Top NFL coaches in 2025

Published: Oct 27, 2024 - Last Updated: Oct 27, 2025

Head coaches in the NFL have changed dramatically over the decades. In the 1960s and ‘70s, the best coaches were hard-nosed disciplinarians like Vince Lombardi, Don Shula and Tom Landry. All of these men kept a tight rein over their players and demanded perfection from them both in games and on the practice field.

It was not much easier in the 1980s, when Mike Ditka and Bill Parcells made demands of their players, but would ease back as the season progressed.

Life started to change dramatically in the ’90s and 2000s as coaches have become conduits between management and the TV-watching public. The best coaches rely on knowledge and intelligence while building positive relationships with their players. The days of the coaching martinet are long over.

Here’s a look at the five coaches doing the best jobs in the 2025 season.

1.Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts

The Colts don’t have a slew of superstars on their roster – many would argue that running back Jonathan Taylor is the only player the team has in that category – but the Colts have become a dominant team. Steichen has turned Daniel Jones from a major failure with the New York Giants into a game-changer who can hit the big throw at the biggest moment. As much as Jones has helped the team, Steichen’s decision to turn away from inaccurate QB Anthony Richardson has helped drive the team to the top of the AFC South. Steichen makes the tough decisions a coach has to make without hesitation.

2. Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions

The Lions were a joke around the NFL before Campbell took over. That changed dramatically from the time of his first practice in 2021. The Lions almost certainly would have represented the NFC in the Super Bowl a year ago if defensive injuries had not overwhelmed the team. He has put together a team that attacks with ferocity on both sides of the ball thanks to Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Aidan Hutchinson. Campbell has some of the old-school toughness that Ditka and Parcells brought to the table, yet his players love him – unlike the players on the Bears and Giants of yesteryear.

3. Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots

The Bill Belichick era is long over and the team is now firmly in the hands of Vrabel and second-year QB Drake Maye. The two have developed an excellent partnership and a return to glory for this team is not out of the question. Vrabel has helped turn the New England defense into a top 5 unit in the NFL and the Patriots’ offense now takes advantage of opportunities that the defense provides.

4. Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs

Reid has been with the Chiefs since 2013 and he has had even more success with that team than he did during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles. Reid has a brilliant offensive mind, and he gets to work with Patrick Mahomes, perhaps the most talented quarterback in the league. Reid’s strategy gives the team an advantage and his experience allows him to make the right choice more often than his competitors.

5. Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bowles earned his spot as a head coach because of the success he had as a defensive coordinator with multiple teams. However, he has become a consistent winner with the Bucs because the offense has thrived under his leadership. Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield was viewed as a reject with the Browns, Panthers and Rams before finding success with the Bucs. Bowles has given him an environment where he has been able to thrive. He has a straightforward approach that his players have adopted and they execute at a high level every week.