Which new NFL head coach will win most in 2025? Brian Schottenheimer, Ben Johnson top my rankings

Copied!

Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks knows the ins and outs of this league, providing keen insight in his notebook. In today’s installment, he explores each new head coach’s outlook in Year 1.

It is quite challenging to transform a downtrodden NFL franchise into a winner. Despite the best efforts of a new head coach to change the culture, personnel and tactics of a team, victories are hard to come by in an ultra-competitive league with razor-thin margins.

As we fully dive into the preseason, it’s a great time to predict which new coaches have the best chance to lead a dramatic turnaround in the 2025 campaign. A few of the men listed below have the raw talent on hand to potentially make a playoff run in Year 1, but most of these coaches should be applauded if they’re able to flirt with .500 and/or make a late-season surge to create momentum heading into the 2026 offseason.

With all of that in mind, here is my ranking of the new head coaches, 1-7, in terms of who will win the most games this season.

I just spent some time at Cowboys training camp in Oxnard, California, and there is a vibe around this team that is a direct reflection of its energetic new leader, who has emphasized connectivity between players and coaches since Day 1. Though the newfound chemistry must be complemented with a disciplined approach that features more accountability and attention to detail, Dallas’ talented roster could finally maximize its immense potential under the direction of a first-time head coach utilizing a blueprint that helped his dad (Marty Schottenheimer) win 200 regular-season games.

As an offensive-minded coach with a seasoned franchise quarterback (Dak Prescott), a beefy O-line and a collection of playmakers in the passing game (CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and Jake Ferguson), Schottenheimer has the firepower to go toe-to-toe with league heavyweights. If the Cowboys can mend their relationship with superstar edge rusher Micah Parsons, Dallas’ defense could produce enough splash plays (turnovers, sacks, tackles for loss) to tilt games in the Cowboys’ favor, ultimately spawning a return to the postseason for “America’s Team.”

Read More