The NFL’s Top Front Offices of 2025
By Jeff Howe, Mike Sando, Mike Jones, and Dianna Russini
For a league defined by parity, the NFL is dominated by organizations with a strong foundation of stability and continuity.
It all starts at the top. A reliable owner and a competent front office are critical components for sustained success on the field. The best front offices not only identify talent but also share a cohesive vision across all departments of the organization, prioritizing winning above office politics.
According to one high-ranking executive surveyed for this project, “It is the balance and interconnectivity of all the different departments and decision-making that goes into the product on the field and the plan for the future. How you balance each of those is the challenge of a good front office.”
The Athletic surveyed 40 league insiders, including 35 high-ranking executives and five coaches, to compile the NFL Front Office Rankings. Respondents were asked to submit their top-five front offices based on each franchise’s football operations side.
The results emphasized stability, with eight of the top 10 teams boasting general managers who have been in place for at least five years. Furthermore, four of the top six teams, including the top two, promoted their GMs from within.
The scoring system was based on first-place votes worth 10 points, with subsequent rankings decreasing in value. The rankings were insightful, shedding light on the most successful front offices in the league and the key personnel driving their success.
1. Baltimore Ravens
Total points: 259 (15 first-place votes, appeared on 36 ballots)
Owner: Steve Bisciotti
General manager: Eric DeCosta
Head coach: John Harbaugh
History speaks for itself in the case of the Baltimore Ravens. With a culture of consistency and success, the Ravens have been a force in the league for decades. Eric DeCosta, following in the footsteps of Ozzie Newsome, has continued the legacy of excellence, making critical moves to keep the Ravens competitive.
DeCosta’s adept handling of Lamar Jackson’s contract negotiations and the team’s talent acquisitions have propelled the Ravens to multiple victories and sustained success. The Ravens’ front office embodies the values and ethos of the organization, translating into on-field results.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Total points: 174 (13 first-place votes, appeared on 25 ballots)
Owner: Clark Hunt
General manager: Brett Veach
Head coach: Andy Reid
The Chiefs, under the leadership of Veach and Reid, have become a powerhouse in the NFL. With a keen eye for talent and strategic decision-making, the Chiefs have solidified their position as perennial contenders, culminating in back-to-back Super Bowl victories.
Veach’s bold moves and commitment to building a strong roster around Patrick Mahomes have paid off, positioning the Chiefs as a dominant force in the league. The stability and vision of the front office have been instrumental in the team’s success.
3. San Francisco 49ers
Total points: 151 (3 first-place votes, appeared on 26 ballots)
CEO: Jed York
General manager: John Lynch
Head coach: Kyle Shanahan
Shanahan and Lynch, with a shared vision and cohesive approach, have transformed the 49ers into a formidable force in the league. Their ability to draft and develop talent, coupled with a strong team culture, has propelled the 49ers to multiple playoff appearances and Super Bowl contention.
The 49ers’ front office exemplifies collaboration and strategic planning, resulting in a roster filled with top-tier talent and a winning mindset. The stability and alignment within the organization have been key to their sustained success.
These are just a few of the top front offices in the NFL that are setting the standard for excellence and success in the league. The importance of stability, vision, and collaboration cannot be understated when it comes to building a championship-caliber team in the NFL.
