The NFL landscape saw a historic milestone on October 22, 2023, when Bill Belichick became only the third head coach in league history to achieve 300 regular-season victories. This achievement further solidified his legacy, as he has also led the New England Patriots to an impressive six Super Bowl titles. Despite his remarkable record, Belichick has not yet been inducted into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot, prompting discussions about his standing among the all-time coaching greats.
As the debate continues, a closer look at the winningest coaches in NFL history reveals a competitive field. This ranking includes both regular-season and postseason victories, showcasing the coaches who have transformed their teams into champions.
Top Coaches by Wins
5. Tom Landry – 270 Wins
Serving as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys for an NFL-record 29 years, Landry is celebrated for leading the team to two Super Bowl victories. His innovative strategies, including the development of the 4-3 defense, changed the game. Landry’s tenure included 20 consecutive winning seasons, a record that remains unmatched. His accolades include being named the NFL’s Coach of the Year in 1966 and earning the UPI NFL Coach of the Year title in 1975.
4. Andy Reid – 307 Wins
Reid stands out as the only coach in NFL history to win over 100 games with two different franchises: the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. His leadership led the Eagles to multiple playoff runs, including a Super Bowl appearance in 2004. Reid ultimately secured his first Super Bowl title with the Chiefs, transforming them into a dominant force in the league. Known for his offensive acumen, Reid continues to build on his success alongside stars like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
3. George Halas – 324 Wins
A co-founder of the NFL and the Chicago Bears, Halas enjoyed a storied career that featured eight NFL championships. Halas, nicknamed “Mr. Everything,” maintained a remarkable record over his 40 years as head coach, with only six losing seasons. His introduction of the T-formation offense revolutionized the game, culminating in a historic 73-0 victory over the Washington team during the 1940 NFL Championship Game. Halas was honored as the AP’s NFL Coach of the Year in 1963 and 1965.
2. Bill Belichick – 333 Wins
Recognized by many as one of the greatest coaches in all of professional sports, Belichick has amassed an NFL-record eight Super Bowl titles—six of which were earned as head coach of the Patriots. He leads all coaches with 31 playoff victories and has received the AP’s NFL Coach of the Year award three times. If he resumes coaching, Belichick is just 26 wins away from surpassing Don Shula for the most regular-season victories in NFL history.
1. Don Shula – 347 Wins
Shula’s coaching journey began in 1963 with the Baltimore Colts and continued with an illustrious career with the Miami Dolphins. He guided the Dolphins to two Super Bowl victories and remains the only coach to achieve a perfect season in 1972. Shula was honored as the AP’s NFL Coach of the Year four times, further cementing his status as the winningest coach in NFL history, with a remarkable total of 347 wins when including playoff games.
As fans gear up for the remainder of the season, the legacy of these legendary coaches continues to resonate across the league. The impact of their strategies and leadership styles remains a vital part of NFL history, shaping the game for future generations. Be sure to stay updated with ESPN’s comprehensive NFL coverage, including scores, standings, statistics, and more.