Ranking the Head Coaches Hired

Hi, today as the Colts hired Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich to become their next head coach, it ended this off-seasons head coaching carousel. I am going to rank from 1 (the best) to 7 (the worst) hirings of the off-season. Some breaking news that the 49ers signed QB Jimmy Garopollo to a 5-yr/$137 million dollar contract extension to make him the highest paid player ever in NFL history. Here it is:

1. Jon Gruden, Raiders
Last Season Was: NFL Broadcast Booth Announcer

Easily the best coach hired this off-season. Gruden was one of the all-time greats in coaching history in the NFL but retired and worked in the booth for the NFL. After years of teams potentially trying to lure Gruden out of retirement, the Raiders finally made it happen and brought Gruden back to Oakland for more money than a lot of players make. Gruden should have no problem piecing a playoff contending team back together to make a run quickly. I can see Gruden coaching out that entire 10 years because of how good of a coach he is. Easily the best hire of the off-season.

2. Matt Patricia, Lions
Last Season Was: Patriots defensive coordinator
I loved the Matt Patricia signing for the Lions. Before Jon Gruden was in the picture, Patricia would have easily been the best coaching hire. He has been the defensive coordinator for the Pats for years and the Pats d has been good almost every year he was leading it. Not only was he good at his job, but his personality type seems perfect for this Detroit team. He reminds me in his personality ways of Pete Carroll because both of them are laid back enough to make sure their teams succeed and not be too harsh on the players but at the same time also aren't too loose on the players. I love Patricia and think he is going to be a great coach. Detroit did an outstanding job. He is the next Sean McVay.

3. Pat Shurmur, Giants
Last Season Was: Vikings offensive coordinator
The Giants reportedly really wanted Patricia as well but he chose Detroit over him so the Giants went for another great option. Shurmur lead the Vikings offense to a great turnaround season. He was one of the main factors behind the rise of Case Keenum. The Giants really need to help their offense and with such a great offensive mind, Shurmur should be able to really help. Having that no. 2 pick in the draft will be his first big move as coach. Will he go QB and try and develop a young talent to be the signal caller for years to come or will they go running back in a sort of win now mode. I loved the Pat Shurmur hire and think it will help a lot in New York.

4. Matt Nagy, Bears
Last Season Was: Chiefs offensive coordinator
A bit of a surprise that the Bears went with Nagy over some other big names that were available but I still like it. Nagy was the Chiefs offensive coordinator before being hired by Chicago. As you can tell, he did a good job. The Chiefs were an outstanding offensive team this year lead by great play from QB Alex Smith, RB Kareem Hunt, WR Tyreek Hill, and TE Travis Kelce. Nagy did a great job with the offense and should be a big help in Chicago. QB Mitch Trubisky is heading into his 2nd year and needs to develop a ton for Chicago to be good. Nagy will need to be a big help for that or his job will not be safe next year or for years to come after that. I still think the Bears did a good job picking someone who can really help their situation. I like this hire but think they should have gone with current Vikings OC John DeFilippo.

5. Frank Reich, Colts
Last Season Was: Eagles offensive coordinator
This hire came in just today, but I'm liking it. While I also think they should have gone John DeFilippo, Reich will also be great. Reich is coming off a stint as the offensive coordinator for the Super Bowl winning Eagles. He was part of the 'Philly Special' the magical trick play in the Super Bowl which ended up with QB Nick Foles CATCHING a TD. Reich was great this past year doing his job and being hired as head coach for the Colts is his reward. Reich will not just be a coach they try out for a year or 2, but he is their future at head coach.

6. Steve Wilks, Cardinals
Last Season Was: Panthers defensive coordinator
At the time I did not like the signing of Wilks, but over time, I am starting like it better. Wilks was the defensive coordinator for the Panthers this past year and he did a decent job. The Panthers D wasn't anything special, but they were decent. Wilks brings good intensity and a great skill set to the rebuilding Cardinals whose starting QB just retired. I think Wilks is going to become a great head coach but in year 1 I don't see him leading the Cardinals to anywhere special. Still a good hire by the Cards front office.

7. Mike Vrabel, Titans
Last Season Was: Texans defensive coordinator
I don't know and still don't know why Vrabel was such a hot pick to be hired by multiple teams. He is not super experienced and his Texans D was not great this past year. The Titans really liked him though and stepped up and hired him as head coach. Vrabel has committed to making sure Marcus Mariota flourishes under him and if he does, then the Vrabel signing will be a score. If not though, the Titans could be on the market for a coach again soon. He will also bring some nice intensity to this lackluster Titans D. Still not a bad hiring even though it was in my opinion the worst of the off-season.

Thanks for reading!

Photo Cred: Sporting News, Detroit Free Press, upi.com, PhillyVoice, wralsportsfan.com