I was curious what kinds of coaches built long, sustained winning organizations and decided to look at the current head coaches of the 10 winningest teams over the last 10 years. I wondered how much experience they came into the job with, had they ever been a head coach before, and just for fun, were they offensive or defensive minded. These are just based on regular season w/l records. It would be interesting if someone looked at it from playoff win percentage or some other metrics.

Here’s my non-scientific breakdown.

1. Chiefs - Andy Reid, previously fired HC from Eagles. O.
2. Patriots - Billy Boy, previously fired HC from Browns. D.
3. Steelers - Mike Tomlin, DC 1 year.
4. Packers - Matt LaFleur, OC 2 years.
5. Seahawks - Pete, previously fired HC from Patriots and Jets. D.
6. Cowboys - McCarthy, previously fired HC from Packers. O.
7. Ravens - John Harbaugh, STC 15 plus years and 1 year DB coach. Proving that Harbaughs are weirdos. D/ST
8. Bills - Sean McDemott, DC 7 years.
9. Saints - Dennis Allen previously fired HC from Raiders. D.
10. Eagles - Nick Sirianni, OC for 2 years.

Of the top 10 winningest teams over the past 10 years: - 5 head coaches were previously head coaches. 3 of them are definite HOF, McCarthy is probably, especially if he ever wins one in Big D. - 2 head coaches were experienced coordinators (5 years). Harbaugh is definite HOF. McDermott is on the right track. - 3 had relatively inexperienced coordinators as head coaches (3 years or fewer in a coordinator position). Jury is out Sirianni and LeFleur. Tomlin is definite HOF.

I’d argue that these are also generally the best run organizations and tend to make good decisions. You can argue the Niners make better decisions than whoever up there (and have the banners/rings to prove it). But their head coach, Kendall Roy, had long term success as a coordinator before being hired.

So what’s my point? My point is that the least amount of risk seems to be taking a former head coach, or a coordinator with a proven track record. Oh, and only 4 of them are from the offensive side of the ball.

Let someone else go buy the hot new Italian sports car and wrap it around a tree in a year or two. Let’s get the S-Class and drive around in luxury for the next 10-15 years.