Top 10 College Football Coaches With the Most Wins
Bobby Bowden – 346 Wins
Bobby Bowden’s 34-year run turned the Seminoles into a national powerhouse, producing two championships and an incredible 14 consecutive top-five finishes in the AP poll. Before that, he spent six seasons at West Virginia, laying the groundwork for one of the most remarkable careers in college football.
Bear Bryant – 323 Wins
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At Alabama, Bear Bryant’s six national championships and .780 win rate set a standard the sport still chases. Bryant built the Crimson Tide into a dynasty that defined toughness for generations. His checkered hat remains a symbol of old-school football excellence.
Pop Warner – 318 Wins
Pop Warner practically created the playbook for modern football. Over four decades, he introduced formations and strategies that continue to influence the game today. His four national championships at Pittsburgh and Stanford, as well as his innovative style, made him one of the sport’s original masterminds.
Amos Alonzo Stagg – 314 Wins
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Before analytics and film study, there was Amos Alonzo Stagg. The man coached for an unbelievable 71 years, most notably at the University of Chicago. His 314 wins only tell part of his story. Stagg helped shape the very structure of organized football by introducing elements such as the huddle and the tackling dummy. His career was as much about invention as it was about victory.
Nick Saban – 292 Wins
Nick Saban redefined what modern success looks like. With seven national championships, six at Alabama and one at LSU, he turned precision into an art form. His emphasis on discipline, structure, and preparation changed recruiting and player development across the country. Even after stepping away in 2024, his influence remains present in every playbook.
Mack Brown – 288 Wins
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When Mack Brown took the field, programs thrived. At Texas, he captured the 2005 national championship behind Vince Young’s heroics. Later, he revitalized North Carolina football and became the school’s all-time wins leader. His steady leadership style built success that spanned decades.
LaVell Edwards – 257 Wins
At BYU, LaVell Edwards crafted one of the most consistent programs in the country. His 29-year tenure produced 257 wins and a national title in 1984. Edwards revolutionized the passing game and turned quarterbacks into stars by coaching legends like Ty Detmer. His innovative offense changed how smaller schools perceived their ability to compete.
Tom Osborne – 255 Wins
Tom Osborne’s Nebraska teams were models of power and precision. Over 25 seasons, he earned three national championships and one of the highest win percentages in history at .836. His squads dominated opponents with physical play and flawless execution, including a 60–3 record across his final five years. In Lincoln, Osborne is remembered for building an empire that defined an era.
Lou Holtz – 249 Wins
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Lou Holtz’s energy was as famous as his playbook. At Notre Dame, he led the Fighting Irish to their 1988 national title with a perfect season, but that was only part of his 33-year journey. He coached six different programs to bowl appearances and found ways to win everywhere he went. Holtz’s sharp mind and trademark enthusiasm made him one of the sport’s most recognizable figures.