Vince Lombardi was the coach of the Green Bay Packers in the late 50’s and 60’s. The Packers embodied his beliefs of resilience, hard work and exacting standards, leading them to 5 championships in nine seasons.
Lombardi started his coaching career as an offensive backfield coach for the Giants where he first won the NFL championship, a taste of things to come.
In 1959 Lombardi took over a Packers side that were failing. Their team founder still roamed the sidelines and the Packers hadn’t finished above .500 since 1947. In his first season as coach Green Bay went 7-5, their best win total since 1944 and it wasn’t long before Lombardi totally revamped the side and led them to winning everything in the 1961 and 1962 seasons.
In 1965 the Packers started a run of three consecutive championships bringing Lombardi’s total to 5. The first ever Superbowl saw the Packers dominate Kansas City 35-10 and the second Superbowl wasn’t far different with Green Bay running out 33-14 winners against Oakland.
Lombardi’s military background meant his sides were tough and always well prepared. He was demanding and after 30 minutes of his first session in 1959, former quarterback Bart Starr phoned his wife to say “Honey, we’re going to start winning”. Lombardi’s relentless pursuit of perfection was obvious from day 1.
His ability to be fair and objective whilst striving for perfection was perhaps his best quality as a coach. Starr was unfairly lambasted by Lombardi in one session so he approached him after to admit he had made plenty of mistakes, but if he was to lead his men on the field he couldn’t allow the coach to constantly undermine him in public.
Lombardi apologised and all confrontations were held within that office rather than on the field from that point on. His humility allowed the team to grow.
Like all great coaches Lombardi knew when to seize control and left his role after Superbowl II leaving a legacy that would last forever.
Original images authors: Jim Bowen and Lordmontu.
Images amended by: Tom Burns/ @t.b.creative
Original image licenses: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jamiedfw/3425524456
Pint of Sport 