Preseason Coaching Records

[Raji]

NFL coaches can be broken down into two groups when it comes to the preseason: those who care, and those who don’t. Distinguishing who falls into which category can go a long way helping your bets during the exhibition schedule.

Here’s a brief list of coaches to watch and coaches to avoid this August.

Preseason Players

Mike Shanahan

Here is the kingpin of this group. The offensive guru has led the Denver Broncos to an incredible 37-15 preseason mark during his 12 years with the club. Denver is 19-10 against the spread since 2000 in August games.

The veteran coach also likes to start the preseason off on a positive note. Shanahan is 10-2 straight up (9-3 ATS) in the opening preseason game of the year.

But according to Shanahan, the successful results aren't because of a concerted effort on the part of the coaching staff.

“To be honest with you, we don’t pay much attention to the first preseason game,” Shanahan said earlier this week. “I hate to say that, but it’s the truth.”

Bill Belichick

It’s hard think of the New England Patriots' success without picturing the man in hobo clothes wearing a headset on the sideline. Belichick has instilled a dedication to practice and preparation in the franchise since he became head coach.

Belichick demands intensity no matter the situation and proved it when he had some of his starters playing special teams in an exhibition game in 2003.

The Pats are 18-11 SU and 17-9-3 ATS with Belichick calling the shots but the number is somewhat distorted. The club was 13-4 (12-4-1 ATS) in Belichick’s first four years but only 5-7 (5-5-2 ATS) over the last three.

The head coach has probably eased up on what is now a veteran club, but you can still depend of the Patriots completing in these meaningless matchups.

John Fox

Some people forget just how bad the Carolina Panthers were before Fox arrived. Fans had to endure an embarrassing 1-15 season in 2001 before Fox led the team to the Super Bowl only two years later.

It’s surprising to hear some suggest Fox is on the hot seat this year after a disappointing 2006 season. This should only help boost Fox’s incentive for putting on a solid showing early on.

He already has a reputation as a coach who doesn’t take the preseason lightly as his career 15-5 SU and 12-7-1 ATS record shows.

Honorable mentions: Jack Del Rio (11-5), Brian Billick (19-12), Herm Edwards (17-8) and Jon Gruden (24-14).

Preseason Pushovers

Tony Dungy

This should come as no surprise to anyone. Dungy is the most notorious of this bunch for playing backups and prospects in games without significance.

There were probably a number of Indianapolis Colts backers who foolishly put money on their team, only to see the rarely glimpsed Jim Sorgi take snaps in Week 17 last year. Fans will remember Dungy’s strategy to rest his starters in 2005 after a loss to the San Diego Chargers eliminated any chance of finishing the year undefeated.

The preseason is no different. During his time as a head coach, Dungy is 20-26 SU and 21-24-1 ATS in exhibition contests. At first glance that doesn’t seem too bad but when you consider the quality of teams he’s coached in Tampa Bay and Indianapolis, those numbers should probably look a little better.

Andy Reid

Reid is another coach who has been blessed with good teams throughout his career as coach, but owns an unimpressive record in August. The Eagles have a .617 winning percentage in the regular season under Reid and only a .375 winning percentage in the preseason.

Don’t expect that trend to change this year. The Eagles have injury concerns with quarterback Donovan McNabb and defensive end Jevon Kearse coming off major knee surgeries. Reid will likely err on the side of caution when deciding on playing time for his starters.

Sean Payton

Obviously there’s not a wealth of evidence supporting Payton’s nomination here, but it appears Payton is uninterested winning this time of year. No one could have predicted the New Orleans Saints to come within one win of going to the Super Bowl after watching the club perform last summer.

Payton is an offensive genius but the most creative plays he calls during exhibition warm-ups are basic running plays and the odd conservative pass. So far he’s only 1-5 SU and ATS in the preseason but I’m sure that will build over time.

Dishonorable mentions: Dick Jaron (8-16) and Mike Holmgren (15-17)


Raji