Bill Belichick's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Bill Belichick is a highly acclaimed American football coach, widely considered one of the greatest of all time. He holds the record for most Super Bowl wins as a head coach (six), all achieved with the New England Patriots. He also has two Super Bowl wins as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, bringing his combined total to a record of eight Super Bowl victories. Known for his deep understanding of football history and strategy, Belichick is often called a 'student of the game.' He served as the Patriots' head coach and de facto general manager, leading the team through a dominant dynasty period from 2001 to 2019.

Sections (5)

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

1934: Chicago Bears Perfect Season

In 1934, the Chicago Bears had a perfect regular season.

1942: Chicago Bears Perfect Season

In 1942, the Chicago Bears had a perfect regular season.

1948: Cleveland Browns and Calgary Stampeders Perfect Seasons

In 1948, both the Cleveland Browns and the Calgary Stampeders had a perfect season.

1972: Miami Dolphins' Record

In 1972, the Miami Dolphins achieved 18 straight victories.

1973: Miami Dolphins' Record

In 1973, the Miami Dolphins achieved 18 straight victories.

1978: Introduction of 16-game Season

In 1978, the 16-game regular season schedule was introduced to the NFL.

1985: Denver Broncos Miss Playoffs

In 1985, the Denver Broncos were the only other 11-win team to miss the playoffs in a 16-game season.

1986: Giants won Super Bowl XXI

In 1986, the New York Giants won Super Bowl XXI.

1990: Giants won Super Bowl XXV

In 1990, the New York Giants won Super Bowl XXV.

1992: Dallas Cowboys' Success

From 1992 to 1995, the Dallas Cowboys won three superbowls with two different coaches

1995: Dallas Cowboys' Success

From 1992 to 1995, the Dallas Cowboys won three superbowls with two different coaches

2001: Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVI

In 2001, the Patriots had an 11–5 regular season record, and won Super Bowl XXXVI. This was the Patriots' first Super Bowl championship in team history.

2003: Named AP NFL Coach of the Year

In 2003, Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year, recognizing his outstanding performance as a head coach.

2003: Patriots win divisional title

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

2003: Patriots won Super Bowl XXXVIII; Belichick awarded NFL Coach of the Year

The Patriots' 2003 season concluded with a Super Bowl XXXVIII victory and Belichick being awarded the NFL Coach of the Year Award.

2004: Patriots' Success in 2004

In 2004, the Patriots concluded the season with a 14–2 record, defeating 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 the second team to win three Super Bowls in four years. Belichick is the only coach to accomplish this feat since the Dallas Cowboys had two coaches during their run from 1992 to 1995.

2006: Consecutive Wins Record

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

2007: Perfect Regular Season

In 2007, Belichick led the Patriots to a perfect regular season, the first since the 16-game schedule was introduced in 1978. They defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars and the San Diego Chargers in the playoffs but lost to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

2007: Named AP NFL Coach of the Year

In 2007, Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year for the second time, further cementing his reputation as an elite coach.

2007: Patriots win divisional title

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

2007: NFL Coach of the Year Award

In 2007, following the 'Spygate' scandal and the Patriots' perfect 16-0 regular season record, Belichick was awarded the 2007 NFL Coach of the Year Award by the Associated Press.

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

In spring 2008, Belichick was part of the inaugural induction class into Wesleyan University's Athletics Hall of Fame, honoring his athletic achievements during his time at the university.

2009: Patriots win divisional title

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

2010: Named AP NFL Coach of the Year

In 2010, Belichick was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year for the third time, highlighting his consistent success and leadership.

2011: Inducted into Phillips Academy Athletics Hall of Honor

In 2011, Phillips Academy inducted Belichick into its Athletics Hall of Honor, recognizing his achievements as an alumnus.

2011: AFC Championship and Super Bowl XLVI Loss

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

2014: "We're on to Cincinnati" Press Conference and Super Bowl XLIX Win

In the 2014 season, after a 2-2 start and a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Belichick famously said, "We're on to Cincinnati." The Patriots recorded a 12–4 record and won Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks. Belichick tied Chuck Noll for the most Super Bowl wins by a head coach with his fourth championship.

2016: Super Bowl LI Victory

In 2016, the Patriots achieved a 14–2 record and secured the #1 seed for the AFC playoffs. They defeated the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI in a comeback victory, with Belichick winning his record fifth Super Bowl title as a head coach.

May 2018: Belichick appointed to President Trump's 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: Super Bowl LIII Victory

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

October 27, 2019: Belichick achieves 300th win as head coach

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

2019: Patriots win divisional title

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

January 10, 2021: Trump plans to award Belichick the Presidential 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 awarded a Sports Emmy

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

2023: Worst coaching loss and 300th regular season win

In 2023, Belichick suffered the worst loss of his coaching career against the Dallas Cowboys, followed by his worst home loss against the Saints. However, later in 2023, he earned his 300th career regular season win against the Buffalo Bills. At the end of 2023, Bailey Zappe was named starting quarterback. The Patriots finished the season with a 4–13 record, their worst under Belichick.