CBS Sports expert puts each 2024 coaching staff into tiers

Coaching matters in the NFL. Andy Reid once again found his way to the Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs and put his superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes in position to continue to build on his already-remarkable career, while other coaches like Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns overcame adversity to reach double-digit wins and make the playoffs. We were also introduced to a couple of new head coaches who hit the ground running, such as DeMeco Ryans of the Houston Texans and Shane Steichen of the Indianapolis Colts. 

Now that almost every NFL team has finalized their head coach, offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator positions, let’s break down all 32 of the coaching units and place them into tiers. Who are the best of the best, and which staffs could be entering their final seasons together? Let’s start with the best in the NFL. 

CREAM OF THE CROP

(The top coaching units entering the new season, and for good reason.)

Head coach: John Harbaugh | Offensive coordinator: Todd Monken | Defensive coordinator: Zach Orr

Harbaugh is undoubtedly one of the best head coaches in the NFL, and the addition of Monken on the offensive side helped Lamar Jackson win his second MVP. Mike Macdonald was another great coach for Harbaugh as he fielded the best defense in the league this year. That led to him being one of the hottest head-coaching prospects, and he has now taken over for Pete Carroll in Seattle. Meanwhile, Orr, who is a former Raven linebacker, appears to be a solid replacement, having been with the organization for several seasons now.

Cleveland Browns

Head coach: Kevin Stefanski | Offensive coordinator: Ken Dorsey  Defensive coordinator: Jim Schwartz

Stefanski was the NFL’s Coach of the Year in 2023, and for good reason. Cleveland was decimated by injuries, including at quarterback. But the Browns still went 11-6 and made the playoffs. The Browns became…

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