The NFL is a win-now sports league. Because pressure is on from day one, head coaches that don’t win end don’t coach.
After the 2021 season, ten NFL franchises fired their head coaches. Keep reading for a profile of this season’s ten new head coaches and team predictions.
NFL Teams with New Head Coaches and 2022-2023 Predictions
Lovie Smith – Houston Texans
There’s a reason Houston went with Lovie instead of a younger coach. Few skill players and a tougher-than-it-looks schedule mean Houston struggles for victories.
Prediction: The Texans hired Smith to create a culture, not to win football games. Four wins are the ceiling.
Matt Eberflus – Chicago Bears
Eberflus will do what he can. But Roquan Smith, Chicago’s linebacking superstar and possibly their best player, wants out.
Prediction: Chicago’s roster isn’t much better than Detroit’s, which means the Bears may struggle for 6victories in 2022.
Kevin O’Connell – Minnesota Vikings
Former Rams’ offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell coached Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins while both were with Washington. But while the offense will excel, the defense is a mess.
Prediction: If the defense plays better than expected, the Vikings can win the NFC North. If it doesn’t, Minnesota goes 8-9 or possibly 7-10.
Doug Pederson – Jacksonville Jaguars
Pederson won the Super Bowl while in Philadelphia. He knows how to get the most possible from his team. The defense should be one of the top units in the NFL.
Also, there is no ceiling for quarterback Trevor Lawrence. All things point to many more wins than last season.
Prediction: Few teams have improved as much as Jacksonville. If Pederson brings the magic to the Jags that he had with the Eagles, the team can win the AFC South.
Brian Daboll – New York Giants
Buffalo’s former offensive coordinator turned quarterback Josh Allen into the most dominant offensive player in the league. Daboll likes to mix in quarterback run and pass plays. So we should expect Daniel Jones to excel.
The defense could be one of the best units in the league. The front seven is ridiculous after the Giants drafted Kayvon Thibodeaux in the first round.
Prediction: The Giants won’t beat the Dallas Cowboys and win the NFC East. But NYG is on the short list of NFC squads that can grab a wildcard.
Mike McDaniel – Miami Dolphins
McDaniel traded for Kansas City Chief star wide receiver Tyreek Hill and brought in running back Raheem Mostert, who McDaniel coached while in San Francisco.
All three players join terrific wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has enough skills and smarts to run McDaniel’s intricate offense. No problems for a defense that projects as one of the NFL’s best.
Prediction: Don’t be surprised when the Dolphins beat Buffalo and win the AFC East.
Nathaniel Hackett – Denver Broncos
Denver traded for Russell Wilson, which means Nathaniel Hackett has an easy job. Step back and let Russell do his thing.
The Broncos defense has always been good. There isn’t much to say about a team this loaded.
Prediction: Denver can win the AFC West. It won’t be easy because the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers also play in the division, but Denver is as good as both of those rivals.
Josh McDaniels – Las Vegas Raiders
Tom Brady’s former offensive coordinator at New England lands in a perfect spot. McDaniels traded for the best wide receiver in the NFL, former Packer Davante Adams.
The Raiders head coach reunited Adams with college teammate Derek Carr. The quarterback and wide receiver duo will light up the scoreboard. Also, the defense is a quality unit.
Prediction: Las Vegas is sneaky good. The Raiders make the playoffs via a wildcard berth.
Todd Bowles – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa’s former defensive coordinator knows what he’s doing. In addition, Tom Brady is back, which is the reason for all the love from sports bettors. But questions along the offensive line and defense are causes for concern.
Prediction: Tampa should make the playoffs but will struggle to win the NFC South.
Dennis Allen – New Orleans Saints
Allen has head coaching experience. Not only that, but he has served as New Orleans’ defensive coordinator for the past few seasons.
The defense has the potential to be the best unit in the league. The offense will be much better now that QB Jameis Winston can throw to receivers like Chris Olave, a healthy Michael Thomas, and sure-handed Jarvis Landry.
Prediction: If it all comes together, the Saints will be one of the best teams in the NFL. Expect an NFC South division title and a deep playoff run.
