> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.profootballnerd.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Best NFL Coaches of the 2000s (2000-2009): Ranked by Winning Percentage - URL: https://www.profootballnerd.com/best-nfl-coaches-of-the-2000s-2000-2009-ranked-by-winning-percentage/ - Published: 2025-05-17T16:05:13.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-12T17:56:20.000Z - Description: Who were the most successful NFL coaches of the 2000s? We rank the top 10 by winning percentage from 2000–2009. From Tony Dungy’s poised leadership to Bill Belichick’s dynasty-building brilliance, these coaches defined the decade with innovation, discipline, and consistent wins. See who earned the t - Author: Tim Graham - Tags: NFL Coaches, Bill Belichick, Ranking the Most Successful NFL Coaches of the 2000s, Tony Dungy, Tony Dungy vs. Belichick: Who Ruled the 2000s?, Top NFL Coaches of the 2000s Ranked by Winning Percentage, #Migrated-1793639088811, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-11-02 09:04 Who were the most successful NFL coaches of the 2000s? We rank the top 10 by winning percentage from 2000–2009\. From Tony Dungy’s poised leadership to Bill Belichick’s dynasty-building brilliance, these coaches defined the decade with innovation, discipline, and consistent wins. See who earned the top spot. --- ## 10\. Mike Shanahan 86-59-0 (.593) ***Team: Denver Broncos (2000–2008)*** Mike Shanahan began the 2000s with high expectations after leading the Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowl titles in the late '90s. Though he never returned to the Super Bowl in the 2000s, his Denver teams remained consistently competitive. Over the span of nine seasons, Shanahan’s teams recorded five winning seasons and made the playoffs four times. One of Shanahan’s key strengths was his offensive innovation, especially in the running game. His famed zone-blocking scheme churned out 1,000-yard rushers year after year, regardless of the backfield depth chart. Players like Clinton Portis and Tatum Bell thrived under his system. However, his playoff success was limited during the 2000s, with a 1-4 postseason record. His best campaign came in 2005, when the Broncos went 13-3 and reached the AFC Championship before falling to the eventual champion Steelers. While Shanahan didn’t replicate his '90s dominance, he remained a sharp strategist and one of the more respected minds of the decade. --- ***Read More:*** [Top NFL Quarterbacks of the 1980s: Ranked by Winning Percentage](https://www.profootballnerd.com/top-nfl-quarterbacks-of-the-1980s-ranked-by-winning-percentage/) --- ## 7\. (Tie) Mike McCarthy 38-26-0 (.594) ***Team: Green Bay Packers (2006–2009)*** ![Mike McCarthy stands on the sideline during a cold-weather game, leading the Packers in a decade that included a Super Bowl title and consistent playoff runs.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/eb/c7ebacf6-d7a4-4828-b882-d331b80dd084/content/images/2026/11/dreamstime_m_22719876.webp) ID [22719876](https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-image-mike-mccarthy-image22719876?ref=profootballnerd.com) @ [Scott Anderson](https://www.dreamstime.com/swa1959%5Finfo?ref=profootballnerd.com) | [Dreamstime.com](https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos?ref=profootballnerd.com) Mike McCarthy stepped into the Green Bay spotlight in 2006 and quickly returned the franchise to playoff relevance. In his four years at the helm during the 2000s, McCarthy led the Packers to a 13-3 record in 2007 and a trip to the NFC Championship Game, where they narrowly lost to the Giants in overtime. Under McCarthy’s leadership, Brett Favre enjoyed a late-career resurgence in 2007, and by 2008, the team transitioned smoothly to Aaron Rodgers. McCarthy’s offense emphasized precision, timing routes, and vertical passing — a system that helped shape Rodgers into a future Hall of Famer. That foundation paved the way for their 2010 Super Bowl triumph. Though McCarthy’s legacy would be defined more by the 2010s, his .594 winning percentage in the 2000s laid a solid foundation and earned him a spot among the decade’s most effective coaches. --- ## 7 (Tie) Sean Payton 38-26-0 (.594) ***Team: New Orleans Saints (2006–2009)*** ![Sean Payton calls plays on the sideline, orchestrating the Saints' high-powered offense during a decade that included a Super Bowl title in the 2009 season.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/eb/c7ebacf6-d7a4-4828-b882-d331b80dd084/content/images/2026/11/dreamstime_m_17415987.webp) ID [17415987](https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photography-sean-payton-calls-play-image17415987?ref=profootballnerd.com) @ [Todd Taulman](https://www.dreamstime.com/toddtaulman%5Finfo?ref=profootballnerd.com) | [Dreamstime.com](https://www.dreamstime.com/?ref=profootballnerd.com) Taking over a downtrodden Saints franchise in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Sean Payton delivered instant results. In his debut season (2006), he guided New Orleans to a 10-6 record, an NFC South title, and a trip to the NFC Championship Game. That remarkable turnaround earned him Coach of the Year honors and revitalized an entire region. Payton’s high-octane offense, powered by Drew Brees, quickly became one of the most explosive units in the NFL. His aggressive, innovative, and unpredictable play-calling made him both a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing defenses. The pinnacle came in the 2009 season, when Payton led the Saints to a 13-3 record and capped it with a Super Bowl XLIV victory. That championship solidified his legacy and capped off a dominant stretch that showcased his brilliance as one of the top coaches of the era. --- ***Read More:*** [Best NFL Coaches of the 2010s: Ranked by Winning Percentage](https://www.profootballnerd.com/best-nfl-coaches-2010s-ranked-winning-percentage/) --- ## 7 (Tie) Mike Sherman 57-39-0 (.594) ***Team: Green Bay Packers (2000–2005)*** ![Mike Sherman on the field in Green Bay, where he led the Packers to five winning seasons and three division titles during the early 2000s.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/eb/c7ebacf6-d7a4-4828-b882-d331b80dd084/content/images/2026/11/mikesherman2003.webp) U.S. Marine Corps photo by Daniel Raifsnider, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Mike Sherman doesn’t always get the credit he deserves, but his tenure in Green Bay was quite successful. From 2000 to 2004, the Packers posted five straight winning seasons, including three consecutive 12-4 records (2001–2003). Sherman’s teams were built around Brett Favre, and while their playoff results were underwhelming (2-4 postseason record), they were annual contenders in the NFC North. Sherman also held dual roles as GM and head coach for several seasons, making his success even more impressive given the added pressure. Despite a disappointing 4-12 finish in 2005 that led to his dismissal, Sherman left Green Bay with the second-highest winning percentage in franchise history at the time. --- ## 6\. Wade Phillips 43-24-0 (.642) ***Teams: Buffalo Bills (2000), Atlanta Falcons (2003), Dallas Cowboys (2007–2009)*** ![Wade Phillips on the Dallas Cowboys sideline, where he posted multiple winning seasons and led the team to the playoffs twice during the 2000s.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/eb/c7ebacf6-d7a4-4828-b882-d331b80dd084/content/images/2026/11/dreamstime_m_7499389.webp) ID [7499389](https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-images-cowboys-coach-wade-phillips-image7499389?ref=profootballnerd.com) @ [Kenneth D Durden](https://www.dreamstime.com/bellafotosolo%5Finfo?ref=profootballnerd.com) | [Dreamstime.com](https://www.dreamstime.com/?ref=profootballnerd.com) Wade Phillips is known as a defensive mastermind, and his stint in the 2000s reflected his ability to win across multiple franchises. Though he bounced between jobs, his impact was undeniable. In Dallas, Phillips took over a talented roster and went 13-3 in 2007, earning the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Unfortunately, postseason struggles plagued his teams — a recurring theme in Phillips’ career. Nevertheless, his .642 winning percentage for the decade reflects a coach who consistently fielded competitive teams and got the most out of his players. His soft-spoken nature contrasted with the typical head coach persona, but his results were loud and clear. --- ***Read More:*** [Top NFL Teams of the 2000s (2000-2009) Ranked by Best 10-Year Win Percentage](https://www.profootballnerd.com/top-nfl-teams-2000s-ranked-by-best-10-year-win-percentage/) --- ## 5\. Mike Tomlin 31-17-0 (.646) ***Team: Pittsburgh Steelers (2007–2009)*** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/eb/c7ebacf6-d7a4-4828-b882-d331b80dd084/content/images/2026/11/1024px-mike_tomlin-1.webp) Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers — SteelCityHobbies, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons Mike Tomlin made an immediate splash when he replaced Bill Cowher in 2007\. Just two seasons into his head coaching career, he led the Steelers to a 12-4 record and a win in Super Bowl XLIII, becoming the youngest coach to ever hoist the Lombardi Trophy at the time. Tomlin’s calm yet commanding demeanor won over veterans quickly. He brought a modern edge to the Steelers’ hard-nosed tradition and fostered an aggressive defense that overwhelmed opponents. Though his sample size in the 2000s was just three seasons, Tomlin's rapid success, Super Bowl Victory and .646 win percentage earned him a deserved spot on this list. --- ## 4\. Andy Reid 103-56-1 (.647) ***Team: Philadelphia Eagles (2000–2009)*** ![Andy Reid, Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, built the Eagles into an annual contender during his tenure as head coach.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/eb/c7ebacf6-d7a4-4828-b882-d331b80dd084/content/images/2026/11/dreamstime_m_20911518.webp) ID [20911518](https://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photos-andy-reid-image20911518?ref=profootballnerd.com) @ [Scott Anderson](https://www.dreamstime.com/swa1959%5Finfo?ref=profootballnerd.com) | [Dreamstime.com](https://www.dreamstime.com/?ref=profootballnerd.com) Andy Reid was one of the most dominant coaches of the 2000s. His Eagles were a model of consistency, making the playoffs eight times in ten years and appearing in five NFC Championship Games — including four in a row from 2001 to 2004. Reid’s best season came in 2004, when he guided Philadelphia to a 13-3 record and a Super Bowl appearance. Though they fell short against the Patriots, Reid’s offensive scheming and quarterback development skills (Donovan McNabb thrived under him) set him apart. Critics often pointed to clock management issues or conservative decisions in big moments, but there’s no denying his success. Reid finished the decade with a .647 winning percentage and laid the groundwork for his Hall of Fame trajectory. --- ## 3\. Bill Cowher 72-39-1 (.648) ***Team: Pittsburgh Steelers (2000–2006)*** ![Bill Cowher led the Steelers with trademark intensity in the 2000s, consistently fielding physical, disciplined teams that contended year after year.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/eb/c7ebacf6-d7a4-4828-b882-d331b80dd084/content/images/2026/11/dreamstime_s_186632160-e1748631523412.webp) ID [186632160](https://www.dreamstime.com/bill-cowher-pittsburgh-steelers-head-coach-bill-cowher-image186632160?ref=profootballnerd.com) @ [Gerald T. Coli](https://www.dreamstime.com/wickedgood%5Finfo?ref=profootballnerd.com) | [Dreamstime.com](https://www.dreamstime.com/?ref=profootballnerd.com) Bill Cowher entered the 2000s as a tenured and respected coach, but it was his performance in the middle of the decade that cemented his legacy. The pinnacle came in the 2005 season when Cowher led the Steelers on a dramatic playoff run, culminating in a Super Bowl XL victory. That postseason run was vintage Cowher — physical football, elite defense, and timely offense. As a coach, he was fiery, passionate, and deeply respected by his players. His teams embodied the blue-collar spirit of Pittsburgh and were always in the playoff mix. Cowher stepped down after the 2006 season, finishing his career with the Steelers making the playoffs in four out of five seasons during the 2000s. His .647 winning percentage reflects not just talent, but toughness, loyalty, and longevity. --- ## 2\. Bill Belichick 112-48-0 (.700) ***Team: New England Patriots (2000–2009)*** ![Bill Belichick guided the Patriots through a dominant stretch in the 2000s, combining elite preparation, innovation, and consistent success year after year.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/eb/c7ebacf6-d7a4-4828-b882-d331b80dd084/content/images/2026/11/dreamstime_m_46409452-e1747702424198.webp) ID [46409452](https://www.dreamstime.com/editorial-photography-brady-belichick-bill-tom-discuss-strategy-sideline-image-taken-color-slide-image46409452?ref=profootballnerd.com) @ [Gerald T. Coli](https://www.dreamstime.com/wickedgood%5Finfo?ref=profootballnerd.com) | [Dreamstime.com](https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos?ref=profootballnerd.com) Bill Belichick didn’t just win in the 2000s — he dominated. The Patriots' dynasty began in earnest in 2001 when Belichick and a young Tom Brady shocked the world with a Super Bowl XXXVI win over the Rams. That victory would be the first of three Super Bowl titles in four years (2001, 2003, 2004). Belichick’s defense-first mindset, unmatched preparation, and ability to exploit mismatches became the blueprint for sustained NFL success. No one made halftime adjustments or confused opposing quarterbacks like Belichick. His teams went 16-0 in the 2007 regular season, the first and only team to do so in a 16-game schedule. Despite some postseason heartbreaks (notably Super Bowl XLII), Belichick’s .700 winning percentage over 10 seasons is astonishing. He transformed New England from a mediocre franchise into the league’s gold standard — and he was just getting started. --- ## 1\. Tony Dungy 104-40-0 (.722) **Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2000–2001), Indianapolis Colts (2002–2008)** ![Tony Dungy led consistently strong teams in the 2000s, known for his calm leadership, defensive mastery, and year-after-year playoff appearances.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c7/eb/c7ebacf6-d7a4-4828-b882-d331b80dd084/content/images/2026/11/2048px-dan_patrick_tony_dungy_and_rodney_harrison-e1747758166186.webp) **Jeffrey Beall**, [CC BY 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0?ref=profootballnerd.com), via Wikimedia Commons Tony Dungy’s calm leadership, unwavering integrity, and defensive brilliance resulted in the best winning percentage of any NFL coach during the 2000s. Across two franchises, Dungy’s .722 winning percentage reflected his unmatched consistency and ability to win with class. After a strong start with Tampa Bay — where he built the defensive core that would eventually win Super Bowl XXXVII — Dungy moved to Indianapolis and elevated the Colts into contenders every season. With Peyton Manning under center and a fast, opportunistic defense, the Colts became a regular fixture atop the AFC. In 2006, Dungy made history by becoming the first Black head coach to win a Super Bowl, defeating the Bears in Super Bowl XLI. Beyond the X’s and O’s, Dungy was a transformational figure in NFL culture — showing that you could win without screaming on the sidelines or compromising your values. His legacy in the 2000s isn’t just about the wins — it’s about how he won. Efficient. Prepared. Composed. 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