The National Football League has seen many top NFL coaches throughout its history, but some stand out for their exceptional ability to consistently win games. In this article, we’ll rank the top NFL coaches by winning percentage, considering their regular-season records and overall impact on the game. It’s important to note that this ranking focuses on coaches with a significant number of games under their belt, typically at least 100 games coached.
1. Guy Chamberlin (78.4%)
While not a household name for modern NFL fans, Guy Chamberlin holds the highest winning percentage for coaches with at least 50 games. Coaching from 1922 to 1927, Chamberlin led his teams to a remarkable 58-16-7 record. His tenure included four NFL championships, showcasing his ability to not only win games but also secure titles in the early days of professional football.
Chamberlin’s success came in an era vastly different from today’s NFL, making direct comparisons challenging. However, his ability to dominate during his time cannot be overlooked and put him at as the front of the top NFL coaches list by winning percentage.
2. John Madden (76.3%)
John Madden, known to younger generations as the name behind the popular Madden video game franchise, was an exceptional coach for the Oakland Raiders from 1969 to 1978. His regular-season record of 103-32-7 is truly remarkable, showcasing consistent excellence over a decade.
Madden led the Raiders to a Super Bowl victory in 1976 and seven division titles. His teams were known for their physical play and ability to execute in crucial moments. Madden’s success on the field was matched by his popularity off it, becoming one of the most recognizable figures and amongst the top NFL coaches in history.
3. Vince Lombardi (73.8%)
Vince Lombardi, the namesake of the Super Bowl trophy, was the epitome of coaching excellence. His tenure with the Green Bay Packers from 1959 to 1967 resulted in a 96-34-6 record and five NFL championships, including victories in the first two Super Bowls.
Lombardi’s impact on the game extends far beyond his winning percentage. His leadership style, emphasis on discipline, and tactical innovations set the standard for NFL coaching for generations to come. The fact that he ranks so high on this list despite coaching in an era of greater parity is a testament to his exceptional abilities.
4. George Allen (71.2%)
George Allen’s career, split between the Los Angeles Rams and Washington Redskins, resulted in an impressive 116-47-5 record. Known for his defensive expertise and willingness to trade draft picks for veteran players, Allen never had a losing season as a head coach.
While Allen never won a Super Bowl, his teams were consistently competitive, making the playoffs in seven of his twelve seasons as a head coach. His “The Future is Now” philosophy led to immediate success but also criticism for potentially mortgaging his teams’ futures.
5. Don Shula (67.7%)
Don Shula holds the record for most wins by an NFL coach with 347, and his winning percentage over such a long career is truly remarkable. Coaching the Baltimore Colts and Miami Dolphins from 1963 to 1995, Shula amassed a regular-season record of 328-156-6.
Shula’s crowning achievement was leading the 1972 Miami Dolphins to the only perfect season in NFL history, including a Super Bowl victory. His ability to adapt his coaching style to different eras and personnel showcases his exceptional football mind.
6. George Halas (67.6%)
George Halas, one of the founders of the NFL, coached the Chicago Bears for 40 seasons between 1920 and 1967. His 318-148-31 record demonstrates remarkable consistency over an extended period that saw significant changes in the game.
Halas led the Bears to six NFL championships and was instrumental in shaping the league in its early years. His innovations in game planning and use of film study set the foundation for modern NFL coaching techniques.
7. Bill Belichick (67.1%)
Bill Belichick, the only semi-active coach on this list, has established himself as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. His tenure with the New England Patriots has resulted in six Super Bowl victories and a regular-season record of 302-165 (as of 2024).
Belichick’s ability to adapt his game plans to exploit opponents’ weaknesses and consistently field competitive teams despite personnel changes is unparalleled in the modern era. His defensive genius and knack for getting the most out of undervalued players have been key to the Patriots’ dynasty.
8. Paul Brown (67.0%)
Paul Brown, coaching the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals from 1946 to 1975, amassed a record of 213-104-9. Brown’s innovations in game planning, film study, and player evaluation revolutionized professional football coaching.
Under Brown’s leadership, the Cleveland Browns dominated the All-America Football Conference before joining the NFL, where they continued their success. His legacy extends beyond his winning percentage, as many of his coaching techniques and organizational structures are still used in the NFL today.
9. Tony Dungy (66.8%)
Tony Dungy’s career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Indianapolis Colts resulted in a 139-69 record. Dungy became the first African American head coach to win a Super Bowl, leading the Colts to victory in Super Bowl XLI.
Dungy’s “Tampa 2” defense revolutionized NFL defenses in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His calm demeanor and emphasis on character made him one of the most respected coaches in the league and his 66.8% makes him one of the top NFL coaches in history.
10. Marty Schottenheimer (65.3%)
Marty Schottenheimer’s regular-season success often overshadowed his playoff struggles. With a record of 200-126-1 coaching the Browns, Chiefs, Redskins, and Chargers, Schottenheimer consistently fielded competitive teams.
Known for his conservative, run-first approach dubbed “Martyball,” Schottenheimer’s teams were known for their toughness and discipline. Despite never reaching a Super Bowl, his regular-season success earns him a spot on this list.
Ranking the top NFL coaches by winning percentage provides insight into their ability to consistently field competitive teams. However, it’s important to consider the context of each coach’s era, the strength of their competition, and their overall impact on the game.
Coaches like Guy Chamberlin and John Madden top the list with incredible winning percentages, but their careers were relatively short compared to some others. On the other hand, coaches like Don Shula and George Halas maintained high winning percentages over much longer careers, showcasing remarkable consistency and adaptability.
Bill Belichick’s presence on this list is particularly impressive given the salary cap era and the parity it’s designed to create. His ability to maintain such a high winning percentage in the modern NFL sets him apart from his contemporaries.
Our Partners
