5 NFL HCs who had the best rookie campaigns ft. Brian Daboll

Modified Feb 15, 2023 21:20 GMT

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At the conclusion of every NFL season, many franchises have head coaching vacancies. These roles come about due to the team having poor campaigns the season prior, or simply the current head coach ending his contract.

We’ve seen plenty of rookie head coaches struggle and look out of their depth, such as Nathaniel Hackett with the Denver Broncos in 2022 – who was fired before the end of his maiden season.

However, plenty of rookie HCs down the years have taken the league by storm, instantly catapulting themselves into the elite coaches debate. Here are the five Best NFL rookie head coaches in the NFL history.

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#5 Jim Harbaugh

Jim Harbaugh was hired by the San Francisco 49ers for the 2012 NFL season, after the Niners had failed to have a winning season since 2002.

Harbaugh immediately led the team to a 13-3 record, as well as making it all the way to the NFC Championship game. Unfortunately, they were taken down by the eventual Super Bowl champion Giants in overtime, but Harbaugh’s arrival saw the 49ers once again become a force in the NFC.

During his time with the 49ers until 2014, Harbaugh would lead San Fran to three NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl appearance.

#4 Brian Daboll

The New York Giants hired Bills OC Brian Daboll for the 2022 season, and he immediately flourished.

New York hadn’t had a winning season since 2016 before his arrival, winning just four games in 2021. Daboll transformed the organization, helping New York win nine games and make the playoffs for the first time in six seasons, beating the Vikings in the Wildcard before being eliminated by the Eagles.

Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley looked revitalized under Daboll, and the future is bright for the G-men.

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#3 Matt LaFleur

After Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy’s tumultuous relationship came to an end after the 2018 season, the Green Bay Packers hired Matt LaFleur as head coach.

LaFleur led the Packers all the way to the NFC Championship game in his rookie year as head coach, eventually losing to the 49ers. LaFleur won 13 games in his maiden campaign, something which he’d accomplish in each of his first three years at the helm in Green Bay.

#2 Jim Caldwell

Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell had one of the best rookie seasons in history back in 2009.

After Tony Dungy's retirement, Caldwell took over and led the Colts to an outstanding 14-2 record, including winning 14 straight games to start the year.

With the help of Caldwell and Peyton Manning, Indy made it all the way to Super Bowl XLIV, where they fell short against the New Orleans Saints.

#1 George Seifert

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Ex-San Francisco 49ers head coach George Seifert had arguably the best rookie season of all-time back in 1989.

Following the retirement of Bill Walsh, Seifert came straight into the 49ers organization and won a Super Bowl. This came after he had led San Fran to a 14-2 regular-season record, in what went down as one of the most historic seasons in NFL history.

Best NFL rookie head coaches

#3 – Matt LaFleur

After Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy’s tumultuous relationship came to an end after the 2018 season, as the Green Bay Packers hired Matt LaFleur as head coach.

LaFleur led the Packers all the way to the NFC Championship game in his rookie year as head coach, eventually losing to the San Francisco 49ers. LaFleur won 13 games in his maiden campaign, something which he’d accomplish in each of his first three years at the helm in Green Bay.

#2 - Jim Caldwell

Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell had one of the best rookie seasons in history back in 2009.

After Tony Dungy's retirement, Caldwell took over and led the Colts to an outstanding 14-2 record, including winning 14 straight games to start the year.

With the help of Caldwell and Peyton Manning, Indy made it all the way to Super Bowl XLIV, where they fell short against Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints.