Ranking top 5 longest-tenured NFL HCs in 2024 post Bill Belichick's Patriots exit

An era has officially come to an end. On January 11, earlier this year, the New England Patriots confirmed that they and Bill Belichick have mutually agreed to part ways. The legendary head coach has often grown synonomous with the organization, with the Patriots aiming to fill a vacancy they haven't had since the start of the century.

Belichick's dynastic run in New England comes to an end after 24 seasons and six Super Bowl rings. He was the longest-tenured active head coach before parting ways with the Patriots. He finished his career in New England with a remarkable 266-121 regular-season record and a 30-12 mark in the postseason.

With the Belichick era coming to an end, here is a look at the NFL's current longest-tenured head coaches with one team.

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Top 5 longest-tenured NFL HCs in 2024

#5 Zac Taylor and Matt LaFleur (5 seasons)

Cincinnati Bengals v Kansas City Chiefs

Zac Taylor was hired by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2019 and has been with the franchise ever since. Taylor led the team to two first-place finishes in the AFC North.

The Bengals fell short of silverware on two separate occasions, losing the Super Bowl 2021 to Los Angeles Rams and the AFC Championship game to Kansas City Chiefs in 2022.

Like Taylor, Matt LeFleur was also hired by the Green Bay Packers in 2019. During his time, the Packers have lost the NFC Championship three times in a row, from 2019 to 2022.

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#4 Sean McDermott, Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay (7 seasons)

Sean McDermott has been the Buffalo Bills head coach since 2017. He ended the longest active postseason drought having led the Bills to postseason for the first time since 1999. The franchise have been crowned the AFC East champions for the past four years, with McDermott signed on contract untill 2027.

Shanahan became the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 and the franchise has enjoyed a good run as of the Super Bowl contenders. He has led the team to four playoff runs, three division titles, four NFC Championship Games, and two Super Bowl appearances in Super Bowl LIV and Super Bowl LVIII.

Los Angeles Rams v San Francisco 49ers

Los Angeles Rams made history when they hired Sean McVay to become the youngest NFL head coach in the modern era. Seven years later, the decision has paid off, with McVay becoming the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl and make multiple Super Bowl appearances.

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#3 Andy Reid (11 seasons)

Kansas City Chiefs v Los Angeles Chargers

Andy Reid is regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history and his decade-long stint with the Kansas City Chiefs makes him one of the longest-serving active coaches in the NFL.

With the Chiefs, Reid has ten postseason appearances, eight consecutive division titles, six consecutive AFC Championship games, four Super Bowl appearances and three wins (LIV, LVII, LVIII).

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#2 John Harbaugh (16 seasons)

Miami Dolphins v Baltimore Ravens

John Harbaugh has been with the Baltimore Ravens since 2008, accumulating 172 wins, which is the third-highest among coaches during that time.

Aside from securing a Super Bowl victory in 2012, Harbaugh has led the Ravens to five AFC North division championships, made three AFC Championship appearances, and achieved a franchise-best 14-2 record in 2019.

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#1 Mike Tomlin (17 seasons)

Pittsburgh Steelers v Indianapolis Colts

Mike Tomlin is the longest-tenured NFL head coach with a single franchise following Belichick's departure. Since joining the Steelers in 2007, he has led the team to eleven playoff appearances.

On Monday, June 19, the Steelers signed Tomlin to a three-year contract extension, which runs through 2027. He is the longest-tenured head coach with a same franchise and will enter his 18th season this year. The new deal take him through 21 seasons in Pittsburgh.

During his tenure, Tomlin has secured seven division titles, reached three AFC Championship Games, made two Super Bowl appearances, and clinched a victory in Super Bowl XLIII.

Tomlin holds the record for most consecutive non-losing seasons to begin a coaching career with 17 and was the youngest head coach to win the Super Bowl, a record that was later broken by Sean McVay.