New England and Philadelphia are helmed by strong-willed individuals who shaped their teams in their images. But what would happen if Bill Belichick and Andy Reid went head to head with the most dynamic Super Bowl coaches of the past decade?
Take a look.
Bracket 1
Bill Belichick (Patriots) vs. Mike Martz (Rams)
The Defensive Genius takes on the Offensive Genius. We’ve already seen this one play out in Super Bowl 36. If only egos were points, Martz would get the nod.
Winner: Belichick.
Bill Parcells (Giants, Patriots) vs. Mike Shanahan (Broncos)
Shanahan can put Parcells behind his O-line and rush for 120 yards. But Parcells has taken teams to the playoffs in three decades.
Winner: Parcells
Belichick vs. Parcells
The student meets the teacher. Belly Check vs. the Tuna. Parcells hasn’t won it all without Belichick, but Belichick won twice without Parcells.
Winner: Belichick
CHAMPIONSHIP COACH OFF
Belichick vs. Reid
Well, what do we have here? The two Super Bowl XXXIX coaches. What a coinkydink.
Both are good at making adjustments on offense and defense, regardless of injuries. So what separates them? Their staffs.
The Patriots’ Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel might be the two finest assistants in the league. But no other teams had been able to steal them away because they’re usually busy prepping for the Big Game.
Winner: Belichick. If he wins the Super Bowl, Belichick will approach the likes of Vince Lombardi in terms of championship success–and he’s just 52. Can Belichick surpass the legend of the master; the template of NFL coaches? All in good time, grasshoppers. All in good time.
Bracket 2
Andy Reid (Eagles) vs. Mike Holmgren (Packers)
Both are fuzzy-whiskered disciples of the West Coast offense. But there can only be one. “I am the walrus,” says Reid, “Coo coo cachoo.”
Winner: Reid
Jon Gruden (Buccaneers) vs. Bill Cowher (Steelers)
Also dubbed Chucky vs. the Steel Jaw. Who wins the ultimate stareoff? Always a little too intense, Chuck eventually blows a fuse–and a vessel or two.
Winner: Cowher
Reid vs. Cowher
Reid lost three straight conference title games before finally winning this one. Not great. But didn’t Cowher lose four out of five of those? Fellas, have you thought about learning a trade?
Winner: Reid.
