Pro Football History.com Blog

The Evolution of NFL Coaching: How Strategies and Techniques Have Changed Over Time

September 2nd, 2024

The work of an NFL coach is one of the most dynamic and ever-changing jobs; the only constant in the league seems to be change. Now, from the days of pounding the pigskin to the high-flying, pass-happy offenses of today, these coaching changes are very interesting. There is more to the evolution of strategies and techniques in the NFL than X's and O's; it is one of innovation, adaptation, and the never-ending pursuit of wins.

The Early Days

Coaching in the early NFL just wasn't that complicated. Teams lined up and ran the ball, physically beating their will and strength into moving the chains. You'll hear old-timers refer to trench warfare football as coaches working on playbooks heavy in running plays and light on passing. The idea was pretty simple back then: continuously run the ball down your opponent's throat, and every now and then, a pass would catch them off guard.

Coaches like George Halas and Vince Lombardi built their house of fame on this ground-and-pound philosophy. Lombardi's Green Bay Packers were the masters of the sweep play, something as supposedly simple as a run that became legendary because it was impeccably executed and by the sheer will of the players who ran it.

In the days of the great coaches, running was probably one of the most under-disguised plays, where 11 men lined up and successfully blocked the play. It was coaching in those days that was all about discipline and conditioning, getting the most out of a limited playbook. Creativity took a back seat to execution.

Innovations on Defense

New offenses produced a new set of defenses. The competing coaches came up with the most highly complicated schematics. Buddy Ryan's 46 Defense, most famously used during the mid-1980s with the Chicago Bears, is a great case in point. Very aggressive, centering on pressuring the quarterback and knocking the timing off an offense, the 46 defense was no joke. It was a defense built on intimidation and made the Bears rather good at pounding teams en route to a Super Bowl win in 1985.

No defense rested on its laurels with innovation of its own, though. The 2000s introduced the Tampa 2 defense, made famous by Tony Dungy and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Developed out of the necessity elicited by the ever-developing passing game, the Tampa 2 became a staple for many NFL defenses over the course of the decade.

The Modern Era

Coaching has never been more intricate in the current state of the NFL. Surrounded by an infinite number of ever-changing technologies, it continues to push the evolution of the ways teams evaluate players, design game plans, and make quality decisions during game time. Coaches such as Bill Belichick have warmly embraced analytics to make a difference in areas such as fourth-down decisions and clock management.

One of the most obvious modern realities about NFL coaching is specialization, in which times have rolled far past a head coach being a jack-of-all-trades. It is amazing to see how big the coaching staff is today, with coordinators, position coaches and further expanded to include specialized assistants on certain aspects of the game. This specialization has given components of teams the means to devise more complex and nuanced strategies tailored to the strengths and weaknesses of their own players.

Another feature of the modern NFL has been the emergence of this run-pass option. The RPO sits on the fringes of a traditional run play and pass play; it might involve a quarterback handoff, keep, or pass depending on how a defense reacts. This added layer of complexity puts immense pressure on defenses, forcing them to make split-second decisions. The RPO has become a standard practice for most NFL offenses and increasingly influences the game at every level, from high school to the highest professional ranks.

The Future of NFL Coaching

As the NFL grows and changes, so will coaching strategies and techniques. It is a copycat league; teams copy and adapt very fast to the innovations that work. The future will likely bring even more developments in analytics, technology, and player development. Perhaps we will see even further specialization of coaching roles and game-plan tailoring to individual matchups.

But one thing is for certain—the NFL can still be a breeding ground for innovation. Coaches have to continue pushing the envelope by realizing new methods to outsmart opponents and avail themselves of any opportunity on the field. The only thing in the NFL that stays the same is change, and that is just what makes the evolution of coaching in the league so gripping.

Predicting the NFC South Divisional Race: Who will come out on top?

August 19th, 2024

There is no doubt that the NFC South is one of the most intriguing divisions in the NFL, especially due to the mix of veteran players and emerging talents. Predicting the outcome of the divisional winner is a guessing game, however there are some key factors to consider making educated guesses. These include the team performance, players statistics, coaching strategies, and head-to-head matchups.

It can also be worth looking into the playing conditions for the games. You could investigate details such as the weather, the quality of the field, whether the stadium uses a line marking robot for optimized conditions, and much more. This article will dive into the four teams of the NFC South and discuss their chances of winning.

Atlanta Falcons

To many fans, the Falcons are seen as an overhyped team. However, due to the level of engagement in the NFC South, the Falcons look like they might win. It might not be the strongest team in the country, but they will be sufficient for a playoff game. However, the Falcons are facing a challenge with Cousins, who is a key player on the team, but he is also just coming off an Achilles injury, meaning he cannot be held to the same level of expectations as before.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The quarterback player Mayfield just received a big contract, but the team also ensured Minshew, providing some valuable talent for the upcoming season. However, the Buccaneers do not seem to be investing much in going for a Super Bowl win. This is despite the fact that the team won the title in 2021, and one would assume the team is thirsty for more.

New Orleans Saints

Right now, the Saints are in the worst cap situation in the NFL. They have already exceeded the cap by 60-70 million dollars in 2025, which was due to their signing of Chase Young. Even though many think the Saints are overspending even though they are not real contenders, it is worth noting that their defense has improved after trading Young. However, until the team gets their cap situation under control, the Saints will be looking at a decline.

Carolina Panthers

In the past season, CJ Stroud was a quarterback of highest value. But at the same time, the team also had one of the worst quarterbacks on their team, namely Bryce Young. The team gave up a lot to get Young, and after that the Panthers lacked draft picks. They ended up investing heavily in expensive guards, which came at the expense of the defense where a big decline in pass rush was seen.

Kicking Specialists: The Best NFL Kickers of All Time

August 9th, 2024

When we talk about the greatest players in NFL history, it’s easy to get caught up in the glamor of quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs. They’re the ones making the highlight reels, drawing the big endorsements, and filling up our fantasy football rosters. But let’s not forget about the unsung heroes of the NFL—the kickers. These guys often determine the outcome of games with a single, powerful swing of their leg. They might not get the same spotlight, but their contributions are no less critical.

In the football betting world of NFL lines and spreads, a clutch kicker can be the difference between winning and losing a bet. Think about it—how many times have we seen a game come down to those final few seconds, with the kicker trotting onto the field, the hopes of an entire fanbase resting on his shoulders? Before he is unceremoniously iced by the opposing coach taking a timeout. It’s nerve-wracking, it’s thrilling, and it’s why we love football. These moments are pure drama, like a season finale cliffhanger that leaves you on the edge of your seat.

The Best NFL Kickers of All Time

So, who are the best NFL kickers of all time? The ones who have delivered in those pressure-packed moments and consistently split the uprights? Let’s dive into the legacies of some of the most accurate and dependable kickers ever to step onto the field, celebrating their achievements and contributions to the game we all love.

Adam Vinatieri: The Clutch King

First on our list is Adam Vinatieri, the epitome of clutch kicking. If there's one name that sends shivers down the spine of opposing teams, it's Vinatieri. This guy's resume reads like a Hollywood script—game-winning kicks in not one, not two, but four Super Bowls. His most iconic moment? The "Snow Bowl" game-winning kick against the Oakland Raiders in the 2001 AFC Divisional Round. Talk about ice in his veins!

Vinatieri's career spanned 24 seasons, and he scored over 2,600 points. When the game was on the line, there was no one you'd rather have than Vinatieri. His precision and poise under pressure earned him the title of the most clutch kicker in NFL history. And let's not forget, he did all this while playing for two of the most storied franchises in NFL history—the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts.

Justin Tucker: The Modern Maestro

If you're a fan of today's NFL, you've undoubtedly heard of Justin Tucker. This guy is the epitome of consistency and power. Since entering the league in 2012, Tucker has been breaking records and splitting uprights with ease. He's the most accurate kicker in NFL history, with a career field goal percentage of over 90%.

Tucker's range is just as impressive as his accuracy. Remember that 66-yard game-winning field goal against the Detroit Lions in 2021? Yeah, that's the longest field goal in NFL history. And he nailed it as time expired. Tucker's ability to perform in high-pressure situations has made him a favorite in fantasy football and a key player in NFL betting strategies.

Morten Andersen: The Great Dane

No list of the best NFL kickers of all time would be complete without Morten Andersen, aka "The Great Dane." Andersen's career spanned an incredible 25 seasons, making him one of the longest-tenured players in NFL history. He retired as the league's all-time leading scorer with 2,544 points—a record that stood until Vinatieri broke it in 2018.

Andersen was known for his powerful leg and consistency over decades. His career included stints with the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, and several other teams. One of his most memorable moments came in the 1998 NFC Championship Game when he kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime to send the Falcons to their first Super Bowl.

Jan Stenerud: The Trailblazer

Jan Stenerud's journey to NFL greatness is a fascinating one. He came to the United States from Norway on a ski-jumping scholarship, but it was his leg strength that caught the eye of the football coaches at Montana State University. The rest, as they say, is history. Stenerud went on to become one of the first soccer-style kickers in the NFL and revolutionized the position.

Stenerud's career was marked by his incredible accuracy and range. He played 19 seasons in the NFL and was a key player for the Kansas City Chiefs, helping them win Super Bowl IV. His impact on the game was so significant that he was the first pure placekicker inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Gary Anderson: The South African Sensation

Gary Anderson is another name that deserves a spot on this list. Anderson's career was defined by his consistency and longevity. Playing for an astonishing 23 seasons, Anderson retired with 2,434 points, making him one of the top scorers in NFL history.

One of Anderson's most remarkable seasons came in 1998 with the Minnesota Vikings when he made every single kick during the regular season. Unfortunately, he missed a critical field goal in the NFC Championship Game that year, but that doesn't overshadow his incredible career. Anderson's style and precision made him a fan favorite and a reliable option for teams looking for a dependable kicker.

Stephen Gostkowski: The Patriot's Secret Weapon

Stephen Gostkowski had the unenviable task of replacing Adam Vinatieri in New England, but he more than lived up to the challenge. Gostkowski became the Patriots' all-time leading scorer and helped the team win three Super Bowls during his tenure. Known for his accuracy and strong leg, Gostkowski was a consistent performer for over a decade.

One of Gostkowski's most impressive feats was leading the league in scoring five times, tying an NFL record. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his consistency over the years have earned him a place among the best NFL kickers of all time.

Conclusion: Celebrating the Unsung Heroes

Kickers may not get the same attention as quarterbacks or wide receivers, but their impact on the game is undeniable. Whether it's the clutch performances of Adam Vinatieri, the modern mastery of Justin Tucker, or the trailblazing efforts of Jan Stenerud, these kickers have provided us with unforgettable moments and incredible feats. So next time you're watching a game, keep an eye on the kicker. You never know when they'll deliver a moment of magic that turns a losing game into a winner.

And for those of us who love to bet on the NFL, understanding the importance of a reliable kicker can make all the difference. As you analyze the NFL lines and spreads, remember the names on this list and the incredible legacies they've left behind.

Current NFL Coaching Trees

By Stephen Juza

July 19th, 2024

As the current training camp comes to a close, we examine the coaching landscape with our updated look at the active coaching trees. While coaching tree influence can be debated in a coach’s career, they can be a fun way to look at league history over time. As hot coaching trends take the league by storm, you can often trace several coaching hires that stem from a team or a philosophy over time as league priorities shift. While inclusion in a tree may be subjective, here’s how the current head coaches group together entering the 2024 season.

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Andy Reid

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid continues his streak of the largest active coaching tree in the league with four former assistants currently leading NFL teams. The road to the Super Bowl continues to run through him and his former assistants. In 2023, three of the divisions were won by either him or a former assistant, with one other leading their team to a wildcard appearance.

We have written recently about Reid’s continued dominance, with an outside shot at achieving the NFL wins record by the end of his current contract extension. Entering 2024, the Chiefs have an outstanding shot to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls, and while the task is always going to be difficult, the odds appear to be in their favor.

Reid’s coaching tree is one of the most expansive in recent NFL history, with several notable standouts. Current tree branches include John Harbaugh, Todd Bowles, Doug Pederson, and Sean McDermott. Overall, his tree boasts an average win percentage of 55%, 23 playoff wins, and two Super Bowls across the eleven branches.

Kyle Shanahan:

Kyle Shanahan, Reid’s opponent in last year’s Super Bowl, is tied for the second largest active coaching tree. Despite losing talented coaches to other teams, he has kept the team in Super Bowl contention for several years. His latest coach to take over a team, DeMeco Ryans, led the Houston Texans to a division championship in his first season at the top job after winning Assistant Coach of the Year in 2022.

Despite Ryans hiring several 49ers assistants to key positions in his first coaching staff, Shanahan was able to keep the team competitive after the continued emergence of quarterback Brock Purdy. Throughout the 2023 season, both Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey were talked about in the MVP race, and both players figure to be in the conversation again in 2024.

Beyond Ryans, Shanahan’s current coaching tree includes AFC East rivals Mike McDaniel and Robert Saleh. Both coaches are entering a crucial 2024 season. McDaniel is hoping to avoid another late-season collapse (2-4 in the final games of 2023 and 1-6 in 2022). Saleh is needing the Jets to take a major step forward after starting his head coaching career with three-straight losing seasons.

Sean McVay:

Sean McVay has had some rollercoaster seasons out in Los Angeles. After taking the league by storm as one of the youngest head coaches ever hired, and the youngest to ever reach the Super Bowl, his offensive coaching staff has routinely been hired away as offensive coordinators became head coaches. Despite this, his offense has kept on clicking, culminating in a Super Bowl victory in 2021. McVay has three active coaches in his coaching tree: Zac Taylor, Matt LaFleur, and Kevin O'Connell. While each has had some success in their short careers thus far, Taylor is the shining star of the bunch. After a slow start to his Bengals career, he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance, losing to the Rams in 2021. He followed up that season with 12 wins and an appearance in the AFC Championship game in 2022. LaFleur and O’Connell had success early for their respective teams, but that success has not translated into much playoff success.

Sean Payton:

After returning to the sideline after a brief time away from the NFL, Sean Payton brought a lot of bluster to the Broncos, but without the results to follow. After making a blockbuster trade for quarterback Russell Wilson, what followed was nothing short of disappointment for the team. Wilson didn’t even make it through an entire season as the starting quarterback, and the Broncos limped to the seventh straight losing season.

During Payton’s long career in New Orleans, he had four assistants continue on to be head coaches, and two of them remain actively coaching into 2024. Dan Campbell had an incredibly slow start in the Motor City, going 3-13-1 in his first season and starting 1-6 in his second before turning it around to finish 9-8. Campbell rewarded the Lions’ patience in 2023 with their first division title since 1993. The other active coach, Dennis Allen, replaced Payton in New Orleans but has yet to reach any measure of success, finishing second in the division both years.

Nick Sirianni:

Our least experienced coach in our list is Nick Sirianni. While it’s far from certain if a successful coach will have successful assistants, the inverse is also true: Unsuccessful coaches may still have future successful coaches on their staff. Sirianni is a great example of this. Despite working for numerous underwhelming head coaches, such as Romeo Crennel, Anthony Lynn, and Mike McCoy, Sirianni was able to land a head coaching job with the Philadelphia Eagles. In his three years at the helm, he has led the Eagles to a combined 34-17 record, with a playoff appearance in each season and a Super Bowl appearance in 2022. Following that season, he lost both of his coordinators to the head coaching carousel.

Former offensive coordinator Shane Steichen went to lead the Indianapolis Colts, while former defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon went on to lead the Arizona Cardinals. With just one season under their belt, it’s too early to make any prediction about their future success, but at least Sirianni was able to keep the team moving forward. The Eagles followed up their 14-3 season in 2022 with a 11-6 campaign in 2023. However, both the offense and defense are being led by their third coordinator in three years, posing a unique challenge to Sirianni in 2024.

Mike Tomlin:

One of the notable outliers in this list is Steelers coach, Mike Tomlin. Despite being the longest tenured coach with the same team, he does not have an active coach in his coaching tree. This isn’t due to assistants being unsuccessful head coaches. Only one of his assistants have gone on to be a head coach after spending time on Tomlin’s staff.

The Steelers’ coaching staff has been one of remarkable stability. At the start of his seventeen-year career in Pittsburgh, he inherited several long-time assistants from Bill Cowher’s staff that continued to stick with him for many years, such as Keith Butler, Dick LeBeau, and John Mitchell. Not just that, but many former head coaches, such as Brian Flores or Arthur Smith, have joined Tomlin’s staff after being fired from their own head coaching job.

The result for the Steelers has been one of continued consistency, much to the chagrin of some die-hard Steelers fans. While consistency can be nice, the Steelers have only one season over 10 wins since 2018, their longest stretch of time since 1980-1991.

Honorary Mentions:

Not every coach fits neatly into a coaching tree or has numerous assistants to go on and lead their own team. Some, like Jim Harbaugh, simply have more of a track record in the college game compared to the NFL, and assistants are more likely to stay in the NCAA. Other times, a coach may have a long track record in the NFL, such as Mike McCarthy, but that never translates into coordinators that are hired away.

While coaching trees are nebulous in nature, they can be an intriguing way to map the history of the NFL. As hot coaching trends take over the league, you see many assistants hired away to install their own version of the trend. This has been going on for decades, and undoubtedly will continue into the future.

Methodology: Coaching trees are often open to interpretation, but throughout the website we automatically place any coach in the tree of a head coach up to their first head coaching opportunity. This allows coaches to be in multiple trees, without limiting them to only one coach that they spent the most time with.

Why Millions Tune Into the Most Watched Football Games on TV

July 19th, 2024

The allure of NFL games continues to captivate millions of viewers worldwide. With high-stakes matches and dramatic plays, it’s no wonder these games dominate television ratings. Here’s what makes certain football games the most watched events on TV.

Football has always held a special place in the hearts of sports enthusiasts. The NFL, with its rich history and legendary players, has cemented its status as a premier sporting league. Watching these games live on TV brings the thrill and excitement straight to your living room.

Why Certain NFL Games Stand Out

Some NFL games draw more viewers than others due to several key factors. Rivalries between long-standing teams often result in high viewership numbers. These matches have a historical context that adds layers of excitement and anticipation. For instance, when two top-tier teams clash, you can expect millions to watch football live on TV, eager to witness every play and tackle.

Moreover, the storylines surrounding these games can significantly boost their appeal. Whether it's a quarterback facing his former team, a coach returning to a stadium where he once led, or a potential record-breaking performance on the horizon, these narratives add an extra layer of intrigue. Media coverage leading up to these games often highlights these storylines, building anticipation and encouraging more viewers to tune in and watch football live on TV. The drama and emotional investment these narratives create can turn a regular game into a must-watch event.

The Impact of Prime-Time Slots

The timing of NFL games plays a significant role in their viewership. Prime-time slots, such as Sunday Night Football, are particularly popular among fans. These slots are intended to capture the largest possible audience, often featuring marquee matchups that guarantee high ratings. Additionally, having games broadcast during holidays like Thanksgiving ensures families gather around their screens to enjoy football live on TV together.

The evolution of digital platforms has also enhanced the prime-time viewing experience. Many networks now offer complementary online content, such as real-time stats, multiple camera angles, and interactive features. This second-screen experience allows fans to engage more deeply with the game, making prime-time slots even more attractive. Social media buzz during these slots further amplifies the excitement, creating a shared national experience as millions tweet and post about the game simultaneously. This digital engagement has transformed watching football on TV into a more interactive and communal event, particularly during these coveted time slots.

Star Players Driving Viewership

Another factor contributing to the popularity of certain football games on TV is the presence of star players. Athletes like Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes bring a significant following, boosting viewership numbers whenever they take the field. Fans tune in not only to support their favorite team but also to see these iconic players perform under pressure.

The influence of star players extends beyond their on-field performance. Many of these athletes have become cultural icons, with large social media followings and endorsement deals that keep them in the public eye even off the field. Their personal stories, charitable work, and off-field personalities create a connection with fans that translates into increased viewership. When these stars face off against each other, it creates a compelling narrative that draws in not just dedicated football fans, but also casual viewers curious to see these larger-than-life figures compete. This star power is a crucial factor in making certain games the most watched football games on TV.

High-Stakes Playoff Games

Playoff games naturally attract more viewers due to their high stakes. Each game can determine a team's chance at winning the Super Bowl, making every play critical. The intensity and finality of these matches are unmatched, drawing even casual fans to their screens. Watching football live on TV during these pivotal moments is an experience like no other.

The most watched football games on TV are characterized by historical rivalries, prime-time broadcasting, star players, and high stakes. As an NFL fan, understanding what makes these games so captivating enhances your viewing experience. Whether it's a regular-season clash or a playoff showdown, the excitement of football live on TV remains unparalleled.