Introduction: The Pride of Miami: The Miami Dolphins are one of the most recognizable franchises in professional football. Founded in 1966 as a member of the American Football League (AFL), the Dolphins joined the NFL when the AFL–NFL merger took effect in 1970. Based in the Miami metropolitan area, the franchise built its reputation on championship football, outstanding coaching, innovative offense, and a tradition of excellence. The Dolphins reached the pinnacle of professional football in the early 1970s, winning back-to-back Super Bowls and completing the only perfect season in NFL history. Under legendary head coach Don Shula, Miami became a symbol of discipline, consistency, and championship ambition. From quarterback Dan Marino’s record-setting passing career to the bruising running of Larry Csonka and the leadership of Bob Griese, the Dolphins have produced generations of football legends. The Founding of the Miami Dolphins The Dolphins were established in 1966 as an AFL expansion franchise. Attorney and businessman Joe Robbie and television personality Danny Thomas were the original owners who secured the team. Robbie became the franchise’s principal owner and guiding business figure, while Thomas’s ownership interest was short-lived. The team began playing in the AFL in 1966 and entered the NFL in 1970 following the merger. Miami struggled during its first seasons, but the arrival of head coach Don Shula in 1970 transformed the organization. By 1971, the Dolphins were competing for championships. In 1972, Miami completed a perfect season, winning every regular-season and postseason game before defeating Washington in Super Bowl VII. All Miami Dolphins Owners The Dolphins have had several ownership eras, each contributing to the franchise’s development. Joe Robbie (1966–1990): Founding principal owner who established the franchise, hired Don Shula, and oversaw the team’s rise to championship status. Robbie also spearheaded the construction of the team’s privately financed stadium. Wayne Huizenga (1994–2008): Purchased a controlling interest in the franchise in 1994. Under his ownership, Miami remained a major NFL organization and the stadium underwent significant commercial and naming changes. Stephen M. Ross (2009–present): Acquired a controlling interest in 2009 and became the majority owner. Ross has overseen extensive stadium renovations, franchise investment, and efforts to return Miami to championship contention. Important ownership note: Ownership percentages and transaction dates changed during transitions. Joe Robbie’s death in 1990 led to the sale of the team to Wayne Huizenga’s ownership group in 1994, with intervening estate and minority-interest arrangements. Ross’s acquisition also occurred in stages before he became the controlling owner. Every Stadium the Dolphins Have Called Home Miami has played its home games in two principal stadium locations, with the current venue undergoing multiple name changes. Miami Orange Bowl (1966–1986) The Dolphins played their first 21 seasons at the Miami Orange Bowl, a historic stadium in Miami. The venue hosted the team’s early AFL years, the transition to the NFL, and the rise of its championship dynasty. The Orange Bowl was the setting for Miami’s early home games during the perfect 1972 season. It was also the home of the University of Miami Hurricanes and a major landmark in South Florida sports history. Joe Robbie Stadium / Hard Rock Stadium era (1987–present) The Dolphins moved to a new stadium in 1987. Built in Miami Gardens, the venue was originally known as Joe Robbie Stadium and has since carried several names: Joe Robbie Stadium Pro Player Park Pro Player Stadium Dolphins Stadium Dolphin Stadium Land Shark Stadium Sun Life Stadium New Miami Stadium Hard Rock Stadium (2016–present) The stadium has hosted Super Bowls, college football national championships, major international sporting events, and numerous Dolphins playoff games. Extensive renovations have modernized the facility and improved its premium seating, shade, and fan amenities. The Miami Dolphins’ Perfect Season of 1972 The 1972 Miami Dolphins accomplished something no other NFL team has ever matched: a perfect season culminating in a Super Bowl championship. Under Don Shula, Miami finished the regular season 14–0 and won three postseason games to complete a 17–0 campaign. The Dolphins defeated the Washington Redskins 14–7 in Super Bowl VII on January 14, 1973. Kicker Garo Yepremian, running back Larry Csonka, quarterback Bob Griese, and the team’s formidable defense all played important roles in the championship run. The following season, Miami won Super Bowl VIII by defeating the Minnesota Vikings 24–7. Csonka was named Super Bowl MVP after delivering a powerful rushing performance. These consecutive championships established the Dolphins as one of the greatest teams of the early Super Bowl era. Miami Dolphins in the Pro Football Hall of Fame The Pro Football Hall of Fame recognizes players, coaches, and executives who have made exceptional contributions to professional football. This section emphasizes those whose Hall of Fame legacies are closely associated with their work in Miami, rather than listing every Hall of Famer who briefly played or worked for the franchise. Dolphins Hall of Fame legends Larry Csonka — Fullback: A dominant power runner who helped lead Miami to both Super Bowl championships. His rushing ability was central to the team’s ground-oriented offense. Bob Griese — Quarterback: The leader of Miami’s championship offenses, Griese combined efficient passing, sound decisions, and leadership. Jim Langer — Center: An essential member of the offensive line that helped power the undefeated 1972 team. Larry Little — Guard: One of the premier offensive linemen of his generation, Little helped create running lanes for Miami’s powerful rushing attack. Dwight Stephenson — Center: A dominant offensive lineman whose career made him one of the most respected centers in NFL history. Nick Buoniconti — Linebacker: A defensive leader and key member of the championship teams, known for his intelligence and tackling. Dan Marino — Quarterback: Miami’s greatest passing star, whose exceptional arm strength… Continue reading History: The Pride of Miami
Tag: American Football League
Kansas City Chiefs: The Complete History of a Football Dynasty
The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the most important franchises in professional football history. Their story begins not in Kansas City, but in 1959, when Lamar Hunt founded the Dallas Texans as one of the original franchises of the American Football League (AFL). The Texans became the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963, and the franchise has remained in the Hunt family ever since. From the great AFL teams of the 1960s to the Patrick Mahomes era, the Chiefs have produced Hall of Fame players, championship teams, legendary coaches and some of the greatest moments in NFL history. As of the beginning of the 2026 season, the franchise had won four Super Bowls: Super Bowl IV, Super Bowl LIV, Super Bowl LVII and Super Bowl LVIII. The Beginning: The Dallas Texans Lamar Hunt founded the franchise in 1959 as the Dallas Texans. The team became a charter member of the new American Football League and began playing in 1960. The Texans quickly became one of the AFL’s strongest teams. In 1962, Dallas won the AFL Championship in a dramatic double-overtime victory over the Houston Oilers. Despite the championship, Hunt concluded that Dallas could not adequately support both his team and the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. He therefore moved the franchise to Kansas City after the 1962 season. The team officially became the Kansas City Chiefs in 1963. The move was enormously successful. Kansas City immediately embraced the new franchise, and the Chiefs eventually became one of the AFL’s signature teams. All Chiefs Owners One of the most remarkable aspects of Chiefs history is the continuity of ownership. The franchise has never been sold outside the Hunt family. Lamar Hunt — 1959-2006 Lamar Hunt was the founder, original owner and guiding force behind the franchise. He owned the team from its creation as the Dallas Texans in 1959 until his death in 2006. Hunt was also one of the founders of the American Football League and played a major role in the AFL-NFL merger. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972. Hunt is also widely credited with helping popularize the name “Super Bowl.” Norma Hunt and the Hunt Family — 2006-2023 Following Lamar Hunt’s death in December 2006, ownership remained within the Hunt family. His wife, Norma Hunt, and their four children became involved in ownership of the franchise. Norma Hunt became one of the most recognizable figures in NFL history. She was known as the “First Lady of Football” and attended every Super Bowl from the first game through her death in 2023. The Four Hunt Family Ownership Groups — Present Today, the Chiefs are owned by the families of Lamar Hunt’s four children: Lamar Hunt Jr. Sharron Hunt Clark Hunt Daniel Hunt Clark Hunt serves as chairman and CEO and is the family’s principal representative in the operation of the franchise. The Chiefs therefore remain one of the NFL’s longest continuously family-owned franchises. Every Stadium the Chiefs Have Called Home The franchise has had three principal home stadiums when the Dallas Texans and Kansas City Chiefs history is considered together. Cotton Bowl — Dallas, Texas 1960-1962 The original Dallas Texans played their home games at the Cotton Bowl. The stadium was already one of the best-known football venues in Texas, and it served as the franchise’s home during its three seasons in Dallas. The Texans won the 1962 AFL Championship while playing at the Cotton Bowl. Municipal Stadium — Kansas City, Missouri 1963-1971 After moving to Kansas City, the newly renamed Chiefs played at Municipal Stadium. The stadium was located at 22nd Street and Brooklyn Avenue and had previously been used by the Kansas City Athletics baseball club. Municipal Stadium became the birthplace of Kansas City Chiefs football. Some of the greatest players in franchise history began their Chiefs careers there, including Len Dawson, Bobby Bell, Buck Buchanan, Willie Lanier, Emmitt Thomas and Johnny Robinson. The Chiefs played their final game at Municipal Stadium on Christmas Day 1971, losing a dramatic overtime playoff game to the Miami Dolphins. Arrowhead Stadium — Kansas City, Missouri 1972-present The Chiefs moved into Arrowhead Stadium in 1972. Arrowhead quickly became one of the most recognizable stadiums in professional sports. Its steep seating bowl, loud crowd and distinctive design made it one of the most intimidating home-field advantages in the NFL. The stadium was later known as GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Arrowhead has been the home of the Chiefs through the eras of Marty Schottenheimer, Dick Vermeil, Herm Edwards, Todd Haley, Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. It has also hosted some of the greatest playoff games in franchise history. Chiefs Pro Football Hall of Famers — The Chiefs Legacy The Pro Football Hall of Fame lists many former Chiefs because the players, coaches and executives associated with the franchise represent several generations of professional football excellence. For this list, the focus is on the Hall of Famers whose major football legacy was earned with the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs, rather than players who happened to spend a short portion of their careers in Kansas City. Bobby Bell Linebacker — Chiefs, 1963-1974 Bobby Bell was one of the great defensive players of the AFL era. He was a key member of the Chiefs’ championship defenses and became one of the most feared linebackers in professional football. Buck Buchanan Defensive Tackle — Chiefs, 1963-1975 Buck Buchanan was one of the dominant defensive linemen of the AFL. He was a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ great defenses and played in both of Kansas City’s first two Super Bowls. Curley Culp Defensive Tackle — Chiefs, 1968-1974 Culp was a powerful defensive tackle who became an important part of the Chiefs’ defense during the late AFL and early NFL years. Len Dawson Quarterback — Chiefs, 1963-1975 Len Dawson was the greatest quarterback of the early Chiefs era. He led Kansas City to the AFL Championship in 1966 and 1969 and quarterbacked the Chiefs to their historic victory in Super Bowl IV. Dawson was named… Continue reading Kansas City Chiefs: The Complete History of a Football Dynasty
The History of the NFL Chargers: From the AFL to the Los Angeles Era
The Los Angeles Chargers have a very distinctive history in professional football. Founded in 1959 as a charter member of the American Football League, the Chargers began play in Los Angeles in 1960, moved to San Diego in 1961, and returned to Los Angeles in 2017. The franchise has produced Hall of Fame players, innovative coaches, record-setting quarterbacks and one of the most influential offensive systems in NFL history. The Birth of the Chargers The Chargers were awarded to Los Angeles on August 14, 1959, as one of the eight original AFL franchises. They began their first season in 1960. The team’s founding owner was Barron Hilton, who purchased the franchise rights for $25,000. Hilton also held a contest to select the team’s name, with “Chargers” ultimately being chosen. The Chargers immediately became one of the AFL’s most competitive teams under head coach Sid Gillman. They won five division titles during their first six seasons and captured the 1963 AFL Championship. Chargers Owners The franchise has had several ownership eras. Barron Hilton — 1960–1966 Hilton was the Chargers’ founding owner and the person who brought the franchise into existence. His Chargers won the 1963 AFL Championship and helped establish the club as one of the AFL’s strongest organizations. Eugene V. Klein and the ownership group — 1966–1984 In 1966, Hilton sold the Chargers to a group headed by Eugene V. Klein and Sam Schulman. Klein became the club’s principal owner. The Klein era eventually produced the famous “Air Coryell” Chargers. Klein hired Don Coryell during the 1978 season, and the Chargers became one of the NFL’s premier offensive teams. Alex Spanos — 1984–2018 Alex Spanos purchased controlling interest in the Chargers from Klein in 1984. He subsequently acquired additional shares and became the dominant owner of the franchise. Spanos’ ownership included the team’s 1994 AFC championship and its appearance in Super Bowl XXIX following the 1994 season. Dean Spanos — Controlling owner Alex Spanos turned day-to-day control of the organization over to his son Dean Spanos in the 1990s. Dean became the team’s controlling owner and chairman and led the franchise through its move back to Los Angeles in 2017. The Chargers remain a Spanos family-owned franchise. Every Stadium the Chargers Have Called Home The Chargers have had an unusually varied stadium history because of their move from Los Angeles to San Diego and eventually back to Los Angeles. Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum — 1960 The original Los Angeles Chargers played their inaugural 1960 season at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. That first season established the Chargers as an exciting AFL franchise before the team relocated to San Diego. Balboa Stadium — San Diego — 1961–1966 The Chargers moved to San Diego for the 1961 season and played at Balboa Stadium. This became the franchise’s first San Diego home. San Diego Stadium — 1967–2016 The Chargers moved into the newly constructed San Diego Stadium in 1967. The facility subsequently carried several names: San Diego Stadium Jack Murphy Stadium Qualcomm Stadium The Chargers spent nearly five decades playing their home games at the facility. There was one unusual exception in 2003, when a Chargers home game was played at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, because of the Cedar Fire in San Diego. Dignity Health Sports Park — Carson — 2017–2019 When the franchise returned to Los Angeles in 2017, the Chargers initially played at the small Carson venue then known as StubHub Center. It was renamed Dignity Health Sports Park in 2019. The Chargers played there through the 2019 season while their permanent Los Angeles stadium was being constructed. SoFi Stadium — Inglewood — 2020–present The Chargers moved into SoFi Stadium in 2020. They share the stadium with the Los Angeles Rams, making SoFi Stadium the current home of both Los Angeles NFL franchises. The Chargers’ first season at the facility began a new chapter in the franchise’s history. Chargers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame There is an important distinction in discussing Chargers Hall of Famers. The Pro Football Hall of Fame identifies 16 franchise members associated with the Chargers through the 2025 season. However, some of those individuals earned their Hall of Fame recognition largely or partly through careers with other organizations. For this article, the focus is on players and coaches whose Chargers careers are central to their Chargers legacy. Lance Alworth Position: Wide receiver Chargers: 1962–1970 Hall of Fame: 1978 Alworth was the first Chargers player elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He became one of the AFL’s great deep threats and was a centerpiece of the Chargers’ championship-era teams. Ron Mix Position: Offensive tackle Chargers: 1960–1969 Hall of Fame: 1979 Mix was one of the dominant offensive linemen of the AFL era and played a major role in protecting Chargers quarterbacks during the club’s early success. Sid Gillman Position: Head coach Chargers: 1960–1971 Hall of Fame: 1983 Gillman helped establish the Chargers as an offensive innovator. His coaching philosophy emphasized sophisticated passing concepts and helped influence generations of NFL coaches. Dan Fouts Position: Quarterback Chargers: 1973–1987 Hall of Fame: 1993 Fouts became the defining quarterback of the Air Coryell era. His combination of arm strength, accuracy and aggressive downfield passing made him one of the NFL’s most prolific quarterbacks. Kellen Winslow Position: Tight end Chargers: 1979–1987 Hall of Fame: 1995 Winslow revolutionized the possibilities of the tight end position. His receiving ability made him a critical component of the Chargers’ high-powered offense. Charlie Joiner Position: Wide receiver Chargers: 1976–1986 Hall of Fame: 1996 Joiner was one of the key members of the Chargers’ receiving corps and became one of the most productive receivers of his era. Fred Dean … Continue reading The History of the NFL Chargers: From the AFL to the Los Angeles Era
Denver Broncos History:
Denver Broncos History: Owners, Stadiums, Hall of Famers, MVPs and the Broncos Legacy The Denver Broncos are one of the most recognizable franchises in professional football. Founded in 1959 as a charter member of the American Football League, the Broncos began play in 1960 and joined the National Football League when the AFL and NFL merged in 1970. The early years were difficult. Denver struggled through most of its first decade, finishing the AFL era with a 39-97-4 record. But the franchise eventually transformed itself into one of the NFL’s most successful organizations. The Broncos have won three Super Bowls—XXXII, XXXIII and 50—and have captured AFC championships in 1977, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1997, 1998, 2013 and 2015. The Birth of the Denver Broncos The Broncos were founded by Bob Howsam, who received an AFL franchise for Denver in 1959. Howsam had experience in professional baseball and had been involved in developing Bears Stadium, which would become the Broncos’ first regular home. The Broncos played their first regular-season game on September 9, 1960, defeating the Boston Patriots 13-10. That game was the first game ever played in the history of the American Football League. The Howsam family’s ownership lasted only briefly. Howsam sold his interest to a group headed by Gerald H. Phipps and Cal Kunz in 1961. Denver Broncos Ownership History The Broncos have had several ownership groups since their creation. Bob Howsam — 1959-1961 Robert “Bob” Howsam was the founder and original owner of the Broncos. He brought professional football to Denver by obtaining the AFL franchise. His first Broncos team went 4-9-1 in 1960, but the organization he created eventually became one of the NFL’s most successful franchises. Cal Kunz — 1961-1964 Cal Kunz became part of the ownership group that purchased the Broncos from Howsam in 1961. Kunz was an important member of the early Denver ownership group. Gerald and Allan Phipps — 1961-1981 Gerald H. Phipps and his brother Allan Phipps became the dominant owners of the Broncos. Gerald Phipps purchased the club in 1965 and became one of the most important figures in early Broncos history. Under his ownership, the team experienced its first winning season in 1973 and eventually reached its first playoffs and first Super Bowl in 1977. Gerald Phipps was later inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame. Edgar Kaiser Jr. — 1981-1984 Edgar Kaiser Jr., a member of the Kaiser family, purchased the Broncos from the Phipps ownership group in 1981. His ownership lasted only a few seasons, but it directly preceded the beginning of the greatest ownership era in franchise history. Pat Bowlen — 1984-2019 Pat Bowlen became majority owner of the Broncos in 1984 and eventually acquired 100 percent ownership. Bowlen’s ownership lasted more than three decades and included: 7 AFC championships 3 Super Bowl championships 21 winning seasons 18 playoff appearances 7 Super Bowl appearances Bowlen was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019 as a contributor. His ownership era included the Broncos’ greatest sustained period of success. The Pat Bowlen Trust — 2019-2022 After Bowlen’s death in 2019, the franchise was operated through the Pat Bowlen Trust while the ownership succession process was completed. Joe Ellis served as the Broncos’ president and CEO during this transition. Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group — 2022-Present In 2022, the Broncos were purchased by the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group. Rob Walton became the principal owner, while Greg Penner serves as chairman and CEO. The ownership group also includes Carrie Walton Penner and other investors. As of 2026, the Walton-Penner group remains the Broncos’ ownership group. Every Stadium the Broncos Have Called Home The Broncos have a particularly interesting stadium history because they spent their first 41 seasons almost entirely in one facility. Bears Stadium — 1960-1968 The Broncos began playing in Bears Stadium, which had originally been built in 1948 for the Denver Bears baseball club. When the Broncos entered the AFL, the stadium was expanded for professional football. It became the original home of the Denver Broncos. University of Denver Stadium — 1962 and 1963 The Broncos also used University of Denver Stadium, commonly known as Hilltop Stadium, for two home openers because Bears Stadium was unavailable. These were unusual exceptions rather than a permanent change of home field. Mile High Stadium — 1969-2000 Bears Stadium was renamed Denver Mile High Stadium in 1969. For decades, “Mile High” became almost synonymous with the Denver Broncos. The Broncos played virtually all of their home games there from 1960 through 2000. Their record in the building was 190-108-7. The stadium also became famous for its enormous crowds and intimidating home-field atmosphere. Invesco Field at Mile High — 2001-2011 In 2001, the Broncos moved into their new stadium adjacent to the old Mile High Stadium site. The new facility was initially called Invesco Field at Mile High. Sports Authority Field at Mile High — 2011-2018 The stadium was renamed Sports Authority Field at Mile High in 2011. Broncos Stadium at Mile High — 2018-2019 Following the end of the Sports Authority naming agreement, the facility temporarily became known as Broncos Stadium at Mile High. Empower Field at Mile High — 2019-Present In 2019, the stadium became Empower Field at Mile High under a 21-year naming-rights agreement. As of 2026, Empower Field remains the Broncos’ home stadium. The stadium holds approximately 76,000 fans and has continued the tradition of “Mile High” football in Denver. Broncos in the Pro Football Hall of Fame The Broncos have produced a remarkable collection of Pro Football Hall of Famers. For this list, the focus is on individuals whose Hall of Fame careers included their major Broncos accomplishments—not players whose Hall of Fame credentials were primarily earned with another franchise. John Elway… Continue reading Denver Broncos History:
Buffalo Bills: A Complete History of Buffalo’s NFL Franchise
The Buffalo Bills are one of professional football’s most distinctive franchises. Born in the American Football League in 1959, the Bills became one of the AFL’s early powers, survived difficult decades, produced one of the greatest teams of the 1990s, and eventually became the first team in NFL history to reach four consecutive Super Bowls. The franchise has had only two ownership groups, but a long succession of coaches, several different home venues, Hall of Fame players, memorable draft successes and some painful draft misses. As of the 2026 season, the Bills have also entered a new era with the opening of a new Highmark Stadium and the hiring of Joe Brady as head coach. The Birth of the Buffalo Bills The modern Buffalo Bills franchise began on October 28, 1959, when Detroit businessman Ralph C. Wilson Jr. was awarded the seventh franchise in the new American Football League. Wilson was one of the original AFL owners—the group sometimes called the AFL’s “Foolish Club” because they were challenging the established NFL. He selected Buffalo as the home of his new team. The team was officially named the Buffalo Bills in November 1959 and began playing in 1960. The Bills became one of the AFL’s strongest clubs during the middle of the 1960s, winning consecutive AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965. Every Bills Owner One of the remarkable things about Buffalo’s history is the small number of ownership groups. 1. Ralph C. Wilson Jr. — 1959–2014 Wilson was the founder and original owner. He owned the Bills for 54 seasons, making him one of the longest-serving owners in NFL history. During his ownership, Buffalo won two AFL championships and appeared in four consecutive Super Bowls. Wilson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. Wilson also became an important figure in the AFL-NFL merger and was widely respected among NFL owners. 2. Terry and Kim Pegula — 2014–present Terry and Kim Pegula purchased the Bills in 2014 after Wilson’s death. NFL owners unanimously approved the sale on October 8, 2014. The Pegulas became only the second ownership group in Bills history. Terry Pegula is the team’s owner/CEO/president, while Kim Pegula is an owner and has also held prominent leadership positions with the Bills and Buffalo Sabres. Every Bills Home Stadium The Bills have had two primary physical homes; although their second hone went through numerous names. War Memorial Stadium — 1960–1972 The Bills began playing at War Memorial Stadium, commonly called the Rockpile, in Buffalo. The stadium originally opened in 1937 and was expanded during the Bills’ tenure. Buffalo played there for its entire AFL existence through the 1972 season. Rich Stadium — 1973–1997 The Bills moved to their new suburban stadium in Orchard Park in 1973. The stadium was originally named Rich Stadium. Ralph Wilson Stadium — 1998–2015 The stadium was renamed Ralph Wilson Stadium in honor of the franchise’s founder. New Era Field — 2016–2019 Naming rights changed again, producing the name New Era Field. Bills Stadium — 2020–2021 The stadium temporarily carried the straightforward name Bills Stadium. Highmark Stadium — 2021–2025 Highmark obtained naming rights in 2021, giving the Orchard Park stadium the name Highmark Stadium. New Highmark Stadium — 2026–present The Bills opened a new Highmark Stadium in 2026, replacing the previous stadium across the street. The new facility has a capacity of approximately 60,108, features a natural-grass field and was designed specifically around football. The first regular-season game in the new stadium was scheduled for September 17, 2026, against the Detroit Lions. Every Bills Head Coach Buffalo has had a long list of head coaches. Including interim coaches, the franchise has had 21 head-coaching tenures/named head coaches through the 2025 season, with Joe Brady beginning in 2026. Years Head Coach 1960–1961 Buster Ramsey 1962–1965 Lou Saban 1966–1968 Joe Collier 1968 Harvey Johnson 1969–1970 John Rauch 1971 Harvey Johnson 1972–1976 Lou Saban 1976–1977 Jim Ringo 1978–1982 Chuck Knox 1983–1985 Kay Stephenson 1985–1986 Hank Bullough 1986–1997 Marv Levy 1998–2000 Wade Phillips 2001–2003 Gregg Williams 2004–2005 Mike Mularkey 2006–2009 Dick Jauron 2009 Perry Fewell, interim 2010–2012 Chan Gailey 2013–2014 Doug Marrone 2015–2016 Rex Ryan 2016 Anthony Lynn, interim 2017–2025 Sean McDermott 2026–present Joe Brady The NFL’s official records document the historical coaching succession and records. Lou Saban and the First Bills Dynasty Lou Saban was the first great coach in Bills history. He coached Buffalo from 1962 through 1965 and returned from 1972 through 1976. His first Bills team won the AFL Championship in 1964. Buffalo repeated as champions in 1965. The 1964 team was led by stars including Jack Kemp, Cookie Gilchrist, Billy Shaw, Tom Sestak and Mike Stratton. The Bills came extremely close to reaching the first Super Bowl. They lost the 1966 AFL Championship Game to Kansas City, meaning the Chiefs—not Buffalo—advanced to Super Bowl I. The O.J. Simpson Era The 1970s produced one of the most famous players in franchise history: O.J. Simpson. Simpson became the centerpiece of the Buffalo offense and in 1973 became the first NFL running back to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season, finishing with 2,003. That accomplishment remained one of the defining individual achievements in Bills history. Chuck Knox and the Return to the Playoffs Chuck Knox became head coach in 1978. Known for his emphasis on physical football, Knox led Buffalo to the AFC East championship in 1980. The Bills reached the playoffs again in 1981 before losing to Cincinnati. After Knox’s departure, Buffalo went through another difficult period before one of the greatest transformations in franchise history. Marv Levy and the Greatest Era in Bills History Everything changed in 1986. The Bills replaced Hank Bullough with Marv Levy, who would eventually become a Pro Football Hall of Fame coach. Levy remained Buffalo’s head coach through 1997. He became the winningest coach in franchise history and led Buffalo to four consecutive AFC championships. Levy’s teams were built around an extraordinary collection of talent: Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, Bruce Smith, James… Continue reading Buffalo Bills: A Complete History of Buffalo’s NFL Franchise
Cincinnati Bengals History: From Paul Brown to Joe Burrow
The history of the Cincinnati Bengals is one of the most fascinating stories in the NFL. Founded by Hall of Fame coach Paul Brown, The Bengals entered the American Football League in 1968 and became part of the NFL following the AFL-NFL merger. The franchise has produced Hall of Fame players, NFL MVPs, innovative offenses, dramatic playoff victories and three Super Bowl appearances. Cincinnati has yet to win a Super Bowl, but the Bengals have built several teams that came within one game of becoming NFL champions. From Ken Anderson and Anthony Muñoz, to Boomer Esiason and Ickey Woods, to Chad Johnson and Carson Palmer, and finally to Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals have repeatedly built their identity around talented quarterbacks, explosive receivers and some of the most memorable personalities in football. The Birth of the Bengals The Bengals’ story begins with Paul Brown. After leaving the Cleveland Browns following the 1962 season, Brown remained away from professional football for several years. He eventually became the driving force behind bringing professional football back to Cincinnati. Cincinnati was awarded an AFL franchise in 1967, with Brown becoming the organization’s founder, head coach and general manager. The team began play in 1968. Brown chose the name Bengals, a name that connected the new franchise to previous Cincinnati professional football teams that had used the same nickname. The Bengals struggled during their first season, finishing 3-11, but Brown immediately demonstrated his ability to build an expansion team. The following year, Cincinnati drafted quarterback Greg Cook fifth overall. Cook became an instant sensation. Unfortunately, his shoulder injury during the third game of the 1969 season permanently altered what appeared to be a potentially spectacular career. Cook won AFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and the AFL passing title, but he played only one more game after 1969. His story remains one of the great “what if?” stories in Bengals history. Bengals Owners The Bengals have had remarkable ownership continuity compared with most NFL franchises. 1967-1991: Paul Brown Paul Brown was the founder and controlling figure of the franchise. He remained the organization’s principal owner and general manager until his death in 1991. 1983-1990: John Sawyer: John Sawyer became a significant shareholder and served as an owner/president during the later Paul Brown years. 1991-Present: Mike Brown and the Brown Family Following Paul Brown’s death in 1991, his son Mike Brown assumed control of the franchise. The Brown family has retained controlling ownership ever since. The Bengals have therefore remained locally owned throughout their history. The team said in 2011 that the Brown family continued to hold the controlling interest after purchasing shares previously held by the estate of original shareholder Austin E. “Dutch” Knowlton. Original Ownership Group The original franchise also included several Cincinnati investors, including Austin E. “Dutch” Knowlton, John Sawyer and other local investors. Knowlton was an important early shareholder, and the Bengals later purchased his estate’s stake. So, in terms of the franchise’s controlling ownership: Paul Brown → Mike Brown/Brown family That continuity is one of the defining characteristics of the Bengals. Home Stadiums The Bengals have played in three principal home stadiums. 1. Nippert Stadium — 1968-1969 The Bengals played their first two seasons at Nippert Stadium, on the University of Cincinnati campus. The stadium was considerably smaller than the downtown facility that was being constructed, but it became the birthplace of Bengals football. Cincinnati played its first preseason game there in August 1968. 2. Riverfront Stadium — 1970-1999In 1970 the Bengals moved downtown to Riverfront Stadium, which they shared with baseball’s Cincinnati Reds. The stadium became the backdrop for some of the greatest moments in franchise history, including: The 1970 AFC Central championship Ken Anderson’s MVP season The 1981 playoff run The 1982 “Freezer Bowl” victory The 1988 Super Bowl season The Ickey Shuffle The stadium was renamed Cinergy Field in 1996 and remained the Bengals’ home through the 1999 season. 3. Paycor Stadium — 2000-Present The Bengals moved into their new riverfront stadium in 2000. It was originally called Paul Brown Stadium, honoring the franchise founder. In 2022, naming rights were sold to Cincinnati-based Paycor, making the official name Paycor Stadium. The stadium remains the home of the Bengals in 2026. It has become known throughout the NFL as “The Jungle.” The Paul Brown Era Brown coached the Bengals from 1968 through 1975. His teams reached the playoffs three times, including the remarkable 1970 season. In only their third season, the Bengals won the AFC Central at 8-6 and became the youngest franchise at the time to reach the playoffs. Brown won the AFL Coach of the Year Award in 1969 and the AP NFL Coach of the… Continue reading Cincinnati Bengals History: From Paul Brown to Joe Burrow
