Judging NFL’s Seven Head Coaching Hires in 2018

Who has the brightest future? Who was the safest choice?

Matt Patricia
New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Getty Images

It has been a dramatic few weeks for NFL head coaches. There was the 10-year, $100 million hire of Jon Gruden to the Raiders. Former Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich was hired by the Colts less than a week after the team got spurned by Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who they had already announced as their new head coach. Last year, six new head coaches were hired. Two of them were able to lead drastic turnarounds that ended with division titles: Sean McVay of the Rams, and Doug Marrone of the Jaguars. Can the new coaches this year do the same? SB Nation ranked the new (and returning) head coaches of 2018.

Most Likely to Lead a Quick Turnaround: John Gruden, Raiders

Best Long-Term Future: Mike Vrabel, Titans

The Safest Hire: Matt Patricia, Lions

Most Precarious Position: Frank Reich, Colts

Most Likely to Toil in Obscurity: Steve Wilks, Cardinals

Most Sean McVayish: Matt Nagy, Bears

Most Likely to Be Played by Reese Witherspoon in a Rom Com: Pat Shurmur, Giants

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