A generation or more ago, it wasn’t unusual to see true longevity among NFL head coaches. Legendary former Dallas Cowboys head coach Tom Landry still holds the record for serving the most consecutive years with one team, with 29 years at the helm. Today, this is almost unthinkable, with a disposable mindset when it comes to coaching staff.
In 1964, Landry was awarded with a ten-year contract from then-Cowboys-owner Clint Murchison. The confidence shown in Landry in his early career doesn’t fit with today’s win or you’re fired climate. Coaches are now sometimes dismissed despite making the playoffs in the prior year.