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Finding a great quarterback in the NFL is an uphill task, and finding a great coach is perhaps even more difficult. But if a team can find both and pair them, they can build a dynasty.
It's a rare occurrence for a team to find a coach-quarterback duo that are on the same page and share great chemistry on and off the field, but there have been examples of it in the NFL.
10 famous NFL coach-quarterback duos
#10 - Jason Garrett and Tony Romo
Tony Romo and Jason Garrett are the faces of the 8-8 record. But since they stuck together with the Cowboys for over half a decade in the NFL, they make this list. They never won a Super Bowl or got close, but they were the face of "America's team."
#9 - John Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson
This is a young but distinct duo. It used to be John Harbaugh and Joe Flacco until 2018 when the former decided to upgrade. His new quarterback, Lamar Jackson, has proven to be much better than Flacco.
The duo could have a long future in the NFL, with the Ravens now perennial playoff contenders every year. In fact, the Ravens have made the playoffs with Lamar Jackson every season since his rookie year.
#8 - Tony Dungy and Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning played for the Indianapolis Colts from 1998 to 2010, while Tony Dungy coached the team from 2002 to 2008. During their six seasons together, the Indianapolis Colts were one of the best teams in the NFL. The duo won the Super Bowl in 2007.
#7 - Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers
The relationship between Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy ended in flames, but for a number of seasons, they were one of the coach-quarterback duos in the league. McCarthy's offense was new and modern and matched well with the most talented quarterback in the league. They were a deadly duo.
Mike McCarthy coached the Packers from 2006 to 2018 and Aaron Rodgers was drafted into the NFL in 2005 as a Packer. They spent 13 years together and won a Super Bowl.
#6 - Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning
Head coach Tom Coughlin had been coaching the team since 2004 and had arrived at the same time as Eli Manning. It was an emotional day when the duo ultimately split in 2015 after Coughlin left the franchise. Manning went on to play for a few more years before retiring in 2019.
The duo spent 11 years together, winning two Super Bowls against the New England Patriots and Tom Brady. From 2007 until around 2012, the New York Giants were one of the best teams in the NFL.
Five more top NFL coach-quarterback combos
#5 - Sean Payton and Drew Brees
Drew Brees and Sean Payton arrived in New Orleans in 2006. Little did the NFL know what they were going to achieve over the next 15 years. The duo turned the struggling Saints into a football juggernaut and won a Super Bowl together for the franchise.
Drew Brees retired this offseason, ending the run of one of the greatest coach-quarterback duos in NFL history. It will be interesting to see if Sean Payton can find similar success with a new quarterback.
#4 - Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson has been playing for the Seattle Seahawks since 2012 while Pete Carroll has been coaching the team since 2010.
Over the last decade or so, the duo has been to two Super Bowls, winning one. The Seahawks have been playoff regulars with Wilson under center and Carroll on the sidelines.
The duo are chasing that elusive second Super Bowl title that will put them in the conversation for the greatest coach-quarterback tandem in NFL history.
#3 - Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes has been in the NFL for only four years but has already been to two Super Bowls and won one.
However, Mahomes would not have been able to do it without Andy Reid, who has been coaching the team since 2013. Looking ahead, this duo could easily have a lifespan of another decade, depending on how long Andy Reid wants to coach in the NFL.
#2 - Mike Tomlin and Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger has been playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2004 while Mike Tomlin has been coaching the team since 2007.
The two have been together since and won a Super Bowl together. They could still go on for another few years before Roethlisberger decides to retire.
Tomlin and Roethlisberger have been extremely successful together and will be entering their 15th season as a duo in 2021, continuing their quest for a second Super Bowl ring.
#1 - Bill Belichick and Tom Brady
Bill Belichick and Tom Brady spent 20 seasons together and went to nine Super Bowls and won six.
The duo might meet on the football field for the last time in Week 4 when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the New England Patriots. The battle will be the culmination of a story as old as some players in the NFL.
