American football has long been a platform for legendary coaches who have not only achieved remarkable success on the field but have also shaped the very fabric of the National Football League (NFL) with their Super Bowl victories. Among these iconic figures, a select few stand out, having left an indelible mark on the game through their innovative strategies and leadership.
At the pinnacle of this group is Bill Belichick, who has amassed an astounding six Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots, earning him the title of the greatest coach of all time. Yet, he is not alone in this elite circle; numerous other coaches have also made significant contributions to the league. Each of these coaches has not only claimed championship titles but has also transformed the game with their unique vision and unwavering dedication.
So, who are these remarkable coaches? Let’s explore the 14 head coaches who have triumphed in the Super Bowl and become the most successful figures in NFL history as of November 2024.
Bill Belichick (6 Super Bowls)
Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots gives a thumbs up on the field prior to Super Bowl 51 against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017.
Bill Belichick is widely regarded as the greatest NFL head coach of all time, with six Super Bowl victories to his name with the New England Patriots (2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, 2018). His leadership during the Patriots’ dynasty years, particularly alongside quarterback Tom Brady, redefined what it means to sustain excellence in the NFL.
Known for his unparalleled strategic mind, his ability to adapt to changing circumstances and continuously evolve his game plans kept the Patriots consistently dominant for nearly two decades. A master of preparation and situational football, Belichick’s impact on the game goes beyond his championships; it’s his legacy of coaching brilliance and success that has earned him a permanent spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Joe Gibbs (3 Super Bowls)
Joe Gibbs (Source: @espn630dc)
Joe Gibbs won three Super Bowls with the Washington Football Team (formerly Redskins) in 1982, 1987, and 1991, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. His legacy is defined by his remarkable adaptability, as he remains the only coach to win three Super Bowls with three different starting quarterbacks—Joe Theismann, Doug Williams, and Mark Rypien.
His teams were known for their physical, disciplined style of play, underpinned by a dominant offensive line famously nicknamed “The Hogs.” This combination of tactical brilliance and relentless preparation made Washington a powerhouse throughout the 1980s and early ’90s.
Bill Walsh (3 Super Bowls)
Bill Walsh (Source: @CoachDanCasey)
Bill Walsh revolutionized the NFL with his “West Coast offense,” a system that emphasized short, precise passes to control the game and maximize offensive efficiency. Under his leadership, the San Francisco 49ers won three Super Bowl titles in 1981, 1984, and 1988, establishing one of the league’s most iconic dynasties.
Renowned for his innovative offensive strategies and ability to develop talent, Walsh was instrumental in the success of legendary players like Joe Montana and Jerry Rice, whose performances became synonymous with the 49ers’ dominance.
Chuck Noll (4 Super Bowls)
Chuck Noll (Source: @VintageSteelers)
Chuck Noll led the Pittsburgh Steelers to an unprecedented four Super Bowl titles in the 1970s (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979), defining a golden era for the franchise and the NFL. His success was rooted in his visionary leadership and ability to build one of the league’s most dominant teams, anchored by the legendary Steel Curtain defense and key players like Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, and “Mean” Joe Greene.
Known for his meticulous preparation and calm demeanor, Noll transformed the Steelers from perennial underachievers into a dynasty that set the standard for excellence. His focus on drafting and developing talent, including iconic draft classes, ensured sustained success and left a blueprint for building championship teams.
Tom Coughlin (2 Super Bowls)
Head coach Tom Coughlin of the New York Giants celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI.
Tom Coughlin won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants (2007 and 2011). He is particularly remembered for his victories against the New England Patriots, especially in Super Bowl XLII, where the Giants pulled off one of the biggest upsets in NFL history. His gritty, disciplined coaching style helped solidify the Giants’ place in Super Bowl history.
Don Shula (2 Super Bowls)
In 1993, history was made in the NFL when the Miami Dolphins defeated Philadelphia at Veterans Stadium, pushing Coach Don Shula past George Halas with his 325th win.
Don Shula, the NFL’s winningest head coach, secured two Super Bowls with the Miami Dolphins (1972, 1973), solidifying his place as one of the greatest coaches in football history. His most notable achievement was leading the 1972 Dolphins to a perfect season, finishing 17-0—a feat unmatched in NFL history and a benchmark of excellence that continues to inspire teams to this day.
Mike Shanahan (2 Super Bowls)
Head coach Mike Shanahan of the Washington Redskins reacts on the sideline during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Mike Shanahan achieved two Super Bowl victories with the Denver Broncos in 1997 and 1998, cementing his legacy as one of the NFL’s most innovative and successful head coaches. Known for his dynamic offensive play calling and his mastery of the zone-blocking scheme, his strategic brilliance revolutionized the way offenses operated in the league.
Jimmy Johnson (2 Super Bowls)
Jimmy Johnson (Source: @DemBoyz_News)
Jimmy Johnson is one of the most influential NFL coaches, securing two Super Bowl victories with the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s (1992, 1993). Known for his fiery personality and strategic genius, he turned a struggling Cowboys team into a dominant force.
Tom Flores (2 Super Bowls)
Tom Flores (Source: @NFLMAVERICK)
Tom Flores led the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders to two Super Bowl victories in 1980 and 1983, earning his place among the NFL’s elite coaches. As the first minority head coach to win a Super Bowl, he broke barriers and paved the way for greater diversity in coaching, marking a significant milestone in the history of the league.
George Seifert (2 Super Bowls)
George Seifert (Source: @sjsauthority)
George Seifert, one of the most successful coaches in NFL history, led the San Francisco 49ers to two Super Bowl victories (1988, 1989) during his tenure as head coach. Taking over from Bill Walsh, he seamlessly continued the 49ers’ legacy of excellence, maintaining the team’s dominant status in the league.
Tom Landry (2 Super Bowls)
Tom Landry (Source: @DCStarMagazine)
As the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 to 1988, Tom Landry won two Super Bowls (1971, 1977) and became one of the most iconic figures in NFL history. Known for his stoic demeanor and trademark fedora, he revolutionized the game with his innovative use of the 4-3 defense and the development of the “flex” defense system, which emphasized adaptability and precision.
Bill Parcells (2 Super Bowls)
Head Coach Bill Parcells of the Dallas Cowboys looks on against the Kansas City Chiefs during the preseason NFL game.
Known as “The Big Tuna,” Bill Parcells won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants (1986, 1990), earning a reputation as one of the most influential and successful coaches in NFL history. Renowned for his leadership and unparalleled ability to turn struggling teams into contenders, he was a master motivator who demanded excellence from his players.
These coaches have not only achieved remarkable success but have also changed the game for future generations. Their legacies continue to inspire current and aspiring coaches, players, and fans alike. The NFL is not just a league; it’s a tapestry woven with the stories of these legendary figures, each contributing to the sport’s rich history and culture.
