have an account?【sign in】NFL Coach Trades Through History: A Look at the Biggest Trades in NFL Coaching History
bartauthorThe National Football League (NFL) is the premier professional football league in the United States, with 32 teams divided into two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Each team has a head coach who is responsible for leading the team on and off the field. Over the years, the NFL has seen numerous head coach trades, which have played a significant role in shaping the league's culture and competitive landscape. This article will explore the history of head coach trades in the NFL, highlighting the most significant trades and their impact on the league.
Early Traditions and Trends
The NFL's head coach trade history dates back to the 1960s, when the league began to take shape. One of the first notable trades was in 1966, when the Detroit Lions traded head coach Buddy Ryan to the Chicago Bears for quarterback Bob Griese and a draft pick. This trade signaled the beginning of the NFL's emphasis on defensive coaches, as Buddy Ryan would go on to become one of the most successful defensive coordinators in league history.
In the 1980s, the NFL saw an increase in head coach trades, particularly involving the expansion teams. One of the most notable trades during this time was the 1983 trade between the Washington Redskins and the New Orleans Saints. The Redskins traded head coach Joe Gibbs to the Saints for a first-round draft pick and $500,000. This trade led to the hiring of Steve Owen as the Saints' head coach, who would go on to lead the team to its only Super Bowl appearance in 1987.
The Era of Bill Walsh and the 49ers
The 1980s also saw the rise of the San Francisco 49ers, led by head coach Bill Walsh. Walsh's innovative offense, which emphasized the short passing game and tight end formation, revolutionized the NFL and inspired coaches across the league to adopt similar strategies. One of the most notable trades during this time was the 1986 trade between the 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams. The 49ers traded quarterback Joe Montana to the Rams for a first-round draft pick and several players. This trade would go down as one of the greatest moves in NFL history, as Montana would lead the 49ers to three Super Bowl championships.
The 1990s: Expansion and the Draft
The 1990s saw the expansion of the NFL to 30 teams, leading to an increased number of head coach trades. One of the most significant trades during this time was the 1993 trade between the Seattle Seahawks and the Atlanta Falcons. The Seahawks traded head coach Tom Clements to the Falcons for a first-round draft pick and several players. This trade led to the hiring of Jerry Glanville as the Falcons' head coach, who would lead the team to a 10-6 record in his first season.
The 1990s also saw the introduction of the Supplemental Draft, which allowed teams to draft eligible players who had been released or waived by other teams. This allowed teams to acquire talent through trades, often at a lower cost than the regular draft. One of the most notable trades in this era was the 1996 trade between the San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Redskins. The 49ers traded a fourth-round draft pick to the Redskins for running back Garrison Hearst, who would go on to lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl championship.
The 2000s: The Rise of the New England Patriots
The 2000s saw the rise of the New England Patriots, led by head coach Bill Belichick. Belichick's defensive-oriented approach and use of the roster spot mechanism, which allowed him to sign undrafted free agents and trade for players, has made him one of the most successful coaches in NFL history. One of the most notable trades during this time was the 2005 trade between the Patriots and the St. Louis Rams. The Patriots traded a fourth-round draft pick to the Rams for cornerback Randy Thompson, who would go on to play a key role in the Patriots' two Super Bowl championships in 2003 and 2004.
The history of head coach trades in the NFL is a testament to the league's evolution and competitiveness. From the early emphasis on defensive coaches to the rise of the 49ers' Bill Walsh offense and the New England Patriots' defensive-oriented approach, head coach trades have played a significant role in shaping the NFL's landscape. As the league continues to evolve, the impact of head coach trades will undoubtedly play a crucial part in determining the future success of teams and coaches.