Bill Belichick's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Bill Belichick.

Bill Belichick is an American football coach, considered one of the greatest of all time. He is renowned for his success with the New England Patriots, where he won a record six Super Bowls as head coach. He also won two Super Bowls as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants. Belichick holds numerous coaching records and is regarded as a football historian, known for his deep understanding of the game. He played a central role in the Patriots' dynasty from 2001 to 2019, functioning as both head coach and de facto general manager.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1934: Chicago Bears perfect season

In 1934, the Chicago Bears achieved a perfect season, one of only four teams in NFL history to accomplish this feat.

1942: Chicago Bears perfect season

In 1942, the Chicago Bears achieved a perfect season, one of only four teams in NFL history to accomplish this feat.

1948: Cleveland Browns and Calgary Stampeders perfect seasons

In 1948, both the Cleveland Browns of the All-America Football Conference and the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League recorded perfect seasons.

1972: Miami Dolphins 18 straight victories

In 1972, the Miami Dolphins achieved 18 straight victories, setting a record for most consecutive wins that would later be broken by the New England Patriots in the 2000s.

1972: Miami Dolphins perfect season

In 1972, the Miami Dolphins achieved a perfect season, finishing the regular season at 14–0 and winning three playoff games, and are the only team to have an undefeated season in the Super Bowl era.

1973: Miami Dolphins 18 straight victories

In 1973, the Miami Dolphins continued their streak from the previous year, contributing to their record of 18 straight victories that would later be broken by the New England Patriots in the 2000s.

1978: Introduction of the 16-game regular season schedule

In 1978, the NFL introduced the 16-game regular season schedule, impacting how teams approached the season and making a perfect regular season more challenging.

1985: Broncos miss playoffs with 11 wins

In 1985, the Denver Broncos are the only other 11-win team to miss the playoffs in a 16-game season, a situation that the Patriots faced in 2008.

1986: Giants Win Super Bowl XXI

Following the 1986 season, the New York Giants, with Bill Belichick as defensive coordinator, won Super Bowl XXI.

1990: Giants Win Super Bowl XXV

Following the 1990 season, the New York Giants, with Bill Belichick as defensive coordinator, won Super Bowl XXV.

1992: Dallas Cowboys won three of four Super Bowls

In 1992, the Dallas Cowboys began a period where they won three of four Super Bowls, a feat matched by Bill Belichick as the only coach to accomplish it with one team.

1995: Dallas Cowboys won three of four Super Bowls

In 1995, the Dallas Cowboys completed a period where they won three of four Super Bowls, a feat matched by Bill Belichick as the only coach to accomplish it with one team.

2001: Beginning of Patriots Dynasty

In 2001, Bill Belichick was a central figure as the head coach and de facto general manager during the New England Patriots' dynasty.

2001: First Super Bowl Championship

In 2001, the Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVI, marking the first Super Bowl championship in franchise history. They defeated the Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs.

2003: Patriots Win Divisional Title

In 2003, Bill Belichick led the Patriots to win a divisional title.

2003: AP NFL Coach of the Year

In 2003, Bill Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year.

2003: Super Bowl XXXVIII Victory and Coach of the Year

The Patriots dominated in the 2003 season finishing 14-2 after a rocky start. They defeated the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII, and Bill Belichick was named NFL Coach of the Year.

2004: Patriots win Super Bowl XXXIX

In 2004, the Patriots finished with a 14–2 record, defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional round, and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. They won Super Bowl XXXIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, becoming only the second team to win three Super Bowls in four years. Bill Belichick is the only coach to accomplish this feat as of 2004.

2005: Belichick becomes the winningest coach in Patriots history

In 2005, the Patriots went 10–6 and defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card Round before losing to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. With a season-opening win over the Oakland Raiders, Belichick notched his 54th win with the Patriots, passing Mike Holovak as the winningest coach in Patriots history.

2006: Patriots regular season wins streak

From 2006-2008, the Patriots achieved a regular season wins streak that contributed to breaking their own record for consecutive regular season wins with 21.

2007: Patriots achieve perfect regular season

In 2007, Belichick led the Patriots to the first perfect regular season since the introduction of the 16-game regular season schedule. They defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Diego Chargers in the playoffs but were upset in Super Bowl XLII by the New York Giants, preserving the Miami Dolphins' record as the sole team to have a perfect season.

2007: Patriots Win Divisional Title

In 2007, Bill Belichick led the Patriots to win a divisional title.

2007: AP NFL Coach of the Year

In 2007, Bill Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year.

2007: Belichick awarded NFL Coach of the Year

In 2007, following the Spygate incident, Belichick led the Patriots to a perfect 16–0 regular season record and was awarded the 2007 NFL Coach of the Year Award by the Associated Press.

2008: Tom Brady season-ending injury

During the 2008 season-opener, quarterback Tom Brady sustained a season-ending injury. Backup quarterback Matt Cassel was named the starter for the remainder of the season. The Patriots broke their own record for regular season wins in a row with 21 (2006–08).

2008: Inducted into Wesleyan University's Athletics Hall of Fame

In spring 2008, Bill Belichick was part of the inaugural induction class into Wesleyan University's Athletics Hall of Fame.

2009: Patriots Win Divisional Title

In 2009, Bill Belichick led the Patriots to win a divisional title.

2010: AP NFL Coach of the Year

In 2010, Bill Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year.

2011: Induction into Phillips Academy Athletics Hall of Honor

In 2011, Phillips Academy honored Bill Belichick by inducting him into its Athletics Hall of Honor.

2011: Patriots win AFC Championship but lose Super Bowl XLVI

In 2011, the Patriots topped the AFC with a 13–3 record, won the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens, and advanced to Super Bowl XLVI. In Super Bowl XLVI, the Patriots lost to the New York Giants by a score of 21–17.

2014: "We're on to Cincinnati" press conference

In 2014, after a 2-2 start, Belichick famously uttered, "We're on to Cincinnati" several times during a press conference. The Patriots finished with a 12–4 record and won Super Bowl XLIX, giving Belichick his fourth championship as head coach.

2016: Patriots win Super Bowl LI

In 2016, the Patriots recorded a 14–2 record and won Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons in a comeback victory. With the victory, Belichick won his record fifth Super Bowl title as a head coach.

May 2018: Appointment to Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition

In May 2018, Belichick was appointed by President Donald Trump to be a member of his Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition.

2018: Patriots win Super Bowl LIII

In 2018, the Patriots went 11–5 and captured their 10th consecutive AFC East title. They won Super Bowl LIII, defeating the Los Angeles Rams 13–3, giving Belichick his sixth Super Bowl championship as a head coach.

October 27, 2019: Belichick Achieves 300th Win

On October 27, 2019, Belichick secured his 300th win as a head coach, combining regular and postseason games, with the Patriots' victory over the Cleveland Browns.

2019: Patriots Win Divisional Title

In 2019, Bill Belichick led the Patriots to win a divisional title.

January 10, 2021: Trump Plans to Award Belichick Medal of Freedom

On January 10, 2021, it was reported that then-president Donald Trump planned to award Belichick the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

2021: Belichick Awarded Sports Emmy

In 2021, Belichick received a Sports Emmy for his contributions to the NFL 100 All-Time Team series.

2023: Worst Loss and 300th Regular Season Win

During the 2023 season, Belichick suffered the worst loss of his career to the Dallas Cowboys and the worst home loss against the Saints. He also achieved his 300th career regular season win against the Buffalo Bills. After a loss to the Colts, Bailey Zappe was named the starting quarterback. The Patriots finished the 2023 season with a 4-13 record, their worst under Belichick.