NFL Head Coach 09

 Xbox 360
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
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  1. GameShark
    83
    Even with its quirks and bugs, NFL Head Coach 09 is the type of game that will silently siphon away hours of your free time. Sitting down at night after the family has gone to bed to get in an hour or so of game time only to discover that all of a sudden it’s the middle of the night and your eyes are straining.
  2. Official Xbox Magazine
    80
    The interface is considerably easier to navigate than the menu-heavy original Head Coach. [Sept 2008, p.69]
  3. GameDaily
    80
    It's a daunting video game, one that lacks a tutorial mode and assumes you know something about coaching, but if you consider yourself the next Bill Belichick (without the spying), NFL Head Coach 09 is an essential purchase and a good companion to the upcoming season.
  5. GameFocus
    80
    It’s obviously not a game that will sell millions but it’s one of these games that need to be tried out at least once in your life. And since EA (apparently) won’t be releasing this game every year, it’s good to see how it has evolved since Head Coach 06.
  6. TeamXbox
    79
    Ok, so maybe NFL Head Coach 09 is more attractive to the play-calling purists without on-field action. But what’s up with the last-gen visuals?
  7. Planet Xbox 360
    71
    The general management tools are exquisite and will definitely satisfy those who wanted to feel superior then their computer AI counterparts in putting together the perfect team.
  8. GameSpot
    70
    NFL Head Coach 09 delivers a deep and immersive coaching experience, provided you can overlook the outdated gameplay engine and lackluster presentation.
  9. IGN
    70
    It delves very deep into the actions of a head coach and, while most of it does feel like plodding through an endless stream of menus, there’s a good chunk of Monday morning quarterbacks who are sure to enjoy it.
  10. Game Chronicles
    70
    Madden without the ridiculous button combinations equals uncoordinated football fans dream game!
  11. Game Informer
    68
    This game is like your favorite team going from a 5-11 season one year to a 6-10 record the next. Regardless of whatever improvements have occurred, you aren’t going anywhere with that kind of record.
  12. Cheat Code Central
    60
    The process of getting through an entire four quarters is quite tedious, even to the most patient NFL gamers used to selecting plays and executing them on field.
  13. GamesRadar+
    60
    Between the NFL Network announcer that has the same canned sound bite for common transactions and the lousy framerate of the in-game action, there’s a decidedly second-class-citizen feel from the get-go.
  14. GameSpy
    60
    NFL Head Coach is a decent value when considered as part of the 20th anniversary Madden NFL 09 package, but doesn't quite do enough to merit a purchase for the standalone version.
  15. 1UP
    25
    Nothing says a simulator can't be fun. I love the idea of plotting out my draft board, targeting free agents, cutting dead weight, and juggling the salary cap. But Head Coach 09 just left me frustrated and angry.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 30
  3. Negative: 4 out of 30
  1. TylerH.
    Nov 17, 2008
    8
    A very deep coaching experience. I really feel like I'm the coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers (my favorite team). Their are aspects of A very deep coaching experience. I really feel like I'm the coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers (my favorite team). Their are aspects of the game I like such as Health and Fatigue, Play Creator, Live auctions for players in the Free Agency, Contracts, Trades with other coaches, and the Draft. One of the features I enjoy in the Draft is Pick the Pick, A feature that allows you to pick the computer's pick to gain approval from the fans, media, owner, coaches, and players. The music also fits the game. The only aspect of the game I do not like is the actual games, They are very Defensive. The kickers cannot make a 30 yard kick, I'm talking about the most accurate kickers in football. I highly recommend this game.… Full Review »
  2. KeithWynn
    Sep 22, 2008
    6
    First Head Coach game for me. Interesting game play. Interface and menus load way too slow. No tutorial. Incredibly difficult to meet theFirst Head Coach game for me. Interesting game play. Interface and menus load way too slow. No tutorial. Incredibly difficult to meet the owners deadlines. During the game you are ask to make risky calls in situations where you would never take risks. This game is pretty boring after the first 8 hours. Meticulous & worrisome. However, there is a great simulation in there somewhere - it just may take 5 more releases to get there.… Full Review »
  3. dafdfa
    Sep 6, 2008
    10
    very fun and addictive, go to http://www.operationsports.com/forums/nfl-head-coach/ to see a list of the bugs and the workarounds to them.very fun and addictive, go to http://www.operationsports.com/forums/nfl-head-coach/ to see a list of the bugs and the workarounds to them. very rewarding to take the dolphins to the playoffs in year 2 and win the super bowl in year 5. only gripe for me is that the eagles, bucs, and colts always do good in year one, theyve always made at least the confrence championship in the 10-15 careers that ive done… Full Review »
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