Pro Football History.com Blog

June 19th, 2024

The roar of the Sunday crowd, the unbelievable touchdown catches and last-second field goal kicks are set to return as football season kicks off on September 5th. Swifties and diehard fans alike are eagerly awaiting another thrilling year in the NFL. Here we are going deep into some of the most fascinating stories, reviewing player relocations and what the pundits are saying about next season.

Betting on the Season

The Chiefs and the 49ers are the preseason favorites with the best odds to win the Super Bowl and capture an NFL Championship at +600. To make the season more thrilling, fans can look for a platform that offers several promos for free coins to play at social casinos and shop around for the best betting odds on various sportsbooks. Betting on sports can be an enjoyable way to participate in the games. However, it's important to always gamble responsibly and not go beyond your limits.

Can the Chiefs Conquer Again?

The Kansas City Chiefs are receiving much attention and for good reason. No, it's not just because Taylor Swift is dating Travis Kelce. Although, that certainly is a factor. Rather, Patrick Mahomes and the always-clever Andy Reid are trying to make history by becoming the first team in the Super Bowl era to win three Championships back-to-back-to-back.

Their powerful offense – which just added speedster Marquise "Hollywood" Brown to finally give Mahomes a downfield threat again after the departure of Tyreek Hill – continues to be a strong presence. A powerful defense, led by Chris Jones, makes their position even stronger. Still, it's not going to be easy as they will get each team's best shot every week. But the fact they went back-to-back last season despite a subpar receiving corps should frighten every team in the League.

Intrigue Abounds Across the League

As the Chiefs' chase for history becomes the main story, many other tales also offer excitement to followers during this season.

Young Guns Ready: The Draft's first and second picks, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, are set to step into the spotlight. Williams was selected by the Chicago Bears, blending his dynamic abilities with their offense. At the same time, fans of the Washington Commanders have great expectations for Daniels who could refresh their passing attack. And, in the desert, Marvin Harrison Jr. looks to establish himself as Kyler Murray's trusty #1 WR in Arizona.

New Homes for Old Faces: Some of the biggest names in football switched teams this offseason. Here's a look at some of the biggest offensive names that will be wearing a new jersey this season: Derrick Henry (Ravens), Odell Beckham Jr. (Dolphins), Mike Williams (Jets), Jerry Jeudy (Browns), Russell Wilson (Steelers), Joe Mixon (Texans), Stefon Diggs (Texans), Gabe Davis (Jaguars), Tony Pollard (Titans), Calvin Ridley (Titans), Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (Chiefs), Saquon Barkley (Eagles), Austin Ekeler (Commanders), D'Andre Swift (Bears), Keenan Allen (Bears), Josh Jacobs (Packers), Aaron Jones (Vikings), Kirk Cousins (Falcons), Diontae Johnson (Panthers) and Jimmy Garoppolo (Rams), to name a some of the more prominent players.

Chargers on the Rise?: In the offseason, the Los Angeles Chargers witnessed the departure of key players from their offense, including receivers Mike Williams and Keenan Allen and running back Austin Ekeler. How will the young talent take over to fill the gap? Justin Herbert's development as a quarterback will be crucial for the Chargers' success.

Potential Breakout Teams

Several teams are ready to make a jump this season and these are the ones you should watch:

Detroit Lions: Analysts are bullish on the Lions. There's talk of them making another run to the NFC Championship game, and it's not without reason. After winning the NFC North last season, the Lions won in both the Wild Card and Divisional rounds before losing 31-34 to the 49ers for a chance to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.

Washington Commanders: Now, with Jayden Daniels in the game and the newly-signed Austin Ekeler, the Commanders have a spark on offense. A young and hungry defense might also give some teams a run for their money.

New York Jets: With Aaron Rodgers healthy again, the championship window for the Jets remains slightly open. But it feels like this year is either make or break for the franchise.

Predictions are Just That – Predictions

Bear in mind, it's only a guess. Injuries, unexpected breakout performances and coaching genius could all greatly affect the story of the season. The NFL is known for its unpredictability. Therefore, get ready football fans because the 2024 season is going to be a wild journey.

Anticipation mounts for the highly-anticipated 2024 NFL season, brimming with riveting rivalries and enticing narratives. As the Chiefs set their sights on an unprecedented triple crown and rising star Caleb Williams makes his debut in the league, all eyes are on what promises to be a season of exhilarating unpredictability.

Amidst endless speculation from experts, dark horse teams may emerge victoriously while unexpected injuries or standout displays can reshape the storyline at any moment. Football aficionados, prepare yourselves for an exhilarating journey as training camps commence and the season commences on September 5th.

By Stephen Juza

June 18th, 2024

The varied experience DeMeco Ryans brought to his head coaching career has made him an excellent choice to lead the Texans. After finishing runner-up to Kevin Stefanski as the Coach of the Year last year, sports betting sites across the country are again high on Ryans to take the award this year. Their success wouldn’t surprise anyone this season though, as success has followed him every step of his football journey.

During his college career, he played linebacker for Alabama where he was a unanimous All-American selection among many other awards as a senior in 2005. Success continued as soon as he hit the NFL after being drafted in the second round when he was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2006 when he was a middle linebacker for the Texans. Overall, Ryans had a ten-year career in Houston and Philadelphia where he made two Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team before hanging up his cleats.

After taking a year off from football, he began his coaching career in 2017 under Kyle Shanahan as an entry-level assistant. Working his way up the coaching ranks, he helped the 49ers reach the Super Bowl once in 2019 and advance to the NFC championship two more times. After taking over the defense in 2021 after Robert Saleh was hired as the new head coach for the Jets, the defense continued to thrive. In 2022, his final year as an assistant, the 49ers had the top ranked defense in both points and yards allowed - the first time in franchise history this happened.

His success as an assistant did not go unnoticed throughout the league where he won the Assistant Coach of the Year award following the season. He was hired on January 31, 2023 as the Texans sixth head coach and led the remarkable turnaround that followed. In his first season, the team made the playoffs for the first time since 2019 following an incredibly strong NFL draft in April where they drafted quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. The Texans became just the 4th team since the merger to draft both the Offensive and Defensive rookies of the year in the same draft.

The Texans’ future looks bright. After having changed head coaches four consecutive years to get to Ryans, they are looking to defend their 2023 divisional title to win the AFC South again in 2024. They look to build on their second round exit last year with their first ever conference championship appearance.

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June 12th, 2024

Jim Harbaugh is a uniquely successful coach in the world of football. Regularly, struggling NFL teams will dip into the college system to find their next head coach, but rarely does it pan out quite as expected. When it comes to Harbaugh, he offers one of the exceptions to the rule.

He managed to jump up from college football to the NFL and swiftly turn one of its bottom-dwelling teams into a Super Bowl contender. Afterwards, he returned to the college ranks with a new turnaround project and achieved record-breaking success. Now, he’s back in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers.

So, what made Harbaugh such a major coup for the Chargers, and how has he reached such prominence in the football world?

Statement of intent for the 2024 season

With the Chargers’ schedule out and the glut of free-agency work completed, Jim Harbaugh took the NFL Annual League meeting as his opportunity to lay out his new team’s objectives in 2024. On the field, the offensive line was delved into as a primary focal point this season.

Every other position group on the field relies on the offensive line being strong, the new head coach laid out in his speech. Further, in the trenches, the offensive linemen aren’t relying on any other positions being strong. So, it’s clear that it’s this group working to a high caliber and as one unit that will underpin LA’s offensive success.

A history of sudden success

Harbaugh’s coaching record across college and the pro ranks shows that, eventually, he will craft a very successful football team. From 2004 to 2006, he turned the 7-4 San Diego Toreros from 7-4 to 11-1 and Gridiron Classic winners. For Stanford Cardinal, he transformed a 4-8 team into a 12-1 Pac-10 force and 2010 Orange Bowl victors in four seasons.

He’d already been the Raiders’ QB coach from 2002 to 2003, but in 2011, he got the top job for the San Francisco 49ers. The season prior, they’d finished third in the NFC West with a 6-10 record. One season of Harbaugh got them to 13-3 and NFC Championship runners-up. In his second season, the 11-4-1 49ers went to the Super Bowl.

On that day, it was his brother John who ended up victorious. In 2013, Harbaugh guided a 12-4 49ers back to the NFC Championship game, but the offense capitulated the following season. The defense remained a top-five unit despite many major injuries, but the 8-8 record was greatly down to offensive struggles and a leaky offensive line.

Harbaugh wasn’t out of work for long, though. Michigan snapped him up almost as soon as he became available, which transformed the 5-7 Wolverines into a 10-3 team with a Citrus Bowl triumph in that opening 2016 campaign. Through to 2023, he built a real force in the Big Ten, culminating in a perfect, record-breaking 15-0 season with the Rose Bowl, and CFP National Championship.

A natural pick for more awards this season

Naturally, this success has come with its fair share of awards, including the NFL Coach of the Year in 2011, AP College Football Coach of the Year in 2021, and Big Ten Coach of the Year 2022. For the upcoming 2024 season, he’s the hot favorite to add another award.

As of June 7, Harbaugh is at +650 in the NFL betting to win his second Coach of the Year award, well ahead of Matt Lafleur (+800), Matt Eberflus (+900), and Raheem Morris (+1000). A lot is in his favor for this. Not only does Harbaugh boast a stellar first-season record, but four of the last seven editions of the award went to first-year coaches.

What Harbaugh will bring to the Chargers

Harbaugh is known to some as a kind of quarterback whisperer. Being a former slinger himself, it makes sense that this would be his specialty area. Clearly, he knows the position well, as even the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL would struggle tremendously if they’re under pressure and taking hits regularly.

In Los Angeles, Harbaugh will be looking to get the best out of the immensely talented Justin Herbert. Last season, he suffered a career-high sack percentage when looking to pass 6.0, and lost a career-high of 233 yards, even though he only featured in 13 games. Of everything discussed in the AFC breakfast speech, this angle will be the most influential on Harbaugh’s success in 2024.

As for the overall strategy, it’ll likely be a case of doing what he does best. The so-called “smash mouth” strategy continues to win out under his regime, even when the trends try to push him elsewhere. As Forbes reports, it’s a tried and true strategy that may be somewhat slow, but does offer a clear path to victory – especially as he’s refined it so successfully over the decades.

Jim Harbaugh is a players’ coach, knows how to get the best out of his stars, and is just that right degree of mad that gets his team revved up and ready to go all-out for him on the field. Inheriting a decent team, despite the offseason losses, he’s in a good position to quickly turn around the Chargers’ fortunes in his first year.

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June 5th, 2024

With the Las Vegas Raiders aiming to reclaim their former glory, the city's rapidly growing reputation as a major sports hub adds pressure on the team. The Las Vegas Aces and Vegas Golden Knights have already secured championships, while the Raiders are the only major team yet to win since moving to the city.

The Raiders’ last playoff victory dates back over 20 years, adding urgency to their pursuit of success. Under the leadership of head coach Antonio Pierce and the expertise of quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello, the team is poised to make significant strides.

The Raiders' rich history, including three Super Bowl wins, offers a foundation upon which they hope to build and achieve new triumphs in their new home.

Scangarello's Optimism for the Raiders' Future

Rich Scangarello is enthusiastic about his role with the Raiders and sees great potential in the team's future. Expressing his gratitude for being back, Scangarello praised the organization and the facilities, calling them among the best in the league. He has grown fond of Las Vegas, having lived there for over a year. The support from the community and the vibrant city life contribute to his positive outlook.

Working closely with quarterbacks Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell, Scangarello aims to develop a strong starting quarterback for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. His previous experience with the San Francisco 49ers, where he contributed to their 10-7 season, fuels his drive to achieve greater success with the Raiders.

Last Year, Scangarello Drew Inspiration from Local Champions

Scangarello took a break from his NFL career last year, relocating to Las Vegas, where he spent time recharging. This hiatus allowed him to immerse himself in the local sports scene, particularly drawing motivation from the success of the Vegas Golden Knights.

Experiencing the energy and excitement of a championship-winning team first-hand, Scangarello felt rejuvenated and eager to bring similar triumphs to the Raiders. Now, as he readies to guide the quarterbacks for the 2024 season, the inspiration he derived from the Knights fuels his enthusiasm.

The Raiders are well-positioned with a solid roster, though much depends on strong quarterback performance. The team was believed to have serious interest in drafting Michael Penix but the Atlanta Falcons shocked everyone by taking him No. 8, blindsiding the Raiders, and forcing them to pivot.

Scangarello's influence will be vital in determining their success. Fans eagerly watching the Las Vegas Raiders game odds hold hope that under his guidance, the team will climb back to the pinnacle of victory.

The Takeaway

Rich Scangarello’s journey with the Las Vegas Raiders is fueled by inspiration from local champions and a deep commitment to success. His time away from the NFL allowed him to recharge, leading to a rekindled passion for coaching. With a solid background and fresh motivation, Scangarello is dedicated to developing strong quarterbacks and driving the Raiders toward victory.

The team’s hopeful fans look to him for leadership, trusting that his guidance will steer the Raiders back to their winning ways. As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the stage is set for the Raiders to make their mark.

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By Stephen Juza

May 15th, 2024

Last month, we looked at Andy Reid's chances at breaking the career wins record with his new contract extension. While the Chiefs under Reid have been the class of the NFL, his age may be the most significant barrier to achieving the record. Reid would have to coach into his 70s, an age that most coaches have long since hung up the whistle. If it’s not Reid, and assuming Bill Belichick is finished coaching, which coach stands the next chance at breaking Don Shula's record?

Enter Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.

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Tomlin is the only active coach under 60 in the Top 50 for career wins. For a coach to break the record, they have to get their start at an early age. Tomlin was hired as the Steelers head coach at the relatively young age of 35, and has been a consistent winner from Day 1. Hired to fill the large shoes left behind by retired Steelers coach Bill Cowher, he was an immediate success. In only his second season, he won his first Super Bowl, and two years later he led the team to a second appearance.

He has maintained the level of success throughout his tenure in Pennsylvania. He has never led his team to a losing record, and in his seventeen seasons, he has more double-digit wins seasons than single-digit win seasons. In fact, he has accumulated wins at a rate almost identical to Shula's during his record-setting career.

He has also won games at a higher rate than almost any other coach. His 63% win percentage is good for sixth highest among the Top-20 winningest coaches in NFL history. However, while 63% is fantastic on the career charts, it consistently falls below any point in Shula’s career.

While they have accumulated wins at a similar pace, Tomlin has benefited from the elongated NFL season to keep up with Shula. While Shula’s career win percentage peaked in the high 70s, Tomlin has consistently been in the mid-60s, which will require him to continue coaching for a very long time. Projected trends indicate he would break the record in his 32nd season based on his win percentage.

However, the team has struggled the last five seasons. Since the 2019 season, the Steelers have averaged just under ten wins a season, with zero playoff victories. A lack of offensive firepower has been a strong contributor toward that. Before 2019, the team had a bevy of offensive stars. Future hall of famers such as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and offensive lineman Alan Faneca, first-team All-Pros such as Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, and Maurkice Pouncey, and countless other Pro Bowlers.

Since 2019? They have not had a single offensive player named to the first team All-Pro and only a few offensive players have been named to the Pro Bowl. The consistent 9-10 win seasons have been powered by the defense, led by T.J Watt, Cameron Heyward and Minkah Fitzpatrick. But the defensive success hasn’t been enough. While the Steelers had top-10 defenses in four of the last five seasons, the average offensive rank during this time was 21st. While the offense has lagged in performance, the team is clearly committed to righting the ship. Four of the first five picks in last month’s NFL draft went to the offense.

Tomlin will have to reverse this trend to have any shot at the career wins record. Continuing the team record from the last five seasons would mean he needs to coach until his 33rd season. Averaging nine wins a season would push the record out to the 35th season. In short, longer than virtually any head coach ever - only three coaches have ever coached 30+ seasons as a head coach (Shula, George Halas, and Curly Lambeau).

Tomlin would have more to worry about than the wins record if his team only averaged 9 wins a season for the next fifteen years. It’s likely that he would be fired long before that. But short of the Steelers finding the next generational quarterback to lead the team the next fifteen years, it’s likely Shula will retain the record for a very, very long time.

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