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Buffalo Bills: Top 5 Head Coaches in Franchise History

By Paul Taylor

Sep 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips watches before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Denver won the game 31-24. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips watches before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Denver won the game 31-24. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Bills
Sep 13, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; A general view of a helmet worn by the Buffalo Bills before a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

2) Lou Saban

Regular season record: 68-45-2

Achievements: 2 AFL East titles, 4 playoff appearances overall, 2 AFL Championships

Picking the order for number one and two on this list was admittedly a tough decision. As such, for anyone who wants to criticize putting Saban second, this sentiment would be entirely understandable.

A two-time All-Pro during his playing career with the Cleveland Browns, Saban took over as Bills head coach in just their third year of existence. His impact was almost immediate.

The Brookfield, Illinois native helped the team to their first ever winning record in his inaugural season. This was quickly followed by the franchise’s first foray into the playoffs the next year.

However, it was in 1964 where Saban really started to work his magic (which had started during the 1962 season, when he acquired a certain Jack Kemp from San Diego). The Bills recorded a 12-2 record — still the best single-season winning percentage in team history — and went on to capture their first ever championship.

This was impressive work by the two-time AFL Coach of the Year, especially for a team in just their fifth season of operation. He repeated the trick in 1965, with Buffalo winning a second consecutive AFL Championship.

Saban unexpectedly resigned after the season, telling the media: “There can be little left to conquer in professional football.” While it’s a shame for the Bills that he left when he did, there’s no denying he did indeed conquer most obstacles during his four years in Buffalo.

Next: The Dean of NFL head coaches

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