As we head into the 2025 season, leadership and quality coaching has never been more important. With tons of revamped staff and rising pressure, it is the perfect time to revisit who truly stands above on the sidelines. These ten head coaches have shown their greatness in many ways beyond the field.
This list will reflect a mixture of long-term success, achievements, and impact on team culture or development. Whether it is reinventing a franchise or keeping a contender on top of the league., these coaches have shown why they deserve to be among the league’s best.
Ranking the top-10 head coaches in the NFL for the 2025 season
10. Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
Tomlin continues to be the standard of consistency in the NFL. He has never had a losing season, and seemingly always finds a way to keep the Steelers competitive, no matter the roster. However, in recent years, the team's lack of playoff success has frustrated Steelers fans. Still, his leadership and ability to keep the Steelers afloat are second to none.
9. Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers
LaFleur has proven to be amongst the sharpest offensive minds in the league. This is showcased by his ability to work with Aaron Rodgers, and also being able to develop Jordan Love. He has brought consistent success to Green Bay, and has made the playoffs with two different signal callers. He has made some questionable late game decisions that have drawn lots of criticism, but he has proven to be reliable and able to build great rosters.
8. Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
Shanahan’s offensive scheme is undeniable, and his ability to create creative and explosive schemes is amongst the best in the league. But in 2024 the Niners were quite disappointing. When things are going well, he looks like the best in the league. But when they’re not, the team can unravel. In 2025, the Niners have a lot of pressure, and that also applies to Shanahan.
7. Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles
Sirianni’s journey has been a rollercoaster in Philly. He made the Super Bowl in 2023, then he nearly got ran out of town in 2024. Only to bounce back and win it all in 2025. He has shown the ability to connect with players, and adapt his style to theirs. If he sustains consistency, his reputation will continue to grow.
6. John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
A Super Bowl winner and one of the most respected coaches in the league, Harbaugh remains an important rock for the Ravens. His team always feels very prepared and disciplined during the season. With a loaded roster in 2025, expectations are sky-high. There is some pressure to win it all in 2025, or else his reputation could become questioned.
5. Sean Payton, Denver Broncos
Payton reminded everyone why he is one of the best coaches in 2024, resurrecting a dire situation in Denver and turning Bo Nix into a playoff-caliber QB. He is a genius offensive mind and his roster building continues to be impressive. After some time away from coaching, he returned and it appears he has not skipped a beat. Now, Denver looks like a legit AFC contender again.
4. Jim Harbaugh, Los Angeles Chargers
Harbaugh immediately turned around the Chargers in his first season. He was able to instill discipline, identity, and toughness in a very short amount of time. His love for the game and hands-on coaching style has quickly reshaped the team’s culture. The team is very talented and the roster appears bought in. He looks like the perfect fit in LA.
3. Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
Campbell has redefined what being a leader looks like in today’s NFL. He has a strong ability to connect with players, while building a tough, winning culture that has completely transformed the Lions. He turned a bottom feeding team into a playoff staple. But with both coordinators gone, 2025 could be a massive test for Campbell.
2. Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
McVay is either the best, or second best offensive play-callers in the league. He has made two Super Bowl appearances with two very different quarterbacks, winning one in 2021 with Matthew Stafford. Now a long tenured coach in the league, he has shown the ability to retool his roster around a very different core of players. His offensive scheme continues to evolve with the times, and he continues to be the model of consistency and innovation.
1. Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
There is simply no debate, Reid remains the king of NFL head coaches. With multiple rings, an elite offensive acumen, and an uncanny ability to develop and adapt, he remains the gold standard. From developing Mahomes into a superstar, to being the most clutch play caller in the league, Reid has shown time and time again why he is a future Hall of Famer.