Throughout the 100-year history of the NFL, legendary head coaches have shaped the sport. Each decade has seen select coaches dominate and help shape dynasties. While the rise of player power and extravagant personalities has changed the role of head coaches, they are still incredibly important to a team’s success. Here are the five best NFL football coaches of all-time that Win Betting Tips has compiled.
Top 5 best NFL football coaches of all-time
Don shula: 1963 - 1995 (347 wins, 2 super bowls, 4 coach of the year awards)
The great Don Shula holds the NFL coaching record for most wins. Shula's career spanned more than three decades, and his longevity and success made him a legend. In his 33 years as a coach, Shula's teams recorded only two losing seasons. His relentless drive to succeed and his ability to build strong relationships with his players helped Shula win two Super Bowls. In his first Super Bowl season in 1972, Shula's Miami Dolphins posted a perfect 14-0 record. The Dolphins went two more in 1973 when they retained their Super Bowl crown. Shula instilled discipline and a tenacious mindset in his teams.
Furthermore, Shula demonstrated his adaptability by regularly building successful teams with new groups of players. Shula’s teams reached the Super Bowl six times in Miami, with three different starting quarterbacks. It was a testament to his adaptability and relentless hunger. Shula still holds the record for most wins.
Bill belichick: 1991 - Present (330 wins, 6 super bowls, 3 coach of the year)
Bill Belichick, the most notable dynastic head coach of the 21st century, ranks second in all-time wins and is the most successful coach of the Super Bowl era. Belichick began his head coaching career with the Cleveland Browns before a tumultuous path took him to the New England Patriots in 2000. With the help of a young Tom Brady and some legendary quarterbacks, Belichick transformed the Patriots into a relentless winning machine. New England won the Super Bowl in 2001, 2003, and 2004. Belichick's Patriots reset the standard for consistent excellence and they won the AFC East a record 17 times.
Like Don Shula, Belichick has shown his talent by building a number of winning teams. After winning the Super Bowl in 2004, the Patriots went undefeated 16-0 in the 2007 regular season before falling short of perfection in Super Bowl 42. New England reached the Super Bowl again in 2011 before finally winning in 2014. The 2014 victory signaled a new streak of three Super Bowls in five years as Belichick cemented his legacy among the greats.
Known for being strict and gifted at coaching great defenses, Belichick is known for not leaving any detail unturned and always figuring out every detail.
George halas: 1920 - 1967 (324 wins, 8 NFL championships, 2 coach of the year)
George Halas, often referred to by his nickname “Papa Bear,” is an irreplaceable icon in NFL history and is considered the league’s first great coach. He founded the Chicago Bears and served as head coach and owner for many years. Under his leadership, the Bears not only achieved great success but also became one of the most prestigious teams in American football. Halas was known for his dignity, integrity, and pioneering spirit, qualities that made him a shining example for generations to come.
George Halas left a deep mark with his revolutionary innovations in the way a football team was run and coached. He was the first to organize daily practice sessions, helping players develop both physically and mentally. He also pioneered the use of video analysis sessions to study opponents, a method that has become standard in professional football. As the first Hall of Fame inductee, Halas set the standard for what a head coach should be and built a lasting legacy as one of the greatest leaders in sports history.
Andy reid: 1999 - Present (273 wins, 2 super bowls, 1 coach of the year)
Often viewed as the opposite of Bill Belichick, Andy Reid may be the best offensive coach of the 21st century. Reid has created powerful offenses, and his teams are arguably the most fun to watch. Reid won six NFC East titles in Philadelphia, leading his team to the 2004 Super Bowl. Reid's tenure in Philadelphia ended in 2012, and he moved to Kansas City and has been a force to be reckoned with.
Since 2012, the Chiefs have won seven straight AFC West titles and have two Super Bowl victories. Reid's offenses have shaken up the NFL, first with Alex Smith and now with the incredible Patrick Mahomes.
A fun-loving, Hawaiian-shirt-wearing, cheeseburger-eating guy, players gravitated toward Reid. He often treated his players like an extension of his family, and players spoke of Reid with glowing respect. With Mahomes signing a long-term deal with Kansas City, Reid's record will only grow as the years go by.
Tom landry: 1960 - 1988 (270 wins, 2 super bowls, 1 NFL championship, 1 coach of the year)
The first head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Tom Landry, was the father of the 'Boys into America's'. A defensive visionary, Landry's Doomsday Defense led Dallas to two Super Bowl titles and an NFL Championship before the Super Bowl era. Landry invented the 4-3 defense and the FLEX defense, and his partnership with Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach captivated millions.
Landry's Cowboys recorded 20 consecutive winning seasons, an NFL record that still stands. Known for discovering star players and developing promising talent, Landry was viewed as a father figure by his players. A 1990 Hall of Fame inductee, Landry's unparalleled legacy still dominates the football-crazy Dallas area.
Conclusion
The coaches listed above are not only great leaders but also icons who have shaped the history of the NFL. From George Halas, who laid the foundation for the modern head coach role, to Don Shula and Bill Belichick, who led legendary dynasties, each of them brought innovations that transcended the era. Andy Reid and Tom Landry also helped shape the style of play through their unique offensive and defensive strategies. These names are always mentioned when discussing the best NFL football coaches of all-time, not only because of their incredible achievements but also because of their profound impact on American football. Their legacies will forever be remembered in the hearts of fans and in the history of the sport.
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