The Top Five Coaches in NFL History

Prior to Super Bowl XLIV, the NFL honored former head coach, Don Shula, by creating the annual Coach Shula award. The award is to acknowledge a coach at any level that shows the same integrity, achievement, and positive impact often displayed by Shula.

Naturally this started the process of thinking who are the five greatest NFL coaches? Here are the five men who walked the sideline and forever impacted the game.

Chuck Noll (Pittsburgh Steelers)

While at the helm of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Noll led them to a 193-148-1 record, along with a 16-8 record in the NFL playoffs. When you are talking about Super Bowl victories, Noll is head and shoulders above the rest.

During his tenure with the Steelers, Noll was able to secure four Super Bowl victories at the expense of another coach on this list.

Joe Gibbs (Washington Redskins)

Gibbs addition to this list was tenuous when compared with others like George Halas and Paul Brown. His career record of 154-94 is adequate, including the 17-7 playoff record.

What is even more impressive about Gibbs' career is that he coached the Redskins to three Super Bowl victories, each time with a different quarterback.

Don Shula (Miami Dolphins / Baltimore Colts)

Shula was the perfect example of consistency when it came to coaching in the NFL. During his 33 years in the league, Shula compiled a record of 328-145-6, while finishing with a 19-17 record in the playoffs.

Shula showed he was able to last decades in the NFL and as a result he has the most regular season and playoff wins in NFL history. He also has the distinction of being the only head coach to lead his team to a perfect season.

Tom Landry (Dallas Cowboys)

Landry decided to start his coaching career with the Dallas Cowboys, who just entered the ranks of the NFL in 1960. Though their first season end in disappointment with 0-11-1 record, things would eventually turn around for America's team.

By the time Landry concluded his 26 year career in the NFL, he amassed a 250-162-6 record with the Cowboys. He led them to five NFC championships and two Super Bowl victories.

Vince Lombardi (Green Bay Packers / Washington Redskins)

Whether you are young or old, about 99.9% of NFL fans know who Vince Lombardi is and for good reason. When Lombardi became the head coach of the Packers, he turned a struggling 1-10 team and turned them into a winner during the first season.

During his 10 years as a head coach, Lombardi compiled a 96-34-6 record, which translates to a .738 winning percentage. He helped lead the Packers to five NFL championships while developing them into a dynasty.

Resources
http://www.nfl.com