Where Steelers Mike Tomlin ranks amongst AFC North coaches in 2022
By Austin Lloyd
4th: Kevin Stefanski (CLE)
This shows right away that the AFC North has what is quite possibly one of the strongest HC groups in the NFL, as Cleveland’s Kevin Stefanski is by no means a “bad” coach. However, he is the worst in the division until further notice.
In his relatively short time with the Browns, Stefanski has proven very little in regards to his team’s execution. However, a lot of the criticism for such shortcomings predominantly falls on quarterback Baker Mayfield (and rightfully so).
Cleveland’s roster is quite talented, and so is Stefanski. There’s only so much that could go wrong in regards to finishing next season better than they did in this last one.
Perhaps with some more time–and maybe even a more consistent QB–the Browns could be a consistent playoff power under Stefanski’s control. I say that even when considering the competitors in the AFC being as brutal as they currently are.
3rd: Zac Taylor (CIN)
When it comes to solely who is the better coach, Stefanski may have Bengals HC Zac Taylor beat. However, the latter did just make a Super Bowl, and that can’t go without at least putting the guy at 3rd place on this 4-person list.
But again, Taylor hasn’t proven himself in regards to showing consistency, as this last season was his first in Cincinnati with a winning record (and he’s only been there since 2019).
Not only that, but while some of the praise fell on Taylor and his staff for the Bengals lethal offense, the majority of it unsurprisingly fell on the actual playmakers, such as quarterback Joe Burrow, running back Joe Mixon, and a receiving corps including Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
If Taylor can keep the Bengals on top in the AFC (and endure/adapt to some hiccups along the way), then I will give him some more credit. But until then, he will be listed no higher than 3rd place.