The 10 Most Underrated NFL Head Coaches Since 2000
1. Dick Vermeil, Kansas City Chiefs
Average nERD: 5.05 (6th)
Average Win Differential: 1.60 (23rd)
How is it that the man who led the Philadelphia Eagles to their first playoff appearance in 18 years in 1978 (as well as appearances in the three following seasons), revived the Hall of Fame career of Kurt Warner, and laid the foundation for the Rams' “Greatest Show on Turf” underrated? We only have nERD data for his years as the head coach of the Chiefs, from 2001 to 2005. Still, even in that span, he had a strong win-loss record of 44-36, but his finishes in nERD say he should be remembered even better.
After inheriting a Chiefs team that went 6-10 in his first season with them, Vermeil made major changes to the team and turned the offense into a powerhouse behind running back Priest Holmes, tight end Tony Gonzalez, and quarterback Trent Green. He then took them to a 13-3 record and the playoffs in 2003, where they eventually lost to the Indianapolis Colts. All in all, the Chiefs under Vermeil had three seasons with a nERD above 5.00 and three with an Adjusted Offensive NEP north of 150.00. He may have retired twice before making it to Kansas City and not had the immense impact that some of his peers did, but Dick Vermeil is the most underrated head coach since 2000; he should be in our pantheon of greats, easily.
