On Friday’s Felger & Mazz program, Tony Massarotti gives his list of worst NFL head coaching hires in the modern era…
Mazz’ Tiers
Before we get to Mazz’ Tiers, let’s look at some of the worst NFL teams in the modern era…
- The 1990 New England Patriots finished with a 1-15 record. They were looking to improve from a 5-11 record the previous year. Unfortunately, in Rod Rust‘s first season at head coach, his team became just the third NFL squad to finish a season at 1-15.
- The 2008 Detroit Lions became just the second team since the merger to finish a season 0-16. Coach Rod Marinelli was fired after the team’s Week 17 loss. Marinelli went 10-38 with the Lions in his time in Detroit. Drafting Matthew Stafford with the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft was the “Blue and Silver” lining.
- The St. Louis Rams finished their 2009 campaign with a record of 1-15. Their only victory was over the Detroit Lions. The Rams threw for only 12 touchdown passes that year, one of which was completed by kicker Josh Brown. The Rams were so bad that year, the team had three games blacked out on local television. St. Louis would earn the number one overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft where they selected Sam Bradford from Oklahoma.
- The 2017 Cleveland Browns went 0-16 failing to improve from their record the previous season, 1-15. The Browns joined the 2008 Lions in being the only teams to finish 0-16 since the league extended to 16 games in 1978. To honor the imperfect season, Browns fans held a parade in which the route went in circles, symbolizing that of a “zero” shape. Pain reliever company Excedrin contributed to funds making the parade possible. With the first pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns selected quarterback Baker Mayfield.
And now, Tony Massarotti’s list of worst NFL coaching hires since 1990…
DENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 23: Head coach Nathaniel Hackett (L) and Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos walk on the field after the game against the New York Jets at Empower Field At Mile High on October 23, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
TIER 1
Gus Bradley, Jacksonville, 14-48
Dave Campo, Dallas, 5-11 x 3
Cam Cameron, Miami, 1-15 in 2007
Rod Rust, NE, 1-15, 1990
Jim Tomsula, SF, 2015, 5-11
Rich Kotite, NYJ, 4-28
Marty Mornhinweg, 2001-02, Det, 5-27
Nathaniel Hackett, Denver, 4-11
Hue Jackson, Cleveland, 3-36
Bobby Petrino, Atl, 3-10
Urban Meyer, 2-11
DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 28: head coach Matt Patricia of the Detroit Lions looks on during warms up prior to a game against the Chicago Bearsat Ford Field on November 28, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
TIER 2
Steve Spagnuolo, StL, 11-41
Matt Patricia, Detroit, 13-29-1
Rod Marinelli, Det, 3-38
David Shula, 19-52, Cincy, mid-90s
Dick MacPherson, Pats, 8-24
Kevin Gilbride, 6-16
Lane Kiffin, 5-15
Chris Palmer, 5-27
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 26: Head coach Frank Reich of the Carolina Panthers looks on during the second half of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
TIER 3
Mike Ditka, New Orleans
Frank Reich, Carolina
Vance Joseph, Denver, two years
Mike Riley, 1999-2001, SD, 14-34
Dick LeBeau, Cincinnati, 2000-02
Richie Petitbon, Wash, 4-12
