NFL 2018 Head Coach Candidate Power Rankings: Fly Eagles Fly

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MADISON, WI – NOVEMBER 18: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines watches action during a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

#7: Matt Lafleur (Rams offensive coordinator)

The Los Angeles Rams offense should not be doing what it’s doing. Not after scoring just 224 points last season. Yet here it is, rolling over almost every opponent they come across. Jared Goff is playing like a Pro Bowler. Sean McVay is getting much of the credit but Matt Lafleur’s impact can’t be ignored. He’s a coach who has a long reputation for elevating quarterbacks wherever he goes. That he’s having this much success in his first year as offensive coordinator? Impressive.

#8: Pete Carmichael Jr. (Saints offensive coordinator)

Every once in a while it feels like there’s a coach who’s been overlooked for years suddenly starts getting attention. That may be the case for Pete Carmichael Jr. come next year. This is the man who has overseen the most productive stretch of Drew Brees’ career ever since 2009 when they won the Super Bowl. While he doesn’t call plays there’s no doubting at this point his prolonged impact on the team, especially this year as they’ve shifted to a running offense.

#9: Jim Bob Cooter (Lions offensive coordinator)

Matthew Stafford has emerged as one of the five best quarterbacks in the NFL. It’s okay to say it, his play the past two years cements that much. A good share of the credit for his ascent has been the shift to Jim Bob Cooter as offensive coordinator. The young coach has done a masterful job tailoring the offense to fit what Stafford does best and it’s paying off in wins. Is Cooter ready for the next step? Given the success of other young coaches lately, teams may be ready to find out.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Hostile Takeover at the Top

#10: Jim Harbaugh (Michigan head coach)

By far the most talked-about college coach on making the leap to the NFL is Harbaugh. Rumors persist that he’s growing unhappy at Michigan and still itches for another shot at the big leagues after being run out of San Francisco. His reputation has taken a bit of a hit lately with the Wolverines not performing at the level expected of them by now, but Harbaugh is still a good football coach who can win games if given a strong roster.

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