The right coach can push a talented team over the top. The wrong coach, meanwhile, can take a talented roster and do a whole lot of nothing with it. But the line between good coach and bad is a fine one in pro sports.
So, which coaches have managed to stand out in their sport? Which ones have cultivated winning ways? Here are the best of the bunch.
Bo Schembechler
There are a few standout names in college football. But few represent the culture of the university. Bo Schembechler was Michigan football. For 21 seasons, he pioneered Big Ten football and made Michigan a powerhouse.
His record of 194-48-5 led to a share or outright victory of 13 Big Ten conference titles. His teams played brutal, rough, hard-nosed football, running the ball at will on opponents.
Al Arbour
Hockey fans know Scotty Bowman. But Arbour did all that Bowman did before Scotty got his chance. When he left the game, he was the all-time leader in games coached as well as wins. Moreover, he turned the New York Islanders into a dynasty.
The team won four straight Stanley Cup championships from 1979 to 1983 and made it to the finals against the dynamic and youthful Edmonton Oilers in 1984. He had the ability to maximize talent like few coaches could.
Bear Bryant
When you think of college football coaches, most people over 30 will think of Bear Bryant. The legendary coach had 25 years at the university of Alabama and created arguably the greatest resume a coach could have.
His 232-46 record has stood the test of time. He also took home six national championships and another 13 conference titles. Dominance was what the Bear was about.
John Wooden
When you talk about dominance, no one dominated like John Wooden’s UCLA Bruins. Wooden is the most legendary coach in collegiate basketball history, known as the Wizard of Westwood.
Not impressed? How about the fact that, over a 12-year period, Wooden won 10 NCAA championships. No one will match that again, ever.