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. Best known for his tenure as head coach of the New England Patriots, where he won a record six Super Bowls, he also earned two Super Bowl rings as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, totaling a record eight Super Bowl victories as coach. Renowned for his deep understanding of the game and player positions, he's often called a "student of the game". Belichick was instrumental 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

The 1934 Chicago Bears were one of the teams that had a perfect season before the Patriots in 2007.

1942: Chicago Bears' Perfect Season

The 1942 Chicago Bears were one of the teams that had a perfect season before the Patriots in 2007.

1948: Perfect Season Records

In 1948, the Cleveland Browns and the Calgary Stampeders recorded perfect seasons in professional football history. They are two of only a few teams to record a perfect season before the Patriots in 2007.

1972: Miami Dolphins' Perfect Season

In 1972, the Miami Dolphins achieved a perfect season (14-0) and won three playoff games. Their record remained unbroken as the Patriots failed to achieve a perfect season in 2007.

1973: Miami Dolphins' 1973 Season

In 1973, the Miami Dolphins had 18 straight victories in the 1972 and 1973 seasons. This record was eventually broken by the New England Patriots.

1986: Giants win Super Bowl XXI

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

1990: Giants win Super Bowl XXV

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

1992: Dallas Cowboys' Success from 1992 to 1995

From 1992 to 1995, the Dallas Cowboys won three of four Super Bowls with two head coaches. This feat was later matched by Bill Belichick as the only coach to accomplish the feat with one head coach.

1995: Dallas Cowboys' Success from 1992 to 1995

From 1992 to 1995, the Dallas Cowboys won three of four Super Bowls with two head coaches. This feat was later matched by Bill Belichick as the only coach to accomplish the feat with one head coach.

2001: Patriots Win Super Bowl XXXVI

In 2001, the Patriots finished the regular season 11-5. After defeating the Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers in the playoffs, they went on to win Super Bowl XXXVI against the St. Louis Rams.

2003: AP NFL Coach of the Year

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

2003: Patriots Win Divisional Title

In 2003, the Patriots secured one of their 17 divisional titles under Belichick.

2003: Patriots Win Super Bowl XXXVIII and Belichick wins NFL Coach of the Year

The Patriots dominated the 2003 season, finishing 14-2 and defeating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII. Bill Belichick was awarded the NFL Coach of the Year Award for the 2003 season.

2004: Patriots' Success in 2004

In 2004, the Patriots finished with a 14–2 record and defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the divisional round. They broke the record for consecutive victories with 21, won the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and won Super Bowl XXXIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, becoming the second team to win three Super Bowls in four years.

2006: Regular Season Wins Record

In the 2006-2008 period, The Patriots broke their own record for regular season wins in a row with 21.

2007: NFL Coach of the Year Award

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.

2007: Patriots' Perfect Regular Season in 2007

In 2007, Belichick led the Patriots to a perfect regular season, only the fourth team to do so in NFL history since the 16-game schedule was introduced in 1978. They defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Divisional Round and the San Diego Chargers in the AFC Championship. However, they were upset by the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

2007: Patriots Win Divisional Title

In 2007, the Patriots secured one of their 17 divisional titles under Belichick.

2008: Induction 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, the Patriots secured one of their 17 divisional titles under 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 the Phillips Academy Athletics Hall of Honor.

2011: Patriots' 2011 Season

In 2011, the Patriots finished with a 13-3 record, topping the AFC. They won the AFC Championship against the Baltimore Ravens after a missed field goal by the Ravens. They then lost Super Bowl XLVI to the New York Giants in a Super Bowl XLII rematch.

2014: Patriots' Super Bowl XLIX Victory

In 2014, after a 2-2 start, the Patriots finished with a 12-4 record. They defeated the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round and the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game. They won Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks, marking Belichick's fourth championship as head coach.

2016: Patriots' Super Bowl LI Victory

In 2016, the Patriots recorded a 14–2 record, earning the #1 seed for the AFC playoffs. They defeated the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. They won Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons in overtime, marking Belichick's record fifth Super Bowl title as a head coach.

2017: Patriots' 2017 Season and Super Bowl LII Loss

In 2017, the Patriots went 13–3 and set an NFL record with their eighth consecutive 12-or-more-win season. They defeated the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars to win the AFC Championship, extending their record of consecutive appearances. However, they lost Super Bowl LII to the Philadelphia Eagles, 41–33.

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

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

2018: Patriots' Super Bowl LIII Victory

In 2018, the Patriots went 11–5. They defeated the Los Angeles Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs to advance to Super Bowl LIII, where they defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13–3. This marked Belichick's sixth Super Bowl championship as a head coach and his eighth overall, giving him the most Super Bowl rings in NFL history.

October 27, 2019: Belichick Achieves 300th Win

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

2019: Patriots Win Divisional Title

In 2019, the Patriots secured their 11th consecutive AFC East title, marking the end of a dominant streak under Belichick.

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

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

2021: Belichick Wins Sports Emmy

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

2023: Patriots Suffer Record Losses and Belichick Reaches 300 Regular Season Wins

In 2023, the Patriots suffered the worst loss of Belichick's coaching career against the Dallas Cowboys and his worst home loss against the Saints. They upset the Buffalo Bills, earning Belichick his 300th regular-season win. Bailey Zappe was named starting quarterback, and the Patriots finished with a 4-13 record, their worst under Belichick. The team also snapped their 15-game winning streak over the New York Jets.