Fansided

11 Best young coaches in the NFL

By Robert Judin

Aug 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 26, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley looks on against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 51-34. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley looks on against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 51-34. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Todd Haley – Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator (48-years-old)

Todd Haley’s NFL background is pretty extensive. Similar to how Ryan’s father, Buddy, got Rex into the NFL, Haley’s father, Dick, did the same. Dick Haley was the Director of Player Personnel with the New York Jets when his son was hired on as an assistant in the scouting department.

Haley evolved into an offensive assistant with the Jets and quickly progressed through the league. He’s one of two coaches on this list who have been fired from the only head-coaching position they’ve ever had, but there are explanations for that.

When he was hired as the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009, Haley was left without a paddle.

The Chiefs invested a lot in Matt Cassel based on the one fluke season he had with the New England Patriots when Tom Brady was out for the season due to injury.

Dwayne Bowe never evolved into the primary target he was supposed to be, and if it weren’t for Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs would have been worse than 4-12 that season.

Unlike Ryan, though, Haley’s defense wasn’t as stacked – or even organized. The Chiefs gave up 6,211 yards that season – third most in the NFL. The year before Haley took over, Kansas City’s defense was ranked No. 29 in points allowed and No. 31 in yards allowed.

Somehow Haley led the Chiefs to AFC Wild Card game in 2010, but they were absolutely stomped on by the Baltimore Ravens, 30-7.

And after a 5-8 start in 2011, his defensive coordinator, Romeo Crennel, replaced Haley.

Since he took over as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator in 2012, Haley has increased their offensive rank each year. The Steelers finished No. 2 overall in total yards with 6,577 and No. 7 in points per game with 27.3.

Haley has the offensive ingenuity to put points on the board and fans in the stands. All he needs is an average defense, a few offensive weapons and a second chance.

Next: 9. Gus Bradley

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