Colin Cowherd reveals his latest rankings of the best coach-quarterback duos in the NFL, with the AFC boasting a strong presence. The Los Angeles Chargers' recent hiring of Jim Harbaugh has elevated their status, landing them a top-five spot on Cowherd's list.
With an impressive 12-5 record and a Super Bowl appearance in 2023, Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy have established themselves as a formidable duo. Purdy's outstanding play earned him top-five MVP odds, and Shanahan's coaching prowess has made him a Coach of the Year candidate.
After consecutive winning seasons, Dan Campbell and Jared Goff have proven to be a capable pairing. Campbell's fiery leadership and Goff's consistent passing have guided the Lions to success. However, Cowherd expressed concerns about Campbell's emotional decision-making and Goff's ability to perform in adverse conditions.
Cowherd Ranks Top-10 Coach-Quarterback Duos: AFC Dominates with Chargers' Harbaugh-Herbert Addition
Mike McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa have drawn comparisons to Drew Brees and Sean Payton due to their similar accuracy and offensive style. While Tagovailoa's health remains a concern, McDaniel's clever playcalling and Tagovailoa's pinpoint passing have made them a competitive duo.
With three consecutive 12-win seasons, Mike McCarthy and Dak Prescott have established stability in Dallas. Cowherd acknowledged the duo's solid performance but emphasized the need for more playoff success. Prescott's durability has been a concern, but his MVP odds indicate his potential as a top quarterback.
Despite a disappointing season in 2023, Matt LaFleur emerged as a top coach. Jordan Love showed promise in the latter half of the season, and Cowherd praised LaFleur's ability to adapt and flex his offensive strategies.
Zac Taylor and Joe Burrow have led the Bengals to the AFC Championship Game in each of Burrow's healthy seasons. Burrow's MVP odds reflect his elite talent, but concerns linger about his durability and the team's reliance on his health.
Josh Allen's physical dominance and Sean McDermott's defensive prowess have made the Bills a perennial playoff contender. While concerns exist about McDermott's coaching decisions in big games, the duo's consistent success and four straight division titles cannot be ignored.
Cowherd believes the Chargers have a top-tier duo in Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert. Herbert's exceptional talent and Harbaugh's coaching pedigree, which includes a Super Bowl appearance, justify their high ranking.
John Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson have led the Ravens to consistent playoff appearances. Jackson's unique running ability and Harbaugh's leadership have been instrumental in their success.
Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford have formed a dynamic duo in Los Angeles. McVay's offensive brilliance and Stafford's impressive arm talent have made them one of the most formidable teams in the league. Cowherd believes Stafford may be the most overlooked quarterback in the sport due to his underappreciated talent.
Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are considered the gold standard of coach-quarterback duos. Their unparalleled success, which includes multiple Super Bowl appearances and wins, makes them the undisputed leaders in the NFL. Reid's play design and Mahomes' generational talent have created an unstoppable force on the field.
