New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick has tied Tom Landry for the most postseason coaching victories of all time with 20 after defeating the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night, 35-31. Belichick came into the contest tied with the legendary coach Don Shula for the second most.
Like Landry, who coached the Dallas Cowboys from 1960-88, Belichick's wins have come over a period of three decades. Belichick won one playoff game with the Cleveland Browns in 1994, ironically beating the Patriots for his first career playoff win. He earned his first postseason victory with New England when the Patriots beat the Oakland Raiders in the "Tuck Rule" game of 2001 and eventually went on to win the Super Bowl.
From 2001-2004, Belichick rolled to nine consecutive playoff wins and a trio of titles. Since then, Belichick has compiled a 9-8 mark including three straight defeats between 2007-10, starting with Super Bowl XLII after going undefeated in the regular season. However, Belichick has had incredible success recently, leading the Patriots to their fourth straight AFC Championship game this year.
Throughout Landry's tenure, the Cowboys made the playoffs 18 times, including 17 times in 19 years between 1966-85. Landry's overall record was 20-16 with five trips to the Super Bowl along with 12 conference championship games. Belichick matches Landry in Super Bowl appearances but has won three compared to Landry's two.
Belichick will have a chance to set the record on Sunday when New England hosts the AFC Championship. At home, Belichick is 12-3 all-time in playoff games with the Patriots.