Cortesy of ESPN
Top 10 Assistant Coaches of All-Time
Leo is No. 1. What other assistants -- those whose primary accomplishments to date haven't been as head coaches or managers -- are contenders? A totally unscientific take on the matter:
1. Leo Mazzone.
You could, if you're feeling brave, argue that someone is as good. But better? No way.
2. Tex Winter.
Without Winter, there's no triangle offense and Phil Jackson's Bulls and Lakers don't dominate the NBA for 12 years.
3. Jim Johnson.
The Eagles' defensive coordinator under Andy Reid since 1999, Johnson has coached the stingiest defense in the NFL over the past five years.
4. Charlie Weis.
The new Notre Dame head coach made his mark as offensive coordinator of the dynastic Pats. Also coached with the Giants (1990 Super Bowl Champs) and Jets.
5. Dick Hoak.
First under Chuck Noll and now Bill Cowher, the backfield/running backs coach consistently has had the Steelers at or near the top of NFL rushing stats.
6. Charlie Lau.
As a hitting coach for the Royals, Lau taught the book he wrote: "How to Hit .300." Just ask George Brett, who almost hit .400 with Lau's spray-hitting method.
7. Alex Gibbs.
Offensive line coach extraordinaire and master of teaching the (barely) legal cut block. Now with the Falcons.
8. Norm Chow.
The best offensive coordinator in college football for the past 32 years (including stints at BYU and USC), he's now trying his hand with the NFL's Titans.
9. Tim Grgurich.
Currently under contract to the Blazers, a short list of players developed by Grgurich: Jermaine O'Neal, Gary Payton, Sebastian Telfair.
10. Mel Stottlemyre.
After 10 years as the Mets' pitching coach (including the 1986 World Series Champs), he's survived a decade of George Steinbrenner in the Bronx, and helped build a dynasty.
- Jeff Merron
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Top 10 Assistant Coaches of All-Time
Leo is No. 1. What other assistants -- those whose primary accomplishments to date haven't been as head coaches or managers -- are contenders? A totally unscientific take on the matter:
1. Leo Mazzone.
You could, if you're feeling brave, argue that someone is as good. But better? No way.
2. Tex Winter.
Without Winter, there's no triangle offense and Phil Jackson's Bulls and Lakers don't dominate the NBA for 12 years.
3. Jim Johnson.
The Eagles' defensive coordinator under Andy Reid since 1999, Johnson has coached the stingiest defense in the NFL over the past five years.
4. Charlie Weis.
The new Notre Dame head coach made his mark as offensive coordinator of the dynastic Pats. Also coached with the Giants (1990 Super Bowl Champs) and Jets.
5. Dick Hoak.
First under Chuck Noll and now Bill Cowher, the backfield/running backs coach consistently has had the Steelers at or near the top of NFL rushing stats.
6. Charlie Lau.
As a hitting coach for the Royals, Lau taught the book he wrote: "How to Hit .300." Just ask George Brett, who almost hit .400 with Lau's spray-hitting method.
7. Alex Gibbs.
Offensive line coach extraordinaire and master of teaching the (barely) legal cut block. Now with the Falcons.
8. Norm Chow.
The best offensive coordinator in college football for the past 32 years (including stints at BYU and USC), he's now trying his hand with the NFL's Titans.
9. Tim Grgurich.
Currently under contract to the Blazers, a short list of players developed by Grgurich: Jermaine O'Neal, Gary Payton, Sebastian Telfair.
10. Mel Stottlemyre.
After 10 years as the Mets' pitching coach (including the 1986 World Series Champs), he's survived a decade of George Steinbrenner in the Bronx, and helped build a dynasty.
- Jeff Merron
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