Are defensive head coaches a thing of the NFL past?

[Jeremy Igo]

Defense used to win championships, as such defensive minded head coaches were desired.

 

Now with the league rules handcuffing the defense so much , is that no longer the case? 

 

Are offensive minded head coaches the new normal?

[Hoenheim]

• Rams - Sean McVay
• Saints - Sean Payton
• Cheifs - Andy Reid

 

... you tell me

[Davidson Deac II]

Probably not.

Its one season.  And not even a full season.   Things could easily change next year.

[BionicBunny]

If you consider Peter King Defensive Coaches are having hard time land HC jobs, Vic Fangio from Bears is the only DC who is being considered

[Mitchl13]

Not yet. Other than the Eagles winning last year against a defensive minded coach, you had 2 defensive coaches in the Super Bowl the previous year (ATL and NE). Before that, you had Rivera and Denver, which was fueled by their defense. 

It seems that when the cream rises to the top, you either have a defensive coach or a team with a strong defense.

[Jon Snow]

No, but they are at a disadvantage due to the rules changes over the years.   They are going to have to reinvent the defensive scheme required to compensate for or practically eliminate that advantage.   The person that figures that out will be in high demand.  Basically, he has to have a solid background in both offense and defense with the ability to adapt both.

 

Good luck finding that person or persons.

[TheSpecialJuan]

yeah 

[Byrdman4real]

The league is gearing focus on the offense side of the ball. With rule changes, its not just the defensive coaches that will have a hard time, but also the players and their importance, which will reflect their salaries. 

[Car123]

A defensive head coach with a great offensive coordinator is the best way to go.

I still believe a great defense beats a great offense.

[beastson]

Since 2015 starting with us, the highest scoring offensive NFC team goes to the Superbowl. Barring injury, expect to the Saints or Rams in the SB

Meanwhile we proceeded to drop to top 15 since then

[Hoenheim]

The only great team winning with dominating defense this sesaon? Bears. 

All the other traditional defensive powerhouse teams are either tanking or mediocre this season.  That should tell you something. 

[Car123]

2 minutes ago, beastson said:

Since 2015 starting with us, the highest scoring offensive NFC team goes to the Superbowl. Barring injury, expect to the Saints or Rams in the SB

Meanwhile we proceeded to drop to top 15 since then

2017 Eagles had the 4th ranked D

2016 Patriots 8th ranked D

Both teams had a good balance.

[Carolina Cajun]

Not necessarily.  Pete Carroll and Bill Bellichik are both "defensive" head coaches, the difference is they are both willing to let progressive offensive coaches take over that side of the ball and even be in control if need be.  Rivera still imposes his will of conservatism on the play calls.  At the end of the day, A defensive head coach can help shut down a team with lesser talent on that side of the ball, but you need to not be a complete next level scat eating moron on offense.  Also, defensive head coaches don't piss away a once in a lifetime talent on defense like Luke.

[Mr. Scot]

To be fair, Rivera isn't just a defensive coach. He's a "play it safe" coach.

I'll grant for most people that terminology is interchangeable, but there are exceptions. Mike Tomlin is a defensive coach without being a fraidy cat. I think a guy like that can still be successful.

If you look across the current landscape of the league though...yeah.