NFL Coaching Legends

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jan 5, 2007

NFL Coaching Legends

Vince Lombardi

Lombardi coached the Redskins for one season, but he'll forever be known as the inspirational leader of the Packers, a team he led to five NFL championships and victories in Super Bowls I and II.

George Halas

George Halas represented the Bears franchise at the NFL's first organizational meeting in 1920 and was associated with the team until his death in 1983. Papa Bear coached the team for 40 years -- the longest span by a coach with one team in NFL history -- and led them to six NFL titles.

Tom Landry

The Cowboys chose Landry when the franchise began in 1960 and he remained on the Dallas sidelines for 29 years. Landry had a streak of 20 straight winning seasons and led the Cowboys to two Super Bowls.

Don Shula

After coaching the Colts in the 1960s, Shula joined the Dolphins in 1970 and remained until 1995. Shula led Miami to a perfect season in 1972 and retired with the all-time win record (328).

Paul Brown

Brown coached the team from 1948 to 1962, in both the AAFC and NFL, and revolutionized football in the process. An incredible innovator, Brown led his team to four AAFC titles and three NFL championships.

Chuck Noll

In his 23 years as Steelers coach, Noll led his team from the absolute basement of the NFL to perhaps the greatest dynasty in NFL history. With Noll at the helm, Pittsburgh won four titles in the 1970s and redefined the standard of excellence in the league.

Bill Walsh

Walsh took over a 49ers team that was 2-14 in 1978 and led them to a Super Bowl win in just three years. Walsh perfected the West Coast offense in San Francisco and won three Super Bowls.

Joe Gibbs

Gibbs took over the Redskins in 1981 and led them to three Super Bowl titles before burning out and leaving in 1992. But the offensive innovator returned in 2005 for his second stint in Washington.

Bud Grant

Grant kind of looked like a Viking. He led Minnesota to four Super Bowls -- none of which he won. But for 18 years he was the face of the franchise and one of the winningest coaches in football.

Bill Cowher

Cowher is a Pittsburgh native and was a perfect fit for the franchise. Emphasizing hard-nosed football, he compiled a 149-90-1 record and won one Super Bowl in 15 seasons. Even if he does end up coaching elsewhere, his jutting chin will always be associated with the Steelers.

NFL Coaching Legends