The NFL has had some absolutely legendary coaches who not only defined eras but shaped the game of football for generations to come. Simply put, these leaders were architects of dynasties, innovators of strategy, and motivators of men. Here’s a ranking of the best NFL head coaches of all time.
16. Mike Tomlin
Since becoming the Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coach in 2007, Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season — ever! He won a Super Bowl in his second season with the team and managed to find ways to win with all different types of players.
15. Jimmy Johnson
Jimmy Johnson built one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history with the Dallas Cowboys, winning back-to-back Super Bowls in the early 1990s.
14. Tony Dungy
As the first Black head coach to win a Super Bowl, Tony Dungy shattered barriers while leading the Indianapolis Colts to a championship in 2006. Known for his steady demeanor and defensive brilliance, Dungy built winning cultures in both Indy and Tampa Bay.
13. John Madden
He didn’t coach for very long, but John Madden had the highest winning percentage of any coach with over 100 wins and led the Raiders to a Super Bowl victory. Not to mention, his influence extended way beyond coaching, as he became an ambassador for the sport.
12. Marv Levy
Although he never won a Super Bowl (sorry, Bills fans!), Marv Levy led Buffalo to an unmatched four consecutive Super Bowl appearances.
11. Bill Parcells
Bill Parcells revolutionized the game of football, leading the New York Giants to two Super Bowl titles. Known as “The Big Tuna,” his influence extended beyond wins, as many of his assistants, (like Bill Belichick) became legendary coaches themselves.
10. Tom Landry
Tom Landry was the Dallas Cowboys’ first coach and led them to five Super Bowl appearances and two championships. His innovative “Flex Defense” and consistent winning culture made the Cowboys “America’s Team.”
9. Andy Reid
Known for developing quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Donovan McNabb, Andy Reid is certainly one of the best to ever do it. And, with three championships with the Kansas City Chiefs, there’s no question Reid’s offensive genius has revolutionized the game.
8. Joe Gibbs
Joe Gibbs won three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks, showcasing his adaptability as a head coach. In fact, he managed to turn Washington into a dominant force in the 1980s and early ’90s.
7. George Halas
As one of the NFL’s founding fathers, George Halas coached the Bears for a whopping 40 seasons, winning six NFL championships. His impact on the league’s early days and commitment to innovation cement his legacy as a true pioneer of the sport.
6. Bill Walsh
The architect of the West Coast Offense, Bill Walsh transformed the game with his precision passing strategy. He led the 49ers to three Super Bowl titles and mentored a coaching tree that includes some of the NFL’s greatest minds.
5. Paul Brown
Paul Brown introduced innovations like playbooks and game film analysis to the NFL. Oh, and did we mention he also won seven championships with the Browns?!
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4. Chuck Noll
Chuck Noll won four Super Bowls in six years, which cemented the Steelers as a dynasty in the 1970s. Not to mention, his ability to draft players like Terry Bradshaw and Joe Greene turned Pittsburgh into a powerhouse.
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3. Don Shula
Don Shula holds the record for most wins by an NFL head coach and led the Dolphins to the only perfect season in league history in 1972.
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2. Vince Lombardi
The Super Bowl trophy is literally named after Vince Lombardi, which should tell you everything you need to know about his legacy. He led the Packers to five championships in the 1960s, including the first two Super Bowls ever held.
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1. Bill Belichick
Bill Belichick won six Super Bowl titles and nine appearances with the Patriots, making him the most decorated NFL coach ever. While his coaching style wasn’t for everyone, there’s no question that his strategic brilliance and ability to build consistently dominant teams prove his place at the top of this list.
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