Checking In On First-Time NFL Coaches

He turned a once-pedestrian Jared Goff into a QB with elite stats week in and week out. Between his trusty resume and an upgraded offensive line, the Bears thought it to be a perfect marriage: an offensive prodigy and a first-round quarterback with promising tools.

Though the first two weeks, Williams appeared erratic, they found some rhythm and trickery (!!) by last week’s game against Dallas. The flea-flicker featuring Williams, Swift, and Later Burden III was one for the highlight reels.

Perhaps the playbook for Johnson is heavy and took practice piecing together the masterful mosaic. Not only did we see good execution in the Bears’ week three showing, but the defense did its job as well. Chicago has a tough division, but I’d be delighted as a fan who is looking for the smallest glimmer of hope. Johnson gives them just that, and now we wait to see if he continues to ignite.

Aaron Glenn – New York Jets (0-3)

The other former Lions coordinator, Aaron Glenn, took a thankless job as the head coach of the New York Jets. I loved his acquisition of Justin Fields in an effort to showcase a dual-threat talent; however, Fields has already been sidelined with a foot injury. Enter Tyrod Taylor week three, and the Jets had their hearts broken. They executed an *almost* win over the Buccaneers, but ultimately had to accept a *near* victory.

It does appear that Glenn’s team is buying into him and his leadership, which has to count for something, right? Hence, my yellow was almost red. It goes without saying that the Jets need to consider getting a young QB of the future sooner rather than later and building the franchise around him for years to come. Do I think Aaron Glenn will lead this team to the playoffs? No. But I do think he can lay the groundwork this year, get his roster acclimated to his systems, and earn some respect slowly but surely.

Kellen Moore – New Orleans Saints (0-3)

Saints fans, look away. They don’t call ‘em the Aints for nothing! Kellen Moore didn’t necessarily inherit an enviable roster so let’s just get that out of the way. Moore’s quarterbacks dueling for the starting role were Spencer Rattler and rookie Tyler Shough. This came after the abrupt retirement of their former starter Derek Carr. He may be able to knead some success out of one or both of his QBs, but for now the team as a whole is a five-alarm fire.

Tyler Shough, the second-round draft pick this April, has got to be the guy at some point in the Saints’ future, but it is up to the head coach to determine that timeline. Rattler has enough exposure to the starting role to allow Moore to start working through his playbook and determine the direction of this New Orleans squad.

The first-timer comes from an impressive tour around the NFL as a QB, QB Coach, and then Offensive Coordinator. He also hired the often-ridiculed Brandon Staley as his D Coordinator. Staley had a rough go as a HC in LA, but has a respectable record in the coordinator role.

Assuming they earn a top-5 pick in 2026 could afford Moore a stud playmaker on either side of the ball to bolster this team-clearly in a rebuild mode of sorts.

Liam Coen – Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1)

Du-vAAAAAL? Duval indeed. Coen, summoned from his role as OC in Tampa, has had a respectable start thus far as the Jags have started 2-1. Will he be responsible for resurrecting the once high ceiling of QB Trevor Lawrence? The weaponry is there in BTJ, Travis Etienne, and Dyami Brown. Don’t forget the 2025 draft selection of two-way star Travis Hunter.

Between his roster, their solid start, and a very winnable division (easiest in football?), I can surely see the postseason in Coen’s first year as a head coach.

Brian Schottenheimer – Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

Coach Schotty came out swinging in week one, where his Dallas team nearly overtook the reigning Super Bowl Champion Eagles. It was a hard-fought battle and your classic “moral victory” of a loss if you believe in that sort of thing.

Through three games, the world has witnessed abundant offensive production despite a spotty offensive line. The run game has been productive, led by off-season acquisition Javonte Williams. Most recently, CeeDee Lamb suffered a high-ankle sprain, which removes a weekly threat through the air; however, it opens the door to allow George Pickens to shine.

The defense, on the other hand? Nonexistent. Dallas has surrendered a total of 92 points heading into week four. They host Green Bay on Sunday night, and I will be curious what sort of game plan Brian Schottenheimer draws up to try and avoid a 1-3 start. I wouldn’t throw in the towel just yet if I were a Dallas diehard.

Who do you place the most expectations upon as first-time head coaches? As always, let us know your thoughts on Twitter or Bluesky!