserting a pair of rookies (Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean) into the starting lineup at prime positions (CB1 and nickel). In addition, he fully unleashed defensive tackle Jalen Carter at the point of attack to help the Eagles re-establish their dominance in the trenches. With linebackers Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun thriving as big-play specialists, Fangio continues to cement his status as an all-time great defensive mind, having turned this unit into the league's top D.
Kellen Moore's work with Jalen Hurts and the offense has showcased his adaptability as a play-caller. Also in his first year as an Eagles coordinator, Moore has helped Hurts re-emerge as a potent playmaker. Using designed quarterback runs was not a big part of Moore's call sheet at his previous stops, but he has found a way to build the game plan around his quarterback's strengths. While the inconsistency of Philadelphia's passing attack has led to some frustrating moments for wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, Moore typically keeps the duo engaged with scripted touches on the call sheet.
Given how the Eagles' coaching staff deftly manages the game -- and the team's egos -- while chalking up wins, the group deserves a spot on this top-five list.
Green Bay's ability to win amid a rebuild reflects Matt LaFleur's leadership and coaching acumen. Despite his boyish looks and youthful exuberance, the Packers' head man is a masterful tactician and teacher with a unique ability to elevate the quarterback's play. Whether he has Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love or Malik Willis under center, LaFleur finds a way to win by crafting an offense around the talents of his QB1. Though Rodgers seemingly required minimal management during his last few years in Green Bay, the Packers' ability to seamlessly transition from a future gold-jacket recipient to inexperienced signal-callers showcased the coach's depth and versatility as an instructor.
Green Bay's development of young players extends far beyond the quarterback room, with the team flourishing behind a collection of newbies on the front line and perimeter. The Packers' draft-and-develop approach is booming due to LaFleur's commitment to playing young guys.
Defensively, Jeff Hafley's system has enhanced the Packers' youth movement. The former Boston College head coach has streamlined the scheme to enable young players to grasp the concepts while maximizing their versatility. As a result, the D has become a turnover-obsessed unit that creates chaos for opponents, with the group's speed and athleticism meshing perfectly with an aggressive scheme.
Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia rounds out the brain trust as a kicking-game guru with a knack for producing big plays in the crucial third phase of football. From producing field-flipping kick and punt returns to coming up with a clever gadget play, Bisaccia finds ways to create advantages for his squad with his unique schemes.
