Tom Landry
Inducted:
1990
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
195 lb (88 kg)
Born:
September 11, 1924
Mission, Texas, U.S
Died:
February 12, 2000
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Position:
Safety
Punter
Coach
College:
Texas (1946–1948)
Tom Landry was one of the most influential figures in NFL history, best known for his 29 seasons as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. Leading the team from 1960 to 1988, he built a dynasty defined by discipline, innovation, and consistency. Landry guided the Cowboys to two Super Bowl championships (VI and XII), five NFC titles, and 20 consecutive winning seasons — an unmatched record in league history.
His calm demeanor and trademark fedora became symbols of excellence and leadership on the sidelines. A master strategist, he introduced revolutionary defensive and offensive schemes, including the Flex Defense and motion-based offense. Landry finished his coaching career with 270 wins, ranking among the all-time greats. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, forever remembered as the architect of “America’s Team.”
Landry's Awards and Records:
- 2× Super Bowl champion (VI, XII)
- NFL Coach of the Year (1966)
- UPI NFL Coach of the Year (1966, 1975)
- SN NFL Coach of the Year (1966)
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
NFL Records:
- Invented the Flex Defense system
- Guided Cowboys to five Super Bowl appearances
- Longest continuous head coaching tenure with one team (29 seasons)
NFL Teams:
As Player-
New York Yankees (1949)
New York Giants (1950–1955)
As Coach
New York Giants (1954–1959)
Dallas Cowboys (1960–1988)
NFL Draft:
1947: 20th round, 184th overall pick
New York Giants
Number Worn:
85, 49
Career Stats:
Seasons as Head Coach:
29 (1960-1988)
Regular Season Record:
250–162–6 (.605)
Playoff Record:
20–16 (.556)
Career:
270–178–6 (.601)
Super Bowl Titles:
2 (VI, XII)
