The coach holding the record for the most career wins in professional football is Don Shula.
Don Shula's Unprecedented Record
Don Shula, a legendary figure in football history, achieved an extraordinary 328 regular season wins during his distinguished career. His extensive tenure as a head coach included successful stints with the Baltimore Colts and the Miami Dolphins, where he led the latter to the NFL's only perfect season in 1972.
Shula's remarkable accomplishment is particularly significant given the historical context of his coaching era. Many of his seasons were played when the regular season comprised 14 games, unlike the current 16 or 17-game schedules. This means his impressive win total required sustained excellence and a longer period of coaching to accumulate compared to contemporary coaches. His enduring record is a testament to his consistent success and profound impact on the sport.
Top Coaches by Career Regular Season Wins
To provide perspective on Don Shula's leading position, the table below lists some of the coaches with the highest number of regular season wins in NFL history:
Rank | Coach Name | Regular Season Wins | Notable Teams |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Don Shula | 328 | Baltimore Colts, Miami Dolphins |
2 | George Halas | 318 | Chicago Bears |
3 | Bill Belichick | 302 | Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots |
4 | Tom Landry | 250 | Dallas Cowboys |
5 | Curly Lambeau | 226 | Green Bay Packers |
Note: Win totals for active coaches may change.
This list underscores the elite status of Don Shula, as only a handful of coaches have ever surpassed the 300-win mark, solidifying his place at the pinnacle of NFL coaching achievements.
Learn More
For further details on NFL head coach win leaders and historical records, you can explore resources like the List of NFL head coach wins leaders.