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 widely considered one of the greatest of all time. Known for his strategic brilliance and deep understanding of the game, he holds the record for most Super Bowl wins as a head coach (six with the New England Patriots) and also earned two Super Bowl rings as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, totaling eight Super Bowl victories. Belichick served as head coach and de facto general manager during the Patriots' dominant dynasty from 2001 to 2019.

Sections (5)

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

1986: Won Super Bowl XXI

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

1990: Won Super Bowl XXV

In 1990, the New York Giants won Super Bowl XXV, with Bill Belichick as the defensive coordinator. Belichick's defensive game plan has been placed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2001: Start of the Patriots Dynasty

In 2001, Bill Belichick became 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 their first Super Bowl championship, defeating the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. Bill Belichick's defense held the Rams to 17 points.

2003: AP NFL Coach of the Year

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

2003: Start of Patriots' Five Consecutive Divisional Titles

In 2003, the New England Patriots began a streak of five consecutive divisional titles under Bill Belichick.

2003: Won Super Bowl XXXVIII and NFL Coach of the Year

In 2003, the Patriots finished the season 14-2, defeated the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII, and Bill Belichick was awarded the NFL Coach of the Year Award.

2004: Patriots Win Super Bowl XXXIX

In 2004, the Patriots finished with a 14–2 record and defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional round. After 15 straight wins to end the previous season and starting this season at 6-0, they earned 21 consecutive victories, breaking the record for most wins in a row. They defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game and beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX, becoming only the second team to win three Super Bowls in four years.

2007: Belichick Wins NFL Coach of the Year Award

Following the "Spygate" incident and the Patriots' perfect 16–0 regular season record, Belichick was awarded the 2007 NFL Coach of the Year Award by the Associated Press.

2007: AP NFL Coach of the Year

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

2007: End of Patriots' Five Consecutive Divisional Titles

In 2007, the New England Patriots concluded a streak of five consecutive divisional titles under Bill Belichick.

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: Start of Patriots' Eleven Consecutive Divisional Titles

In 2009, the New England Patriots began a streak of eleven consecutive divisional titles under Bill Belichick.

2010: AP NFL Coach of the Year

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

2011: Inducted into Phillips Academy Athletics Hall of Honor

In 2011, Bill Belichick was inducted into Phillips Academy's Athletics Hall of Honor.

2014: Patriots Win Super Bowl XLIX

In the 2014 season, Belichick's Patriots started 2–2. Following a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Belichick famously said, "We're on to Cincinnati." They recorded a 12–4 record and defeated the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. Belichick tied Chuck Noll for most Super Bowl wins by a head coach, with four.

2016: Patriots Win Super Bowl LI

In the 2016 season, the Patriots recorded a 14–2 record, earning the #1 seed. They defeated the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI in overtime, after overcoming a 28–3 deficit. Belichick won his fifth Super Bowl title as a head coach.

May 2018: Belichick Appointed to Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition

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

2018: Patriots Win Super Bowl LIII

In the 2018 season, the Patriots went 11–5. They defeated the Los Angeles Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs. In Super Bowl LIII, the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13–3, giving Belichick his sixth Super Bowl championship as a head coach and his eighth overall. Belichick matched both George Halas and Curly Lambeau for most championships as a head coach.

October 27, 2019: Belichick Obtains 300th Win

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

2019: End of Patriots' Eleven Consecutive Divisional Titles

In 2019, the New England Patriots concluded a streak of eleven consecutive divisional titles under Bill Belichick.

January 10, 2021: Declined Presidential Medal of Freedom

On January 10, 2021, it was reported that Donald Trump planned to award Bill Belichick the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Belichick declined the award, referencing the January 6 United States Capitol attack.

2021: Belichick Awarded Sports Emmy

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

2023: Belichick Suffers Worst Loss and Achieves 300th Regular Season Win

In 2023, Bill Belichick suffered the worst loss of his coaching career against the Dallas Cowboys. Later, the Patriots upset the Buffalo Bills, earning Belichick his 300th career regular season win as an NFL head coach. The Patriots finished the season with a 4-13 record.