1.Mike Tomlin | Teflon Tom Keeps Putting In Work
Pittsburgh Steelers HNIC
One day, we gonna talk about how ELITE Mike Tomlin is….Let me know when ya'll ready for that conversation…#SteelersNation pic.twitter.com/UABB6uSy7E
— LeVelle Moton (@LeVelleMoton) September 12, 2021
Whenever you do a list of top five Black NFL coaches it undoubtedly has to start with Mike Tomlin, who was a mentee of the legendary Tony Dungy, the first Black head coach to win a Super Bowl.
Tomlin beat the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII (2008 season), becoming the second Black head coach to win an NFL title He’s the only one to appear in multiple Super Bowls. At just 49 years old, the Hampton, Virginia, product is considered a wily veteran of the pro coaching business.
Motivator, Astute Leader
Known for his advanced defensive principles, Tomlin’s strengths lie in his ability to lead and motivate. Once criticized as a coach who was just fortunate to work for a “great organization,” Tomlin has recently over-achieved with undermanned and turmoil-ridden Steelers teams. Look no further than this season’s 5-3 squad with an aging Ben Roethlisberger at the helm.
Tomlin’s the tenth African-American head coach in NFL history, and he will probably end up being considered the best one when he’s done. In 15 seasons, Tomlin’s never had a losing season, he’s made the playoffs nine times, and he’s a remarkable 150-81-1 (.649) as a head coach heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Detroit Lions.
2. Byron Leftwich | Don’t Sleep On The Technique
Tampa Bay Bucs OC
Choosing between Byron Leftwich and Eric Bieniemy was hard. Bieniemy is a key contributor to Patrick Mahomes’ MVP rise in the NFL. But Leftwich created an entire offense that incorporated what Tom Brady is comfortable executing with the wide-open style the Bucs are accustomed to under Bruce Arians.
So nobody has a problem with the fact that Byron Leftwich and Eric Bieniemy are the elite OCs at the top of the NFL game right now and their coaches admit they call and design the plays ? In fact Arians said Leftwich controls the whole show. Interesting. https://t.co/xe0y75oix7
— The Shadow League (@ShadowLeague) November 3, 2021
Bruce Arians admitted that Leftwich controls the entire offense in Tampa Bay. His innovative play calls in the passing and run game were something most didn’t know he had in his arsenal. The use of his tight ends is second to none. Leftwich will make a fine head coach one day.
3. Eric Bieniemy | If You Don’t Know Me By Now…
Kansas City Chiefs OC
Eric Bieniemy Is A No-Brainer As Raiders Head Coach | Las Vegas Needs To Do The Right Thing In Wake of Gruden Fiasco – The Shadow League https://t.co/bmSjxrK0kh
— Atlanta Black Star (@ATLBlackStar) October 14, 2021
Eric Bieniemy has been an outstanding play-caller in guiding the Chiefs’ offense the past four seasons with Patrick Mahomes at the controls. Innovation is his nickname, and he isn’t afraid to take chances. His best asset is his third down and situational play calls.
Players enjoy the former college football star’s leadership, even though he is very demanding. The big mystery around the NFL is why Bieniemy hasn’t been hired as a head coach yet. It’s hard to top what he’s already accomplished.
4. Brian Flores | A QB Away
Miami Dolphins HC
Dolphins head coach Brian Flores is known as a defensive guru. Who can forget his game plan in Super Bowl 53 — as defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots — where he held the Rams and Sean McVay’s offense to three points.
His blitz disguising has always been good, and he showed that last season as the “Fins” wreaked havoc on opponents en route to a 10-win season.
His ceiling is high as a head coach once he locks down his quarterback of the next decade. The franchise is still on the fence about Tua Tagovailoa.
5. David Culley| Mission Impossible
Houston Texans HC
The backstory behind David Culley’s incremental rise to head coach is still a mystery to most people, who probably wouldn’t fault the rookie coach if he lost every game this season with a talent-defunct roster and Deshaun Watson just chilling.
The Texans have managed to win just one of nine games with Culley stalking the sidelines.
#Texans HC David Culley doing his weekly Coach's Show on @SportsRadio610
"When Nick [Caserio] put this thing together, we brought in people that are selfless.. It's about the team, all about the next man up.. Those are the kind of guys that will get us to where we want to be." pic.twitter.com/xV6XErYyOb
— Tyler Milner (@tmilrealdeal) November 8, 2021
When the Texans hired David Culley most folks went “who?” With 43 years of experience in the NFL and college, his best attribute would have to be just that — experience.
Culley is known as an offensive mind, very organized and meticulous in his planning, but never a HC, DC or OC coordinator until now.
The 66-year-old did his best work as the passing game coordinator with the Ravens (2019-20), as Lamar Jackson led the league in passing touchdowns with 33.
