These days, NFL fans tend to argue back and forth as to who the best head coaches in the league are. Although obvious names always come up, there are plenty of others who deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as the game's foremost coaches.
In this piece the league's 25 veteran head coaches will be ranked from strongest to weakest, with first-time leaders rated separately at the end. And for those who think they know the answers as to which coaches are the best and worst, think again.
1.) Joe Gibbs (Washington Redskins ) - Gibbs won a pair of Super Bowls in the 1980s and another in the 1991 season. He famously did so with three veteran quarterbacks who were never premier players - Joe Theismann, Doug Williams and Mark Rypien. Gibbs, who returned in 2004 from a 13-year hiatus, led the 'Skins back to relevance last season, going 10-6 and earning a playoff bid. With more talent now on the roster, look for Gibbs to contend for a fourth championship. It's certainly fitting that Gibbs will rely on 35-year-old QB Mark Brunell in 2006, since the signalcaller has been dismissed by many lately, much like Williams and Rypien years ago. (Regular season record: 140-76; playoffs: 17-6).
2.) Bill Belichick (New England Patriots ) - To many, Belichick is the game's greatest head coach. It's difficult to argue that point, as the 54-year-old has won three Super Bowls over the last five seasons in an era of pro football known mostly for its parity. At the same time, though, it's easy to point out that Belichick was a sub-.500 coach before quarterback Tom Brady entered the Patriots' fray early in the 2001 season. Still, the legendary defensive coordinator for the Giants will be a Hall of Famer, and he deserves it. (Regular season record: 99-77; playoffs: 11-2).
3.) Bill Cowher (Pittsburgh Steelers ) - At the moment, "The Jaw" is tied with Gibbs as the league's longest tenured head coach with one team (14 seasons). Last year, Cowher finally had the opportunity to hold up the Lombardi Trophy, as his wild card Steelers capped off a tremendous playoff run with a victory over the Seahawks in Super Bowl XL. The beloved Pennsylvanian has led his teams to nine playoff appearances. (Regular season record: 141-82-1; playoffs: 12-9).
4.) Mike Shanahan (Denver Broncos ) - A two-time Super Bowl winner, Shanahan has been the Broncos' No. 1 man since 1995. Of course, the former 49ers assistant and Raiders head coach has been known by most in Denver for consistently having great offensive units. Many are expecting the 53-year-old's team to contend for another championship this season. (Regular season record: 122-74; playoffs: 8-5).
5.) Bill Parcells (Dallas Cowboys ) - Also a two-time Super Bowl champ, Parcells has been one of the league's all-time best nomadic head coaches. Rather than remain in one spot for long periods of time, "The Tuna" has spent periods with the Giants, Patriots, Jets and Cowboys. In three seasons with Dallas, the 64-year-old has gone a disappointing 25-23, which has hurt his legacy. Whether or not Parcells will successfully deal with spoiled wideout Terrell Owens this year is a major question (Regular season record: 163-123-1; playoffs: 11-7).
6.) Mike Holmgren (Seattle Seahawks ) - In 14 seasons as a head coach with the Packers and Seahawks, Holmgren has never had a team finish worse than 6-10 in an individual season. More impressively, Holmgren-led teams have made 10 playoff appearances. He came very close to a second Super Bowl title against the Steelers in February, but watched his team lose on some questionable officiating. (Regular season record: 138-86; playoffs: 11-9).
7.) Tony Dungy (Indianapolis Colts ) - The mild-mannered 50-year-old has earned a reputation as one of football's classiest coaches. Dungy spent five seasons making the Buccaneers a relevant entity between 1996-2000 before moving on to Indy, where he's become a revered figure. Although he's yet to win a title, it'd be hard to imagine Dungy not winning one soon, especially with a vastly talented Colts roster. (Regular season record: 102-58; playoffs: 5-8).
8.) Andy Reid (Philadelphia Eagles ) - Prior to the beginning of the Reid era in Philly from 1993-1998, the Eagles battled mediocrity. However, Reid--a disciple of Holmgren--stepped in and instilled a terrific offensive approach in his squad. Teaming with former All-Pro QB Donovan McNabb, Reid led the Eagles to four straight appearances in the NFC Championship Game and a Super Bowl showing. At only 48 years old, Reid has plenty of time left to win a title, which he'll likely do at some point. (Regular season record: 70-42; playoffs: 7-5).
9.) Jon Gruden (Tampa Bay Buccaneers ) - Gruden spent four seasons in Oakland between 1998-2001, where he kept the Silver and Black tradition alive and well. Thereafter, he was traded to the Bucs' for numerous draft picks and made the Raiders pay with a 48-21 victory over Oakland in Super Bowl XXXVII. With great young talent on the Tampa roster, there's no reason why Gruden won't make it back to the biggest stage in sports eventually. (Regular season record: 73-55; playoffs: 5-3).
10.) John Fox (Carolina Panthers ) - The only reason Fox is so low on this list stems from his youth as a head coach. As more time passes for the 51-year-old and more accomplishments roll in, he'll join the elite in the top five. Fox's Panthers are thought of by many as the favorites to win a title this year, and that's thanks in no small part to the cool and collected coach. (Regular season record: 36-28; playoffs: 5-2).
The other 15 there are 7 newcomers ranked also
