The National Football League Players Association annual report cards have quickly become one of the most revealing accountability tools in professional football. While wins and losses dominate headlines, these grades shift the focus inward — toward leadership style, communication standards, organizational structure, and day-to-day working conditions under each head coach. For players, this isn’t theoretical evaluation; it’s a reflection of their lived experience inside meeting rooms, practice fields, and locker rooms across the National Football League.

RELATED: 2026 NFL salary cap space rankings by team

This year’s head coach grades highlight a clear divide between programs with strong cultural alignment and those still searching for consistency. Coaches earning A-level marks were praised for transparency, clarity of expectations, and an environment that balances accountability with support. In many cases, players emphasized collaboration — feeling heard in decision-making processes and confident in preparation standards. Conversely, the mid-tier and lower grades point to communication gaps, structural inefficiencies, or cultural instability, particularly in organizations experiencing turnover or transitional leadership.

What makes these evaluations significant is their bottom-up nature. Unlike media narratives or front-office messaging, these assessments originate directly from the workforce — the players responsible for executing the product on Sundays. High grades signal more than popularity; they reflect trust, operational competence, and sustainable leadership practices. Lower grades, meanwhile, don’t necessarily indicate failure, but they do illuminate friction points that can impact retention, morale, and long-term competitive stability.

Sean McVay

• Team: Los Angeles Rams
• Grade: A+

McVay continues to set the standard for modern offensive leadership in Los Angeles. Players consistently praise his communication style, preparation, and ability to create a collaborative culture. The A+ reflects a locker room that feels organized, competitive, and fully aligned with its head coach.

Dan Quinn

• Team: Washington Commanders
• Grade: A+

Quinn has quickly established a tone of accountability and energy. Players appreciate his authenticity and the clarity of expectations he brings to the building. The high grade signals strong buy-in and confidence in his leadership direction.

Mike Macdonald

• Team: Seattle Seahawks
• Grade: A

Macdonald has earned early respect for his detailed approach and defensive acumen. Players view him as organized, adaptable, and receptive to feedback. An A grade suggests a strong foundation and belief in his long-term vision.

Andy Reid

• Team: Kansas City Chiefs
• Grade: A

Reid’s leadership remains steady and player-focused. His balance of discipline and approachability resonates throughout the roster. The grade reflects a veteran coach who continues to foster trust and high performance.

RELATED: NFL: Longest tenured active head coaches

Ben Johnson

• Team: Chicago Bears
• Grade: A

Johnson’s offensive background translates into clear teaching and creative energy. Players respond well to his detailed planning and openness to collaboration. The A indicates confidence in his leadership despite being early in his tenure.

Dan Campbell

• Team: Detroit Lions
• Grade: A

Campbell’s intensity and authenticity define Detroit’s culture. Players consistently cite his honesty and emotional investment in the team. The strong grade reflects deep trust and a unified locker room identity.

Mike Vrabel

• Team: New England Patriots
• Grade: A

Vrabel brings a player-first perspective shaped by his own NFL experience. His direct communication style and emphasis on toughness resonate strongly. The A shows players feel supported while being held to high standards.

Aaron Glenn

• Team: New York Jets
• Grade: A

Glenn has established credibility through transparency and energy. Players appreciate his defensive expertise and consistent messaging. The grade reflects confidence in his leadership approach and day-to-day structure.

RELATED: NFL: Teams still looking for their head coaches

Kevin O’Connell

• Team: Minnesota Vikings
• Grade: A

O’Connell fosters an open, communicative environment. Players value his offensive clarity and collaborative style. The A suggests strong alignment between coaching philosophy and player expectations.

Nick Sirianni

• Team: Philadelphia Eagles
• Grade: A

Sirianni’s emotional leadership and competitive edge resonate in Philadelphia. Players respond positively to his direct communication and adaptability. The strong grade reflects belief in both his culture and game management.

Mike Tomlin

• Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
• Grade: A

Tomlin’s steady presence remains a cornerstone in Pittsburgh. Players consistently cite his fairness, clarity, and leadership consistency. The A reflects long-term credibility and sustained locker room respect.

Sean McDermott

• Team: Buffalo Bills
• Grade: A-

McDermott maintains a disciplined and well-structured environment. Players respect his attention to detail and defensive leadership. The A- signals strong support with minor areas for growth.

Dave Canales

• Team: Carolina Panthers
• Grade: A-

Canales has built rapport through clear communication and positivity. Players appreciate his developmental focus and energy. The A- suggests early success in building trust within the roster.

RELATED: Highest paid coaches in U.S. sports

Zac Taylor

• Team: Cincinnati Bengals
• Grade: A-

Taylor’s collaborative approach resonates in Cincinnati. Players value his calm demeanor and structured game preparation. The grade reflects solid player confidence in his leadership.

Brian Schottenheimer

• Team: Dallas Cowboys
• Grade: A-

Schottenheimer’s offensive clarity and communication stand out. Players feel his expectations are direct and consistent. The A- reflects a positive reception early in his head coaching tenure.

DeMeco Ryans

• Team: Houston Texans
• Grade: A-

Ryans’ energy and authenticity resonate strongly in Houston. Players trust his defensive knowledge and straightforward leadership. The grade reflects strong culture-building momentum.

Shane Steichen

• Team: Indianapolis Colts
• Grade: A-

Steichen’s offensive expertise builds player confidence. His teaching style and clarity stand out in meetings and preparation. The A- suggests strong support from the roster.

Liam Coen

• Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
• Grade: A-

Coen’s structured approach has earned early buy-in. Players appreciate the clarity in offensive design and communication. The grade reflects optimism about the direction of the program.

Kellen Moore

• Team: New Orleans Saints
• Grade: A-

Moore’s offensive creativity and calm demeanor resonate positively. Players feel well-prepared and clearly informed. The A- signals strong initial trust in his leadership.

Kyle Shanahan

• Team: San Francisco 49ers
• Grade: A-

Shanahan’s schematic expertise remains widely respected. Players value his attention to detail and strategic clarity. The grade reflects strong belief in his system and direction.

Jonathan Gannon

• Team: Arizona Cardinals
• Grade: B+

Gannon has built a culture centered on energy and accountability. Players appreciate his defensive focus and communication style. The B+ indicates solid support with room to grow.

Raheem Morris

• Team: Atlanta Falcons
• Grade: B+

Morris brings experience and relatability to the locker room. Players value his steady presence and defensive insight. The grade reflects generally positive feedback with moderate concerns.

John Harbaugh

• Team: Baltimore Ravens
• Grade: B

Harbaugh maintains strong organizational discipline. Players respect his structure but note areas for improvement in certain day-to-day processes. The B reflects overall approval with measurable gaps.

Mike McDaniel

• Team: Miami Dolphins
• Grade: B

McDaniel’s offensive creativity is well regarded. Players respond positively to his personality and communication. The grade suggests solid confidence with opportunities to strengthen consistency.

Sean Payton

• Team: Denver Broncos
• Grade: B

Payton’s experience and authority are clear. Players acknowledge his structured approach and high expectations. The B reflects respect paired with mixed feedback on certain aspects of team culture.

Todd Bowles

• Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Grade: B

Bowles’ defensive leadership remains steady. Players appreciate his calm demeanor but cite areas needing sharper communication. The grade reflects overall satisfaction with room for refinement.

Titans (had 2 HCs)

• Team: Tennessee Titans
• Grade: B-

The Titans’ split leadership produced mixed feedback from players. While effort and professionalism were recognized, consistency in messaging was less clear. The B- reflects moderate approval with noticeable structural concerns.

Matt LaFleur

• Team: Green Bay Packers
• Grade: B-

LaFleur maintains a stable offensive identity. Players generally respect his system but desire improvements in certain support areas. The B- suggests steady leadership with identified gaps.

Jim Harbaugh

• Team: Los Angeles Chargers
• Grade: C+

Harbaugh’s intensity and structure are evident. Players recognize his experience but note cultural adjustments in transition. The C+ reflects a work in progress within the locker room.

Pete Carroll

• Team: Las Vegas Raiders
• Grade: C+

Carroll brings energy and optimism. Players appreciate his positivity but express mixed views on overall structure. The C+ indicates moderate approval during an adjustment period.

RELATED: 7 coaching candidates to replace Pete Carroll in Las Vegas Raiders

Giants (had 2 HCs)

• Team: New York Giants
• Grade: C

Leadership turnover contributed to inconsistency in direction. Players cited uneven communication and cultural instability. The C reflects a need for stronger cohesion moving forward.

Kevin Stefanski

• Team: Cleveland Browns
• Grade: C-

Stefanski’s offensive structure is respected, but feedback suggests communication gaps. Players noted areas where transparency and alignment could improve. The C- reflects meaningful room for improvement in overall team sentiment.

Conclusion

In a league where marginal advantages matter, culture is no longer intangible. The NFLPA report cards quantify it — and in doing so, they provide one of the clearest lenses into how players truly view the men leading their franchises.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —

NFL: 2026 NFL salary cap space rankings by team

NHL: Auston Matthews’ Olympic gold, Donald Trump visit, draws surprising reaction in Toronto

MLB: Dodgers manager bothered by Tanner Scott quote

ENTERTAINMENT: Team USA hockey stars set for ‘SNL’ cameo after Winter Olympics

SPORTS MEDIA: NBC Sunday Night Football set to make major change for 2026 NFL season
WORLD CUP: Iran could withdraw from 2026 FIFA World Cup amid Middle East tension

The post NFL head coach grades from the NFLPA report cards appeared first on The Big Lead.