Most Underrated Coaches in NFL History

You’ve probably heard the adage that good coaches don’t win games, but bad ones lose them, right? Well, that’s true.

According to expected win-loss totals, which are based on the point differential for a given team, even the best coaches aren’t worth as much as one might think over the long haul, when the variables tend to even out. Extreme blowouts can skew the results a bit, but there are more of those in college ball, where conferences and schedules are less balanced. 

Besides, Barry Switzer didn’t make the cut. These are the most underrated coaches in NFL history, and W-L expectations were part of the criteria. 

Note: Eligibility was restricted to non-Hall of Famers with at least 40 career victories and a .500-or-better win percentage in either the AFL or NFL, or both.

Career: 9 seasons (1983-91)

Teams: Los Angeles Rams (1983-91)

Regular-season record: 75-68 (.524)

Postseason record: 4-6 (.400)

Division titles: 1

Conference titles: 0

NFL/Super Bowl titles: 0

Expected W-L: +0.9

We enjoyed John Robinson-coached teams whether they be college or pro. They were almost always balanced, competitive and fun to watch.

Their coach could roll with the flow, too. He won with Eric Dickerson on the ground in the early years, Jim Everett through the air in the later ones.

Too bad his teams ran into the ’85 Bears and ’89 49ers in NFC championship games.

Career: 10 seasons (2006-13, 2015-16)

Teams: Houston Texans (2006-13), Denver Broncos (2015-16)

Regular-season record: 82-75 (.522)

Postseason record: 5-2 (.714)

Division titles: 3

Conference titles: 1

NFL/Super Bowl titles: 1 (2015)

Expected W-L: +1.2

As one of the more astute offensive minds of his time, Gary Kubiak guided the Texans to their first two postseason victories.

The quarterback guru won consistently with Matt Schaub behind center. Kubiak then won it all with ancient Peyton Manning at the controls.

It would have been fun to see what Koob could have done with Deshaun Watson in his athletic prime.