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Defense wins championships. It is one of the most popular sayings in all sports. The best defensive coaches are the ones that have the ability to suffocate opposing offenses in multiple ways.
The best defensive coaches are the ones that play to their strengths and stay consistent and are nearly unbeatable because of their year-in and year-out productivity. With that said, here are the 3 best defensive head coaches in the NFL today:
Bill Belichick
This one is obvious. Bill Belichick is perhaps the greatest defensive coach in NFL history. Yes, he has an NFL record for most Super Bowl wins as a head coach (6). Yes, he has an NFL record for most playoff wins (31). Yes, he is a 3-time NFL Coach of the Year and a member of the NFL's 100th Anniversary Team. His historic portfolio would not be what it is without his defensive pedigree.
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Belichick has coached NFL defenses for over 45 years. He has coached the likes of Lawrence Taylor, Vince Wilfork, Darrelle Revis, Junior Seau, Willie McGinest, Richard Seymour, and Ty Law, etc. Consistently, the Pats have one of the best defenses every single year. Whether it was coaching the Giants in 1980s or now in his 23rd season with the Pats, Belichick is the best defensive coach in the NFL.
Robert Saleh
Saleh has only been an NFL head coach for two seasons, but his experience is still very strong. He has coached NFL defenses for close to two decades. He made his name as the defensive coordinator of the 49ers from 2017 to 2020 when San Francisco was the No. 1 defense in football. He also coached for the Texans (2005-2010), Seahawks (2011-2013), and Jaguars (2014-2016).
His background with star linebackers is especially notable, as he has worked with the likes of Bobby Wagner, Fred Warner, KJ Wright, Demeco Ryans, C.J. Moseley, and many others. Last season, Saleh's Jets ranked in the top five last season in total defense, scoring defense, and pass defense (ESPN Stats & Info).
Still just 44 years of age, Saleh is one of the brightest, young coaches in the sport because of his ability to use versatility and speed to his advantage. With an elite pass-rush and a tough back end to the defense, the Jets will be a tough out for years to come thanks to the defensive energy and mindset of Robert Saleh.
Todd Bowles
Bowles is just 34-50 as an NFL head coach. But that doesn't mean he can't coach great defenses. Before he became head coach of the Buccaneers in 2022, he coached arguably the best defense in football with the 2020 Buccaneers, who would go on to win the Super Bowl (LV). In fact, his Buccaneers defense allowed Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to score just 9 points in a 31-9 route.
In 2022, as head coach, Bowles coached the Bucs to an NFC South Division title after his defense finished in the top 10 in total defense and points-per-game allowed, according to Pro Football Reference. The 3-time Super Bowl-winner has coached defense for over two decades (2000-present) and has made stops with the Jets, Browns, Cowboys, Dolphins, Eagles, Cardinals, and currently with the Buccaneers.
Todd Bowles might not have the best head-coaching record. But the former NFL Assistant Coach of the Year (2014) is one of the best defensive minds in the NFL.
