In the latest issue of the PFW print edition, on newsstands now, PFW identifies 10 under-the-radar NFL talents who have yet to garner due respect. The cover story also includes an analysis of the 36 undrafted free agents from 2009, some of whom will likely develop into future stars, and a handful of underrated personnel executives from some of the NFL's top organizations.
Following the same theme, we identify five assistant coaches (listed in alphabetical order) who have quietly made a big splash during their coaching careers. Several likely will be on the radar of NFL ownership for future head-coaching positions.
Jim Anderson, Bengals RB coach
In a league where turnover has never been greater, Anderson has remained a rock on the coaching staff in Cincinnati, where he has spent the past 26 years. Regarded as the dean of assistant coaches, he has more tenure than any other assistant around the league and is not an unknown among the NFL's coaching community. He has helped develop five Pro Bowl running backs — James Brooks, Harold Green, Corey Dillon, Lorenzo Neal and Rudi Johnson — and is a big reason Cedric Benson has been able to resurrect his career in Cincinnati. When it comes to identifying and developing runners, few, if any, have proven more efficient than Anderson.
Casey Bradley, Seahawks defensive coordinator
A first-year coordinator who lives and breathes football, Bradley has left a strong impression on NFL executives because of his energy and passion for the game. Having cut his teeth in the small-school ranks at his alma mater, North Dakota State, Bradley quickly climbed the ranks in the NFL, moving from defensive quality-control coach with the Buccaneers to LB coach, where he helped develop Barrett Ruud, to taking over the Seahawks' defense as coordinator in 2009. Although he is relatively new to the NFL ranks, Bradley is already gaining notice for the job he has done in Seattle and is regarded as a fast-rising, future star in the coaching ranks.
Pat Flaherty, Giants OL coach
Described by ownership as "the glue" that held the offensive line together during the Giants' Super Bowl run, Flaherty has maintained continuity on the offensive line and done an excellent job molding talent, having coached C Shaun O'Hara and OG Chris Snee to their first Pro Bowls. The Giants rushed for an NFL-best and franchise-record 2,518 yards last season, marking the first time they led the NFL in rushing since 1993. They have ranked among the top third of the league since Flaherty arrived in 2004. Tiki Barber earned three Pro Bowl trips under Flaherty. The former All-America center has steadily climbed the coaching ranks and is highly respected in the NFL.
Alan Lowry, Titans special-teams coach
Known for being one of the more innovative special-teams coaches in the league, Lowry has regularly fielded kick and return units that produce top-10 finishes in most categories. With more than 20 years of special-teams coaching experience at the NFL level, Lowry is very familiar with his opposition and the trends he is likely to encounter. The Titans have produced 13 special-teams TDs during the last nine years and advanced to the Super Bowl in the 1999 season behind Lowry's creativity. He has received high praise from his peers for his understanding of the kicking craft, which undoubtedly helped shape PK Rob Bironas into a Pro Bowl talent.
Winston Moss, Packers assistant head coach/inside linebackers
The former University of Miami (Fla.) linebacker quickly rose through the coaching ranks with the Seahawks and Saints after spending 11 years in the NFL as a linebacker. He has played a key role developing LB talent in Green Bay since his arrival in 2006 and serves as head coach Mike McCarthy's right-hand man. The passionate 43-year-old has garnered the respect of NFL executives for his thorough research, tech savvy and knowledge of schemes, having experience in "30" and "40" fronts. He commands great respect from players and has already entered the short lists of executives for potential head-coaching opportunities.
The latest copy of PFW can be found on newsstands around the country or purchased at PFWstore.com.
PFW has launched its brand-new NFL Draft Newsletter series, with the first issue now ready for mailing. Produced by PFW's player personnel department under the direction of Nolan Nawrocki, the series consists of four information-packed issues. For more info or to subscribe — click here for PDF e-pub or here for print format.