Best NFL coaches of all time, ranked by wins - ESPN

When the New England Patriots defeated the Buffalo Bills on Oct. 22, 2023, Bill Belichick became just the third head coach in NFL history to win 300 regular-season games. He's now just 26 wins from surpassing Don Shula as the winningest coach in NFL history.

Unfortunately for Belichick, he has some competition for the No. 1 spot on the career wins list, as there's another active head coach who's right behind him: Andy Reid.

Reid's 255 career wins is the fourth most in NFL history, and his Kansas City Chiefs seem poised for sustained success. Reid is also six years younger than Belichick, so closing the gap certainly seems possible.

Are there any other active coaches who are moving up the career wins list? Let's take a look at which coaches have won the most regular-season games in NFL history. Active coaches are denoted with an asterisk.

17. Sean Payton*, 160 wins (tie)

Payton is one of six active coaches in the top-20, and he's currently tied with John Harbaugh at 160 wins. His current stint with the Denver Broncos didn't get off to the prettiest start, but they turned things around in the second half of the season. Now, big changes are coming in Denver since the team is expected to release quarterback Russell Wilson. Payton won a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints in 2009 and he was the AP's NFL Coach of the Year in 2006.

17. John Harbaugh*, 160 wins (tie)

Harbaugh just recently cracked the top 20 thanks to the Baltimore Ravens' 13-win season. The 61-year-old won a Super Bowl in 2012, defeating the San Francisco 49ers (who were coached by his brother, Jim). Harbaugh was named the AP's NFL Coach of the Year in 2019. He holds the NFL record for the most road playoff wins by a head coach, with eight.

16. Mike