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NFL Power Rankings: 30 Best Coaches of All-Time

By Will Osgood

Jan 31, 2014; New York, NY, USA; General view of the Vince Lombardi Trophy prior to a press conference at Rose Theater in advance of Super Bowl XLVIII. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2014; New York, NY, USA; General view of the Vince Lombardi Trophy prior to a press conference at Rose Theater in advance of Super Bowl XLVIII. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sid Gillman coached for both the LA Rams and San Diego Chargers. San Diego is where this photo was taken.
Nov 23, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; St. Louis Rams fans cheer as the team takes the field for warmups before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

23. Sid Gillman (1955-1974)

If a “Coaching Tree” and schematic innovator are the most important marks for a great coach, perhaps Sid Gillman should be higher on this list. Because he was absolutely both. Among his most well-known disciples are Don Coryell, John Madden and Tom Flores (all whom will show up on this list later). The problem for Gillman and his legacy is that all of his disciples had more success than he did.

In a lot of ways, Gillman was before his time. It is probably why he is under-appreciated here and in general. It’s a sad fate for a coach who lasted in the league for 18 years, coaching the Rams, Chargers and Houston Oilers. His .552 winning percentage is nothing to sneeze at, nor is the fact that he went to the playoffs six times, even winning a championship. His .167 playoff winning percentage, though, is even lower than Marty “Chokensheimer”, whom I also adore as a coach.

It’s a cruel fate for Gillman and his legacy. Make no mistake, though, he could really coach.

Next: Another San Diego coach?

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