Ranking 32 NFL head coaches based on presidential potential

21. Mike McCoy – San Diego Chargers

Just to get this out of the way: You can’t fully hold the San Diego Chargers’ 4-12 record in 2015 against head coach Mike McCoy. Though we’ve talked a great deal about the importance of adapting as it relates to presidential candidacy, there’s a certain point where there’s truly nothing you can do beyond trying your best and hoping it all works out. That’s basically where McCoy was left with his injury-rattled Chargers a season ago.

A better indication of McCoy’s abilities as a head coach would be his first two seasons in San Diego, where he went 9-7 in both years and made the playoffs in 2013. While that’s not the most inspiring record in the world, it’s far more complimentary of McCoy than, you know, 4-12. The reason McCoy doesn’t crack the top 20 is simple: I’m not sure he has the creative capacity to push his ceiling much higher than 9-7.

There are certainly worse things than being slightly above average, whether it be as a football coach or as leader of the free world. But that starts to work against you when there are coaches — more than a few of them — who have the potential to be far better. Mike McCoy might well be a fine NFL coach. We’re just not sure he has the chops to be truly great.

Next: No. 20 Andy Reid