The NFL playoffs are upon us, which means that for two of this year’s three rookie head coaches, the 2023 campaign is officially in the books. So how did the first-year leaders fare? While one still has the opportunity to add to his resume with an upcoming playoff appearance, here’s how we would grade each of them heading into the 2024 offseason:
Note: Three others – Antonio Pierce (Raiders), Chris Tabor (Panthers) and Giff Smith (Chargers) – also served as head coaches for the first time this year, but only in an interim capacity. They’re not included in the exercise, although Pierce deserves special recognition for going 5-4 in Las Vegas — enough to make him a legitimate candidate for their full-time vacancy.
Save: 4-13 | Points differential: -125 (28th)
It was a story of two halves for Gannon and the Cards. From September through the first week of November, Arizona went just 1-8, acquiring and then abandoning Joshua Dobbs as a last-minute starting quarterback while fielding a porous defense, particularly in critical moments. Starting in Week 10, however, Gannon’s slimmed-down team leaned into the run and managed to go 3-5 as Kyler Murray returned from rehab, making late gains against the Eagles and Seahawks . It’s hard to give a passing grade to anyone overseeing a four-win season, but Gannon’s roster kept its competitive spirit to the finish line.
Grade: C+
Shane Steichen, Colts
Save: 9-8 | Points differential: -19 (19th)
This was always going to be a “growth” year, given that rookie Anthony Richardson opened the year under center after just 13 varsity starts. But then Steichen barely had his dynamic QB for a month before injuries piled up, forcing backup Gardner Minshew into the starting job. The fact that Steichen has consistently orchestrated a top-10 offense, with a heavy emphasis on a two-headed backfield, is a testament to his strengths maximizing his talent. The only reason he’s not succeeding with flying colors is that a few of his situational decisions late in 2023 hindered a surprisingly clear path to the playoffs.
Grade: B
Save: 10-7 | Points differential: +24 (12th)
Ryans is yet another example of how difficult it can be to dissect the true difference maker of a head coach-QB pairing. Because, to be frank, anyone who added CJ Stroud in 2023 probably would have seen his stock skyrocket; The rookie signal-caller walked and talked like a 10-year veteran, elevating Houston’s young guns and guiding a surprise playoff appearance. But Ryans also quickly proved himself to be the right voice on the staff, bringing much-needed vision to a locker room in the throes of regime change. He can lean old school with some decisions, but he’s also maximized his talent on defense to make the playoff bid easier.
Grade: A