NFL: Each team’s greatest head coach in franchise history
By Randy Gurzi
Oakland Raiders: John Madden (1969-78)
Even though he’s known more for what he did after being a coach in the NFL, John Madden was once one of the best in the business during his 10 years with the Oakland Raiders.
A former 21st-round draft pick (yes, 21st round), Madden was taken by the Philadelphia Eagles and expected to compete for a spot as an offensive lineman. His career ended during his rookie training camp, as he injured his knee — this was his second serious injury, as he hurt the other knee which ended his short tenure with the University of Oregon.
He moved right into coaching. After spending some time in the collegiate ranks, Madden became a Raiders assistant. After two years, he was promoted to head coach.
At just 33 years of age, Madden had instant success in leading the team to a 12-1-1 record. From there, he just continued to win, as he racked up five double-digit winning seasons, despite the fact that his team played just 14 games in his first nine years.
Madden ended up leading the Raiders to their first Super Bowl win after the 1976 NFL season. After going 13-1, they knocked off the New England Patriots in a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback and then beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-7. They then knocked off the Minnesota Vikings by a score of 32-14 in Super Bowl XI.
After his coaching career, Madden took a job as a broadcaster and was one of the best in the business. He worked in the booth from 1979 all the way until 2008. To this day, the one NFL game that’s made features his name which keeps his status as a legend of the game going strong.