NFL coaches on rise, decline entering Week 4: Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel keeps rolling, Jets’ Robert Saleh flops

Judging coaches or teams on a weekly basis is harsh business. But in the NFL, every week really does matter. And some coaches — both first-year hires and longtime veterans — certainly did more to help their teams than others in Week 3.

Approaching Week 4 of the 2022 season, here’s a look at which prominent coaches are on the rise and decline:

Trending up

Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel

Season: 1st with Dolphins | Last Game: 21-19 win vs. Bills | Team Record: 3-0

The former 49ers assistant has essentially been trending up since the day he was hired, but what’s a roundup of hot head coaches without McDaniel? The guy has truly unlocked Tua Tagovailoa’s confidence as a thrower, and his teams have either been well-prepared or well-adjusted, or both, through three weeks, including Sunday’s tough upset of the mighty Bills.

Eagles OC Shane Steichen

Season: 2nd with Eagles | Last Game: 24-8 win vs. Commanders | Team Record: 3-0

Last week it was Jonathan Gannon in Philly, dialing up a nightmare matchup for Kirk Cousins. This week, Steichen deserves his own praise, even as Gannon’s unit absolutely stuffed Carson Wentz in Washington. The Eagles’ offense is still just ho-hum in the second half, but Steichen’s willingness to let Jalen Hurts repeatedly uncork it deep helped the Birds own the Commanders.

Jaguars DC Mike Caldwell

Season: 1st with Jaguars | Last Game: 38-10 win vs. Chargers | Team Record: 2-1

Doug Pederson is the real winner in Jacksonville, restoring Trevor Lawrence’s poise, but let’s give some credit to his handpicked defensive guru. Edwards is a first-time coordinator, formerly a longtime linebackers coach, but he’s overseen big steps from their young pass rushers. His “D” is a top-10 unit in both points and yards allowed, and his guys stunned Justin Herbert in Week 3.