Among the head coaches in the NFL, Bill Belichick stands alone. He has been a head coach for more than two decades, and is the only man in the history of the NFL to have a career of more than 20 years as an assistant coach. With a 261-107-0 record, Belichick has been one of the most successful active coaches in the league. Aside from his success as a coach, Belichick has made an impact on the game in a variety of ways.
Bill Belichick began his coaching career as an assistant in the Baltimore Colts' organization. During his tenure, he worked for several other coaches, including Bill Parcells, Ted Marchibroda, and Ray Perkins. In 1978, Belichick accepted a position as an assistant coach with the Denver Broncos. Eventually, he added responsibilities as an offensive and defensive coordinator, and as a wide receiver and tight end coach. Ultimately, he became the team's head coach.
Bill Belichick became the head coach of the Cleveland Browns in 1991. His first season was a 10-4 record, and the team finished in a tie for first place in the AFC East. After that, he was named the head coach of the New York Jets. But his tenure at the Jets was cut short, as he resigned after just one season.
Bill Belichick has a long history of successful teams, and he is the only coach in the NFL to have a career of more years as an assistant coach than as a head coach. He has also won three Super Bowls, and his teams have set numerous records in almost every category.
Before becoming a head coach in the NFL, Belichick had an extensive coaching career in the college game. He was an assistant on the 1970 national championship team and an offensive line coach at Ohio State in 1966. As a student, Belichick also played squash and other sports. While a student at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, he led the Wesleyan College football team to a record of 13-1. He was a multi-sport athlete and earned honors as a captain of the volleyball and tennis teams. For more information on NFL, read me.
Bill Belichick's coaching tree includes the following: Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, and Washington Redskins. These teams have combined to post a total of 207-282-2 in regular seasons. They have won seven playoff games and have had a number of players reach award-winning seasons. Some of the best coaches in the NFL have been in this tree, and they have left their mark on the sport in many different ways.
When Bill Belichick was hired as a head coach for the New York Jets in 1999, he had a 5-11 record and was considered by many to be a "loser." The following season, however, the Jets had a 9-7 record and went to the playoffs. Later, he was reinstated as an assistant coach and returned to the head coach role for the team.
