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9 NFL Assistant Coaches to Watch Right Now
Assistant coaches are not given the same amount of attention as head coaches or athletes. They are, however, the backbone of a team’s success on the field, organizing and executing the game plan alongside the head coach.
So, in an effort to elevate the frequently undervalued minds, we offer you the “Best NFL Assistant Coaches Right Now.”
The current best assistant coaches have the potential to become future head coaches due to their skill in overall gameplay and, more importantly, their competence in their individual niches.
Right Now’s Best NFL Assistant Coaches
The following list was compiled using reliable sources such as NFL.com and Sports Illustrated.
Before we continue, let’s take a quick look at the finest NFL assistant coaches right now.
Name | Currently Coaching |
9. Nathaniel Hackett | Green Bay Packers |
8. Brian Daboll | Buffalo Bills |
7. Patrick Graham | New York Giants |
6. Joe Woods | Cleveland Browns |
5. Raheem Morris | Los Angeles Rams |
4. Mike McDaniel | San Francisco 49ers |
3. Matt Eberflus | Indianapolis Colts |
2. Eric Bieniemy | Kansas City Chiefs |
1. Joe Brady | Carolina Panthers |
Nathaniel Hackett,
42 years of age (December 19, 1979)
Coaching Position: Offensive Coordinator
Starting off our list is Nathaniel Hackett, an astute offensive coordinator recognized for his ability to transform failing teams into powerful title contenders.
During his stint at Syracuse, Hackett turned the team’s offense from mediocre to cutthroat.
Furthermore, he made significant contributions to the development of quarterback Ryan Nassib as a draft possibility.
To elaborate, Hackett possessed the Midas touch during his time with the Buffalo Bills.
Despite a noticeable lack of firepower in the lineup, Hackett methodically transformed a sub.500 team into a 9-7 squad.
Hackett is presently the offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, where his tactical perspective on the game has been critical to their success.
Furthermore, he drives the club forward with his knowledge of the new outside zone scheme, which is backed up by his deep roots in the West Coast attack.
Not to mention, the Packers offense has been especially strong since his arrival.
Brian Daboll,
47 years of age (April 14, 1975)
Brian Daboll has regularly demonstrated why he is regarded as the offensive mastermind on the field.
Daboll is well-known for his ability to create mismatches across the field due to his rugged approach to the game.
Furthermore, Brian is fluent in a skill set that few offensive coaches understand.
Furthermore, his natural ability to detect matchups that transcend strategy is uncommon in the NFL.
Despite being underappreciated, Daboll was important in developing Josh Allen into the fantastic player he is today.
Patrick Graham,
43 years of age (January 24, 1979)
Coaching Position: Defensive Coordinator
Patrick Graham, the New York Giants assistant head coach, and defensive coordinator is ranked eighth.
Graham got the opportunity to interview for a Jets position last year, but he chose to stay with the New York Giants.
The Yale graduate is well-known for helping his teams punch above their weight.
He previously coached the Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, and New England Patriots.
Graham has been instrumental in the Giants’ on-field rigor.
What’s more, he had an average mid-table unit playing top-tier football.
Despite appearing to be dreadful on paper, the Giants were 11th in net yards allowed per passing attempt.
Joe Woods,
52 years of age (June 25, 1970)
Coaching: Defensive Coordinator
Joe Woods wants to make 2022 his year, especially considering the Cleveland Browns’ long-term rise.
The Browns’ defensive coordinator began his coaching career in 1992.
However, he did not enter the NFL until 2004.
Despite dealing with injuries for most of the 2020 season, the Browns and Woods ended in the top ten in rushing defense and turnover %.
Given the significant summer renovation, Woods might lead the squad to its anticipated heights this season.
Morris, Raheem
53 years of age (August 15, 1969)
Coaching Position: Defensive Coordinator
Raheem Morris established himself as one of the best assistant coaches in the NFL after navigating the Falcons through a difficult season last year.
With a 0-5 start to the season, the Falcons called on Morris to take over.
To avoid a total catastrophe, Morris restored order to the disorganized Falcons roster, guiding them to a 4-7 record.
Going back in time, Raheem Morris got his first NFL start after taking over for Jon Gruden with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He coached the team to 3-13, 10-6, and 4-12 records before moving on to Washington, then Atlanta.
Morris, who is currently the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, hopes to duplicate his tactical prowess as well as his great man-management talents.
Mike McDaniel
39 years of age (March 6, 1983)
Coaching Position: Offensive Coordinator
With the continuous evolution of offensive gaming over the previous decade, Michael Lee McDaniel has been present to see the game’s greatest significant jumps in a very long time.
The offensive coordinator has been critical in establishing the San Francisco 49ers’ fast-paced, fluid playstyle.
McDaniel has been the run-game coordinator for head coach Kyle Shanahan since his debut.
McDaniels is well-known for his soft-spoken attitude, but he is also very intelligent when it comes to the finer points of the game.
McDaniel aims to become a head coach shortly after gaining years of expertise.
Matt Eberflust
52 years of age (May 17, 1970)
Coaching Position: Defensive Coordinator
Matt Eberflus is the defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts and is ranked sixth on our list.
The Texans heavily recruited Eberflus in the offseason because of his defensive ability.
Matt let the issue unfold naturally, allowing other contenders to compete for the Texans’ job.
Since taking over as defensive coordinator for the Colts in 2018, he has led an average defense to a pair of top-10 weighted DVOA seasons.
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Furthermore, the Colts finished in the top-10 in points allowed, yards allowed, and turnovers created the previous season, thanks to Eberflus’ defensive strategy.
The Colts also finished in the top ten in terms of first downs allowed, interceptions, rushing yards allowed, and rushing yards per attempt.
Eric Bieniemy
53 years of age (August 15, 1969)
Coaching Position: Offensive Coordinator
Eric Bieniemy is an assistant coach who is ready to take over as head coach.
With such illustrious achievements under his belt, it’s a mystery why he isn’t already a head coach.
Despite his great credentials, Eric appears to be caught in the crossfire of racial disparities.
Furthermore, anytime there is a vacant head coach position, Eric’s name appears, although it is frequently accompanied by his flaws and why he would not be a good fit.
Coaches of white complexion with the same perceived drawbacks, on the other hand, appear to be appointed in a heartbeat.
Regardless matter the situation, Eric seeks to do what he does best: bring out the best in his team.
With glowing endorsements from the likes of Andy Reid, it is only a matter of time before he is appointed as an NFL head coach.
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Joe Brady
32 years of age (September 23, 1989)
Coaching Position: Offensive Coordinator
With the difficult responsibility of preserving Sam Darnold this season, Joseph Brady anticipates an active, if difficult, 2022.
Brady is more than capable of bringing out the best in any player after a meaningful period with offensive genius Sean Payton.
While Brady talked with a few teams last year, he intends to focus his efforts on the next stage in his career as a head coach.
Furthermore, with a strong resume to his name, Brady can pull all the necessary punches.
Among his many accomplishments is the transformation of LSU’s passing offense and the development of future first-round pick Joe Burrow.
While his intentions to progress through the ranks may not sit well with the Panthers’ players, he intends to concentrate his efforts on producing the best that he can.
Brady drew interest from the Jets, Falcons, Chargers, Eagles, and Texans last year due to his offensive prowess.