NFL: Bill Belichick and the five best coaches in the league

By Bryce Olin | Jul 15, 2014

Jan 11, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline as they take on the Indianapolis Colts in the second half during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Indianapolis Colts 43-22. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

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3. Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers

Record: 36-11-1

Back-to-back brothers! A lot of people would switch Jim and John Harbaugh based on how the Super Bowl between the brothers eventually turned out. As you know, the Ravens won, which would then vault John above Jim. Not so fast. That game was basically a tie anyway. The Ravens came out to a fast start, got a big lead, and then the power went out. The 49ers made a monster comeback and, possibly, should have won the game. If you’re a 49ers fan, it was pass interference. If you’re anyone else, it’s probably an okay non-call. Of course, I’m referring to the alleged pass interference in the end zone on San Fran’s last drive. The Har-Bowl is a wash as far as I’m concerned.

The reason Jim is ranked ahead of John, and 30 other coaches, is the 49ers recent success under Harbaugh. Harbaugh’s 49ers made the NFC Championship game three out of his first four seasons as the head coach. He’s the perfect motivator and has the type of players that respect his type of in-your-face style of coaching. Not all guys like Harbaugh stick around the NFL for long. A lot of players don’t respond well to his style of coaching. Fortunately for the 49ers, they don’t have many players like that on the team.

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