NFL Coaches with the Most Consecutive Winning Seasons:
Coaching success in the NFL isn’t just about having one or two winning seasons—it’s about winning, season after season. A few coaches have become legends by leading their teams to a decade or, in one case, two decades of consecutive winning seasons.
These are the 10 NFL coaches with the most consecutive winning seasons and how their innovations and leadership influenced the National Football League.
10. Bud Grant (11 Consecutive Winning Seasons: 1968–1978)
Team: Minnesota Vikings
Bud Grant had a reputation for being a no-nonsense, disciplined coach during his time with the Minnesota Vikings. Between 1968 and 1978, he led the team to 11 straight winning seasons, a run that turned him into a Minnesota sports legend.
With the Vikings, Grant built one of the most intimidating defenses ever—the “Purple People Eaters.” This defensive unit displayed everything Grant valued: toughness, relentlessness, and smart, strategic play. During Grant’s consecutive winning streak, the Vikings made it to four Super Bowls, losing all four.
Despite those losses, Grant’s calm, stoic demeanor and his emphasis on accountability earned the respect of his players and helped create a resilient team culture. His Vikings were a powerhouse of their era, admired for their dominance and the way they played the game, even if the ultimate prize eluded them. Grant was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
6. (Tie) Andy Reid (12 Consecutive Winning Seasons & Counting: 2013–2024)
Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (1999–2012), Kansas City Chiefs (2013–2024)
Andy Reid’s coaching career is an example of consistency and offensive innovation. Before his success with the Kansas City Chiefs, Reid spent 14 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he turned the team into a contender. He guided the Eagles to nine playoff appearances, five NFC Championship Games, and one Super Bowl appearance.
Since 2013, Reid has coached the Chiefs to 12 consecutive winning seasons and counting. Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes have become one of the greatest coach/quarterback combinations in NFL history, winning three Super Bowl victories in the 2019, 2022 and 2023 seasons.
One of the keys to Reid’s success has been his ability to adapt his offensive plans to his players’ strengths. His approachable personality and mentorship have made him respected by players and loved by fans. Few coaches can match Reid’s record of accomplishments as an NFL coach.
6. (Tie) George Allen (12 Consecutive Winning Seasons: 1966–1977)
Teams: Los Angeles Rams (1966–1970), Washington Redskins (1971–1977)
George Allen’s coaching philosophy was simple: “The future is now.” Over a 12 year span, Allen led the Los Angeles Rams and the Washington Redskins to 12 consecutive winning seasons.
With the Rams, Allen built one of the most dominant defensive teams in the league. With the Redskins, he created the “Over-the-Hill Gang” trading away draft picks for older, successful players that could contribute immediately. This resulted in a Super Bowl appearance for Washington in 1972. Many accused Allen of trading away the future of the franchise for short term success.
Allen’s focus on winning and his ability to inspire his teams made him one of the most respected coaches of his era. Allen was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.
6. (Tie) Tony Dungy (12 Consecutive Winning Seasons: 1997–2008)
Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1997–2001), Indianapolis Colts (2002–2008)
From 1997-2008 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Indianapolis Colts, Tony Dungy led his teams to 12 consecutive winning seasons. Starting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dungy turned a long-struggling franchise into a playoff contender. His defensive expertise was a key to their success and led to an eventual Super Bowl victory after his departure.
Dungy experienced his greatest achievement with the Indianapolis Colts, becaming the first African-American head coach to win the Super Bowl in 2006. His calm demeanor and focus on player development created a culture of excellence, and his leadership extended beyond football, serving as an inspiration for many. Dungy was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
6. (Tie) Marty Schottenheimer (12 Consecutive Winning Seasons: 1986–1997)
Teams: Cleveland Browns (1986–1988), Kansas City Chiefs (1989–1997)
Marty Schottenheimer was the epitome of regular-season success. Known for his “Martyball” philosophy—emphasizing a strong running game and stout defense—Schottenheimer consistently delivered winning teams.
With the Cleveland Browns, Schottenheimer coached them to deep playoff runs, including two AFC Championship Game appearances. He carried this success to the Kansas City Chiefs, revitalizing the franchise and leading them to annual playoff appearances.
Schottenheimer has been criticised for his lack of postseason success, but leading his teams to 12 consecutive winning seasons speaks for itself.
4. (Tie) Chuck Noll (13 Consecutive Winning Seasons: 1972–1984)
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Chuck Noll built the Pittsburgh Steelers into one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history. Over his 13-year streak of consecutive winning seasons, Noll led the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories (IX, X, XIII, XIV), a record-setting achievement at the time.
Noll’s success was fueled by his ability to draft and develop talent. Players like Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, and “Mean” Joe Greene flourished under his leadership. His disciplined approach and emphasis on preparation made the Steelers into a dynasty during the 1970s. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993 and in 2019 was selected to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team as one of the 10 greatest head coaches in NFL History.
4. (Tie) Don Shula (13 Consecutive Winning Seasons: 1963–1975)
Teams: Baltimore Colts (1963–1969), Miami Dolphins (1970–1975)
Don Shula was an NFL head coach with the Baltimore Colts and the Miami Dolphins for 33 seasons. From 1963-1975 he led his teams to 13 consecutive winning seasons with the Baltimore Colts and the Miami Dolphins.
Shula coached Miami to the “Perfect Season” in 1972, with a 14-0 record in the regular season and 17-0 after winning Super Bowl VII. The Dolphins, under Shula, went on to win back-to-back victories in Super Bowls VII and VIII.
Shula was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997 and in 2019 was selected to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team as one of the 10 greatest head coaches in NFL History.
3. Curly Lambeau (14 Consecutive Winning Seasons: 1934–1947)
Team: Green Bay Packers
Curly Lambeau, a pioneer of professional football, coached the Green Bay Packers to 14 consecutive winning seasons. His leadership was key in establishing the NFL as a premier sports league.
Under Lambeau’s coaching, the Packers had 14 consecutive winning seasons and won six NFL championships. His innovative use of the forward pass radically changed the game forever.
Lambeau’s success is immortalized in the naming of Lambeau Field, a tribute to his impact on the Packers and the league. Lambeau was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963 and in 2019 was selected to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team as one of the 10 greatest head coaches in NFL History.
2. Bill Belichick (19 Consecutive Winning Seasons: 2001–2019)
Team: New England Patriots
Bill Belichick’s 19-year streak of consecutive winning seasons with the New England Patriots included nine Super Bowls appearances, winning six of those Super Bowls, establishing arguably the most dominant dynasty in NFL history.
Belichick is known for his meticulous attention to detail and adaptability. The Belichick/Brady is widely considered the greatest coach/quarterback combination in NFL history.
Belichick’s ability to outsmart opponents and adjust strategies mid-game has solidified his legacy as one of the greatest coaches of all time. He is often named as the greatest coach in NFL history. His six Super Bowl wins is two more than any other NFL coach. Belichick will undoubtedly be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he is eligible in 2026 and in 2019 was selected to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team as one of the 10 greatest head coaches in NFL History.
1. Tom Landry (20 Consecutive Winning Seasons: 1966–1985)
Team: Dallas Cowboys
Tom Landry’s 20 consecutive winning seasons with the Dallas Cowboys may likely never be broken and is the standard for coaching consistency. As the coach of “America’s Team,” Landry built the Cowboys from an expansion team into a dynasty that dominated the NFL for two decades.
Under his leadership, the Cowboys were in twelve NFC Championship games (counting the NFL Championships 1966 & 1967 prior to the AFL/NFL merger), made five Super Bowl appearances and won two (VI, XII). Few, if any, NFL coaches can match Landry as a pro football innovator, including the 4-3 defense, the flex defense, and multiple offensive formations, including the shotgun that NFL teams now use in over 60% of snaps.
Landry was known for his calm and methodical approach to coaching, setting the standard for excellence, ensuring that he is remembered as one of the NFL’s greatest coaches. Landry was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990 and in 2019 was selected to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team as one of the 10 greatest head coaches in NFL History.
These ten coaches are examples of leadership, vision, and adaptability in sustaining success in the NFL. From Tom Landry’s record-breaking streak to Bill Belichick’s modern dynasty, these legends have set the standard for greatness in the NFL.
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