Tom Landry

The first head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, architect of the 4–3 defense, and leader of 20 consecutive winning seasons.

Thomas Wade Landry (September 11, 1924 – February 12, 2000) was an American professional football coach, player, and World War II bomber pilot.

Quick Facts

Position: Safety; Punter
Born: 11 September 1924
Birthplace: Mission, Texas, U.S.
Died: 12 February 2000
Place of death: Dallas, Texas, U.S.
High school: Mission
College: Texas (1946–1948)
Draft year: 1947

Lore & Background

Landry created the now default 4–3 defense and the 'flex defense' system used by the 'Doomsday Defense' squads. He led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl titles (Super Bowl VI and XII), five NFC titles, and 13 divisional titles. From 1966 to 1982, Dallas played in 12 NFL or NFC Championship games, and appeared in 10 NFC Championship games from 1970 to 1982. He compiled a 270–178–6 record and 20 career playoff victories. Landry was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.

Reader's Guide

Landry's 29 consecutive years (1960–1988) as coach of one team is an NFL record, along with his 20 consecutive winning seasons (1966–1985). He was named NFL Coach of the Year in 1966 and NFC Coach of the Year in 1975. The Cowboys earned the label 'America's Team' during his tenure, a title he did not appreciate.

Did You Know?

Landry served as a B-17 pilot in World War II, completing 26 missions.
He earned a master's degree in industrial engineering from the University of Houston in 1952.
Landry was selected by the New York Giants in the 20th round of the 1947 NFL draft.
He developed the 4–3 defense while serving as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants.