Last season rookie coaches proved they could be successful with the Ravens, Falcons and Dolphins all making the playoffs. Here are three first-year coaches that have the best chance to lead their teams to the postseason:
Jim Caldwell, Colts » Having Peyton Manning under center is a dream for any rookie head coach, but replacing Marvin Harrison and getting the most out of an injury-prone defense may be challenging. Can Indianapolis win 12 games for the seventh-straight season?
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Rex Ryan, Jets » The former Ravens defensive coordinator knows the formula to win with a rookie quarterback: Play great defense and run the football. The backfield duo of Thomas Jones and Leon Washington should take pressure off Mark Sanchez.
Raheem Morris, Bucs » Every year an unexpected team in the NFC South makes the playoffs, so why not the Bucs? Starting quarterback Byron Leftwich is experienced and the backfield is packed — Cadillac Williams, Earnest Graham and Derrick Ward. “I know Tampa Bay has a lot of really good players on offense,” said former coach Jon Gruden. “I can attest to that. I can swear on the stand that I know they’re a talented football team.”
