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With nearly half of the NFL season completed, it is still too early to predict the final standings or determine the playoff contenders. However, there are both promising and concerning signs for various teams across the league, including those that have chosen a new direction for their franchises. During the past offseason, seven NFL teams hired new head coaches to lead their organizations. So far, results have been mixed, suggesting some teams seem to be moving in the right direction, while others are struggling to meet expectations. Strategically, NFL franchises chose different paths in selecting their new head coaches. Some organizations opted for veteran head coaches with prior on-the-job experience, while others chose to hire first-time head coaches. Based on early observations and team records, three head coaches appear to be moving their teams in the right direction. What are some possible reasons for the early success of all three coaches? Mike Vrabel’s Strong Start with the Patriots Mike Vrabel is off to an impressive 7-2 start with the New England Patriots. He is in his second NFL head coaching stint. Previously, he spent six seasons as head coach of the Tennessee Titans, leading them to three playoff berths and an NFC Championship Game appearance in 2020. As a former defensive player, Vrabel strives to build his team’s identity around toughness, physicality, and discipline. His Patriots are currently ranked in the top 10 for fewest points and yards allowed per game. Beyond the statistics, Vrabel is in the process of rebuilding the culture of a proud franchise that has won six Super Bowl titles, including three championships during his time as a player. In order to redefine the Patriots’ identity, Vrabel has emphasized getting back to the basics. His approach is already paying dividends in the locker room. “I don’t know how he does it, but he got me to buy in, I’ll tell you that,” said wide receiver Stephon Diggs, an offseason acquisition by the Patriots, in a recent interview with the Boston Herald. Diggs further described Vrabel’s leadership approach and team culture by stating, “He’s preaching maximum effort, and he shows you that our success is a direct correlation from our practice and how we grind. So, when you buy into the process and you see results, it’s like, ‘damn, it does work.’ " MORE FOR YOU In an NBC Sunday Night Football interview with Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison that aired on October 4, Vrabel discussed his intention to develop players and related the subject to his playing career, stating, “I want to make them better. Coaches along the way, like Bill Cowher and his staff, made me better. I was a developmental player.” He also spoke about his intention to build strong relationships with players and added, "We have to build a program that the players trust in and believe in. We believe in making connections." By connections, Vrabel is referring to building relationships with players so that when he needs to hold them accountable, they will understand and not take those teaching moments personally. The Patriots look to extend their six-game winning streak this Sunday in Tampa. They last started this strong in 2019, which was Tom Brady’s final season with the team. Ben Johnson Brings Calm to the Windy City Prior to landing his first head coaching position with the Chicago Bears, Ben Johnson spent the last three seasons as the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, leading their offense to top-five finishes in both scoring and yards each season. Known for his innovative play calling and meticulous attention to detail, he has the Bears off to a 5-3 start, showing signs of offensive progress, which currently ranks in the top 10 for points scored and total yards. Like Vrabel, Johnson has brought about a cultural shift that has been well-received in the Bears’ locker room. Johnson is establishing a culture that centers around clear communication, accountability, and a team-first attitude. In an ESPN interview with Courtney Cronin before their Monday Night Football game against the Washington Commanders earlier this season, quarterback Caleb Williams discussed how Johnson pushes him hard and sets a high standard for the entire team. Bears wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus recently met with Bears media, reiterating these sentiments and adding, "You can just tell that he’s authentically himself, he’s such an easy coach to play for because you just how real and true he is, day in and day out, and how much he cares about the vision and our purpose here," via Marquee Sports Network. His approach is also reflected in how he carries himself. In a recent interview on “First Things First,” host Greg Jennings recalled his time playing for the Miami Dolphins during the 2015 season and interacting with Johnson, who was the tight ends coach. Jennings praised Johnson’s attention to detail and preparation, and in a light-hearted exchange, joked about his intense demeanor and facial expressions on the sidelines with the Bears. Johnson pointed out that his first NFL offensive coordinator, Mike Sherman, taught him a valuable lesson regarding to his temperament: “The head coach must be the model of consistency. When he’s up and down, the team will be up and down.” He added, “I got to stay as level-headed as I can be and can’t get too emotional.” The Bears are coming off an improbable last-second win against the Cincinnati Bengals. Johnson’s offense amassed 576 total yards, the most by a Bears team in a single game since 1980. Liam Coen Has the Jaguars Off and Running With a 5-3 record, Liam Coen has achieved early success with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who won only four games all of last season. The strong start has included an upset victory over the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night a few weeks ago. On the field, steady offensive line play and an improved running game have contributed to the team’s success. However, the foundation had already begun to be laid before a single game was played. In September, during a Jaguars media session, quarterback Trevor Lawrence mentioned the immediate leadership impact of Coen: “Coach is really passionate and I’ve noticed that ever since he’s been there and I love that about him,” via The Florida Times-Union. Lawrence went on to express that Coen’s positive energy is contagious; however, he also emphasized that Coen instills a sense of urgency, holds players accountable and provides honest feedback. Mentorship has played a significant role in Coen’s development as a leader. During training camp, Coen spoke on The Rich Eisen Show about the culture he is establishing with the Jaguars. Eisen asked him how much of his approach is influenced by Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, a mentor for whom he worked for several years. Coen responded, “So much of our culture and what we end up doing here—in terms of how we communicate with each other, the respect between player-to-coach and coach-to-player, staff-to-staff and everyone in the building—a lot of that comes from Sean (McVay).” The Jaguars play a divisional road game against the Houston Texans this weekend, a team that swept them last season. NFL Season Enters the Second Half The only certainty at this stage in the season is that there is still much more football to be played. So far, things have not gone well for the four other new coaching hires, including for the Raiders under Pete Carroll, a veteran head coach and Super Bowl winner. Aaron Glenn and Kellen Moore, both in their first NFL head coaching positions, each have only won one game. Meanwhile, Brian Schottenheimer, also in his first season as an NFL head coach, has the Cowboys off to a slow start. That is not to imply that things will not change. Often, it takes multiple seasons to turn around a program. This discussion may change by the end of the season. Regardless, these midseason observations highlight the importance of leaders acting as change agents and producing immediately noticeable results.
