How many Super Bowls did Tom Landry Win?

By Jason Bolton December 07, 2023 02:45

Tom Landry is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the National Football League (NFL). He had an illustrious career with the Dallas Cowboys and played a significant role in turning the franchise into a powerhouse. Landry's success as a coach is often measured by the number of Super Bowl victories he achieved. In this article, we will explore how many Super Bowls Tom Landry won and delve into the details of those championship seasons.

Background on Tom Landry

Before diving into Landry's Super Bowl victories, it is essential to provide some background information on the coach himself. Tom Landry was born on September 11, 1924, in Mission, Texas. He played college football at the University of Texas and later served as a bomber pilot during World War II. After the war, Landry played professional football as a defensive back for the New York Giants from 1949 to 1955.

Coaching Career with the Dallas Cowboys

In 1960, Tom Landry was appointed as the first head coach of the newly established Dallas Cowboys franchise. He remained with the team for an impressive 29 seasons until 1988. During his tenure, Landry transformed the Cowboys into one of the most successful teams in NFL history.

Under Landry's guidance, the Cowboys made five Super Bowl appearances, winning two of them. Let's take a closer look at each of these championship seasons.

Super Bowl VI - 1971 Season

The Dallas Cowboys reached their first Super Bowl under Tom Landry's leadership during the 1971 season. They faced the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI, which took place on January 16, 1972, at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Led by their dominant defense, the Cowboys defeated the Dolphins with a score of 24-3. This victory marked Tom Landry's first Super Bowl win and solidified the Cowboys' place as a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.

Super Bowl XII - 1977 Season

After several successful seasons, the Dallas Cowboys returned to the Super Bowl in 1977. Super Bowl XII was held on January 15, 1978, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Cowboys faced off against the Denver Broncos in a highly anticipated matchup.

Once again, the Cowboys' defense proved to be the difference-maker, as they forced eight turnovers and held the Broncos to only 10 points. The Cowboys emerged victorious with a final score of 27-10, securing Tom Landry's second Super Bowl win.

Other Super Bowl Appearances

Although Tom Landry won two Super Bowls during his coaching career, the Dallas Cowboys made three additional appearances in the championship game under his leadership. Let's briefly touch upon those seasons:

Super Bowl V - 1970 Season

The Cowboys reached their first Super Bowl during the 1970 season but narrowly lost to the Baltimore Colts by a score of 16-13. Despite this defeat, Landry's ability to lead the team to the biggest stage was a testament to his coaching prowess.

Super Bowl X - 1975 Season

In 1975, the Cowboys made their second Super Bowl appearance under Landry, but unfortunately, they were defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers with a score of 21-17. It was a hard-fought game, but the Steelers ultimately emerged as the champions.

Super Bowl XIII - 1978 Season

The Cowboys returned to the Super Bowl for the third time in 1978, facing the Pittsburgh Steelers once again. In another closely contested matchup, the Cowboys fell short, losing to the Steelers 35-31. Despite the defeat, Landry's ability to consistently guide the Cowboys to the Super Bowl was remarkable.

Tom Landry won a total of two Super Bowls during his coaching career with the Dallas Cowboys. His ability to build and maintain a winning culture within the team was evident in the Cowboys' consistent appearances in the championship game. Landry's innovative coaching methods and emphasis on strong defense played a crucial role in his success. His impact on the Cowboys franchise and the NFL as a whole cannot be overstated, and his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in football history is firmly cemented.