In the world of the National Football League, where every move is scrutinized, and every decision can be the difference between victory and defeat, the role of a head coach is nothing short of pivotal. Yardbarker NFL writers have been tasked with reviewing the league’s 32 head coaches, categorizing them into tiers reminiscent of movie titles, genres, or actors. These tiers determine whether each coach’s performance deserves an Academy Award or a Razzie-level critique. Here, we dissect the NFC South coaches and their respective stories:
Tier 4: WESTERNS | A little sizzle but no steak … yet
Frank Reich | Carolina Panthers (Regular season: 40-33-1/Playoffs: 1-2): In hindsight, Frank Reich’s tenure in Indianapolis appears as a minor miracle. He navigated a revolving door of quarterbacks yet consistently kept the Colts in playoff contention, even with Carson Wentz at the helm in 2021. If his time in Indianapolis were a chaotic film production, it would resemble “Apocalypse Now” rather than “The Island of Dr. Moreau.” Despite this, Reich’s NFL stature is reflected in his swift appointment from the Carolina Panthers just three months after his Indianapolis departure.
In Carolina, Reich embarks on a fresh journey with quarterback Bryce Young, the top overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. He’s made savvy moves by assembling a formidable coaching staff, including Thomas Brown, Ejiro Evero, Jim Caldwell, and Dom Capers. Reich is the NFC South’s premier coach in a division without intense competition.
Tier 5: NETFLIX ORIGINALS TIER | Too new for critical review
Arthur Smith | Atlanta Falcons (Regular season: 14-20/Playoffs: 0-0): Successful head coaches often possess a distinctive offensive or defensive identity, and Arthur Smith, former offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans, seems to be honing his offensive prowess. His teams have frequently ranked among the top three in rushing during his stints as an offensive coordinator or head coach. Despite these credentials, Smith’s initial years in Atlanta, with consecutive 7-10 finishes, raised questions.
The 2023 season presents a pivotal moment for Smith and the Falcons. The franchise has entrusted quarterback Desmond Ridder, a 2022 third-round pick, with the offense’s reins, effectively betting on Smith’s burgeoning identity as a run-game specialist. This season will determine if Smith’s vision for the future aligns with Atlanta’s expectations or if this coaching hire was a misstep.
Tier 6: ‘WATERWORLD’ TIER | Sinking into … oblivion?
Dennis Allen | New Orleans Saints (Regular season: 15-38/Playoffs: 0-0): Dennis Allen finds himself in a supporting role in the NFL coaching realm, akin to the “Evan Almighty” of head coaches. Although he revitalized the Saints’ defense during his tenure as coordinator, his first year as head coach lacked distinction.
In the 2022 season, Allen adopted a notably conservative approach, ranking as the third-least aggressive coach according to Football Outsiders. He ventured into 4th-and-short situations six times out of 99 potential opportunities. The acquisition of Derek Carr as the new quarterback may bolster his offensive confidence. Still, Allen must deliver a compelling performance this season to avoid another box-office flop.
Todd Bowles | Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Regular season: 34-50/Playoffs: 0-1): Todd Bowles, preparing for his sixth full-time season as head coach, seeks his first winning record since his rookie season with the New York Jets in 2015. However, the odds aren’t in his favor, having failed to achieve a winning season even with Tom Brady under center.
Now, without Brady, Bowles is likely to lead Baker Mayfield as his quarterback. The clouds of uncertainty loom ominously over Tampa Bay in 2023, resembling a sack of spoiled oysters rather than a promising cinematic experience.
The NFC South coaching tiers reveal a mix of experiences and expectations, with Frank Reich as the region’s standout leader. As the NFL season unfolds, these coaches will be under the microscope, with their performances closely watched, critiqued, and ultimately determining their cinematic fate in the NFL coaching world.
