Vince Lombardi Hired as Head Coach
The legendary coach who led the Packers to five NFL titles and the first two Super Bowls.
Vincent Thomas Lombardi (June 11, 1913 – September 3, 1970) was head coach and general manager for the Green Bay Packers from 1959 to 1967. He led the team to three straight and five total NFL Championships in seven years, and won the first two Super Bowls at the conclusion of the 1966 and 1967 NFL seasons.
Quick Facts
- First championship season
- 1961
- Super bowl wins
- 2 (I, II)
- Nfl championships total
- 5 (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967)
Lore & Background
Lombardi never had a losing season as head coach in the NFL, compiling a regular-season winning percentage of 73.8% (96–34–6) and 90% (9–1) in the postseason for an overall record of 105 wins, 35 losses and 6 ties. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the NFL Super Bowl trophy was named in his honor.
Reader's Guide
Lombardi served as head coach and general manager for the Packers from 1959 to 1967. He resigned in February 1968 after coaching Super Bowl II. He later coached the Washington Redskins from 1969 until his death from cancer during the 1970 preseason.
Did You Know?
- Lombardi was born on June 11, 1913, in the Sheepshead Bay neighborhood of Brooklyn.
- He was an altar boy at St. Mark Catholic Church.
- He played right guard in the Seven Blocks of Granite at Fordham University.
- He coached at St. Cecilia High School, Fordham University, and the U.S. Military Academy before joining the Packers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Vince Lombardi hired as the Green Bay Packers' head coach?
Vince Lombardi was officially hired in January 1959 to take over a franchise that had not won more than seven games since 1947. His arrival immediately halted a decade-long period of futility and set the stage for a historic turnaround.
What specific roles did Vince Lombardi hold when he joined the Packers?
Upon his hiring, Lombardi assumed the dual responsibilities of serving as both the head coach and the general manager. This unique combination of powers gave him complete control over player personnel and on-field strategy to enforce his mandate of stopping losses.
How quickly did Vince Lombardi turn around the team's performance?
Lombardi guided the Packers to nine regular-season wins during his very first year in charge, ending years of losing seasons. This immediate improvement laid the groundwork for a dynasty that would soon dominate the league.
What championships did Vince Lombardi win with the Green Bay Packers?
Under his leadership, the team secured three NFL Championships in 1961, 1962, and 1965. He also led the franchise to victory in both Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II, establishing an unprecedented level of success.
Why is Vince Lombardi's hiring considered a pivotal moment in Packers history?
His appointment marked the definitive end of an era defined by failure and the birth of the greatest dynasty in NFL history. By transforming a struggling club into a championship powerhouse, he redefined what the franchise could achieve forever.
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