NFL power rankings: AFC head coaches from 16-1
By Mike Luciano
12. Brian Flores, Miami Dolphins
A 5-11 season is almost never a cause for celebration, but it shows what a masterful job of coaching Flores did under tough circumstances. With an aging quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick and the league’s worst running game, Flores took over a team some thought wouldn’t win a game all year long and won five times, including triumphs over the Colts, Eagles, and Patriots.
While the Dolphins’ rebuild is going to take some time, it’s still reasonable to question how long a leash they will give Flores. While he had built a great culture and lured top free agents down to South Beach, Miami might get rid of him in the next two years if he fails to have this team competing for a playoff spot in the wide-open NFC East.
11. Vic Fangio, Denver Broncos
Fangio appeared to be headed for disaster, as his gruff exterior and reliance on the washed Joe Flacco had the Broncos near the bottom of the AFC West. When he finally made the move to Drew Lock, Denver stepped on the accelerator, winning four of their last five games and creating a great deal of optimism heading into 2020.
The new additions on offense around Lock are all worth keeping an eye on, and Fangio’s trademark aggressive defense should be able to get after the quarterback if Bradley Chubb returns to the form he showed off as a rookie, but the Broncos could bottom out given the inexperience on offense. Fangio could shoot near the top or bottom of this list by the time the end of the season comes around.