Cowherd's Top 10 Coach-Quarterback Duos: AFC Dominance Continues

FOX Sports analyst Colin Cowherd believes the AFC holds a significant edge over the NFC heading into the 2024 NFL season, and the Los Angeles Chargers' hiring of Jim Harbaugh has further solidified that advantage. Cowherd ranked the league's top quarterback-head coach duos, with many AFC tandems occupying the top spots.

Colin Cowherd, renowned FOX Sports analyst, has released his highly anticipated rankings of the top coach-quarterback duos in the NFL, with the AFC emerging as the dominant conference. Cowherd's list includes several prestigious tandems, highlighting the exceptional leadership and talent present in the league.

**HC:** Kyle Shanahan

Cowherd's Top 10 Coach-Quarterback Duos: AFC Dominance Continues

**QB:** Brock Purdy

Cowherd acknowledges the potential of the 49ers' Shanahan-Purdy duo, particularly given their impressive 12-5 record in 2023 and Purdy's breakout performances. However, he suggests that more consistent success is needed to justify a higher ranking.

**HC:** Dan Campbell

**QB:** Jared Goff

Cowherd commends Campbell's energy and enthusiasm but expresses concerns about his emotional coaching style. Despite the Lions' back-to-back winning records, he believes Goff lacks the elite playmaking ability of other top quarterbacks.

**HC:** Mike McDaniel

**QB:** Tua Tagovailoa

Cowherd draws parallels between McDaniel and Kyle Shanahan's offenses, highlighting their clever play design. However, he questions Tagovailoa's ability to perform consistently in challenging weather conditions, a crucial factor for teams aspiring to championship success.

**HC:** Mike McCarthy

**QB:** Dak Prescott

Cowherd recognizes the Cowboys' consistent 12-game winning seasons under McCarthy and Prescott. While he acknowledges their solid performances, he contends that both coach and quarterback fall short of being truly elite, leaving room for improvement.

**HC:** Matt LaFleur

**QB:** Jordan Love

Cowherd praises LaFleur's growth and strategic prowess, particularly in the absence of Aaron Rodgers. He emphasizes Love's impressive play in the final 10 games of the 2023 season but notes that he needs to see more consistent performances before ranking the duo higher.

**HC:** Zac Taylor

**QB:** Joe Burrow

Cowherd acknowledges the Bengals' success under Taylor and Burrow, reaching the AFC Championship Game in every healthy season for Burrow. However, he raises concerns about Burrow's injury history and the potential need to draft a backup quarterback, albeit not in the first round.

**HC:** Sean McDermott

**QB:** Josh Allen

Cowherd lauds Allen's unparalleled physical abilities, including his size, speed, and arm strength. He expresses some reservations regarding McDermott's defensive background in high-pressure playoff situations. Nonetheless, their four consecutive division titles and consistent playoff appearances warrant their high ranking.

**HC:** Jim Harbaugh

**QB:** Justin Herbert

Cowherd believes that the Chargers' acquisition of Harbaugh, coupled with Herbert's exceptional talent, elevates the duo into the top five. He credits Harbaugh as potentially the best coach on the planet, citing his success at both the collegiate and professional levels.

**HC:** John Harbaugh

**QB:** Lamar Jackson

Cowherd highlights the Ravens' consistent performance under Harbaugh, with over 10 wins and playoff appearances in five of the last six years. He acknowledges Jackson's unique and impactful style of play, leading to a high winning percentage despite potential offensive limitations.

**HC:** Sean McVay

**QB:** Matthew Stafford

Cowherd praises McVay's intelligence and play-calling abilities, considering him the potentially smartest coach in the league. He also notes Stafford's overlooked arm talent and believes he possesses one of the best in the NFL, comparable to Patrick Mahomes.

**HC:** Andy Reid

**QB:** Patrick Mahomes

Cowherd unequivocally declares Reid and Mahomes as the top coach-quarterback duo in the NFL. He cites their unparalleled winning percentage, Reid's exceptional play design, and Mahomes' potential as the most gifted quarterback of all time. The duo's dominance in the AFC further reinforces the conference's superiority heading into the 2024 season.