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March 25, 2015Rankings are arbitrary and sometimes even fun. Oftentimes they’re not much more than fodder for arguments and conversation, which is exactly what sports is supposed to be about, I guess. So CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco decided to use this relatively quiet time of year to rank NFL coaches, and while I like Mike Pettine and have good hopes for him, I wasn’t too disappointed with Prisco’s relatively low ranking of 28 on his list.
28. Mike Pettine, Cleveland Browns — His first year was a brutal one with all that went on, especially with the Johnny Manziel and Josh Gordon situations, and yet he went 7-9. It’s tough to judge him — and I think he can be a really good coach — but based on his first season, this is where he belongs.
Based on everything the Browns have (and haven’t) done in the one year since Mike Pettine has been here, I believe this is truly where he belongs on the list, or at least it’s hard to argue much that he should be higher. That being said, there’s a different way to look at this list as well. Most of the reason that I like and support Pettine is for the long-term potential. That being the case there are plenty of coaches ranked above Pettine that I wouldn’t trade for.
For example, I wouldn’t take Gus Bradley, Joe Philbin, Jack Del Rio, or Jim Caldwell over Mike Pettine and they’re all ranked higher than he is. And number 29 Jay Gruden, is an example of a coach that I’d think about rather than Pettine. They’re both coaches with potential who weren’t able to prove their abilities in their first year. And take Lovie Smith, who is ranked 24th and had a miserable season with the Buccaneers. I’d take him over Jason Garrett who ranks 18 after finally breaking through with the Cowboys.
And I won’t even get into Marvin Lewis at number 16, but let’s just say I’m not a big fan. That’s what makes these things so interesting and fun. There are no actual answers that we can figure out. That being the case, I have a tough time arguing there’s tangible evidence Pettine should currently be ranked higher than 28, although I do expect him to keep rising as opposed to some of the other candidates on the list who are higher than Pettine and might even be fired before the clock strikes 2016.
12 Comments
Everyone expected the Browns to be 4-12 last year and look terrible. Instead, they were 7-9 and looked competent. How many other coaches were worth three wins?
I am a big fan of Marvin Lewis coaching any team other than the Browns in the AFC North
28th is way too low imho. Considering all the garbage that was heaped on him that were completely outside the realm of coaching. Things like: Manziel being a drug-addict and complete lack of work-ethic, Gilbert’s mysterious “personal issues”, conflicts between Farmer and Shanahan, Josh Gordon’s continued substance abuse and disciplinary problems, Jordan Cameron’s injuries, Alex Mack’s injury, lack of any talent at any of the skill positions, Haslam’s implied meddling with the roster/depth-chart. Any of the coaches up to at least #10 on that list would have caved/cracked/given up. Pettine however kept calm and kept the course.
Love Pettine but he wasnt flawless. Needs to continue to upgrade his staff and also show he can cobble together an offensive staff. But he has a plan and kept things from snowballing as best he could, given putrid QB play. Never pointed fingers.
good post HOP …
good post SCRIPTY … he has much more of a calm demeanor than i would’ve thought. and the man has everyone’s respect.
only caveat is that they lost Zimmer and still maintained the defense. he probably has a hand in there. but, his gameday moves are head scratching (to be kind)
love that Whisenhunt is still riding Kurt Warner willing that team to the Superbowl as the only reason to rank him higher than last place. the same Kurt Warner that Whizzy tried to bench the previous year for Matt Leinart.
hi Craig … good article. his ranking varies by publication : rotoworld #23 , nfl.com #31 , yahoo #27 , sporting news #31 & rant had him at #22 … i would put him #25 to #27.
Even that seems too low.
It’s actually amazing they finished 7-9 with all of the off field issues with players and management. That being said the horrible finish to the season can not be overlooked because this team burned and crashed big time. On top of that the final record came after a pretty friendly schedule. The upcoming schedule is far more brutal.
This guys list is immediately thrown out the window with Jeff Fisher at 15. Ive never seen a coach get so many opportunities by making it to one Super Bowl, and losing.