Ranking The Greatest NFL Head Coaches from All 32 Teams

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Sep 3, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; General view of Arizona Cardinals tackle Jared Veldheer (not pictured) helmet during the fourth quarter of a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Cardinals defeated the Broncos 22-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

#32: Jimmy Conzelman (Arizona Cardinals)

Rest assured there isn’t a Cardinals fans alive today who will remember the name Jimmy Conzelman off the top of their heads. That’s understandable. For one, he coached the franchise back when it was still located in Chicago and it was also during the 1940s. He even did it in two separate stints because of his service during World War II. Turns out the Cardinals were the sixth pro team he was in charge of during that time. So why is he #1 after all this time rather than recent contenders like Ken Whisenhunt (led team to first Super Bowl) or Bruce Arians (zero losing seasons)?

He is the only coach in team history to win a championship. Things didn’t start well for him during his first three seasons, going 8-22. However, it seemed the war changed him in many aspects. When he resumed command in 1946, he reeled off a 26-9 record and led them to a victory in the title game at old Comiskey Park over the Philadelphia Eagles in 1947. He retired after the next season having just entered his 50s. One has to wonder how history might be different had he kept coaching.

Next: #31

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