Philling in the Blank: The Top Ten Coaches in Philly Sports History

Eric Casperson

Philadelphia is one of the greatest sports cities in the United States. Each team that plays between Broad and Pattison has a rich history of its own.

Each franchise has had it shares of successes and failures. The Phillies and 76ers are notoriously known for having one of the worst seasons in league history. The Eagles and Flyers are better known for their annual run to either the Super Bowl or the Stanley Cup.

Philadelphia is also home to the Big 5, the city's historic college basketball schools.

Philly has been home to some historic teams. We may be in the midst of one right now (2011 Phillies).

Behind every great team is a great leader, a great coach who knows how to get the most out of his players.

Here is a list of 10 of the top coaches in Philadelphia sports history.

10. Philadelphia Flyers: Peter Laviolette

One phrase will always stick with Peter Laviolette when you think of him as the Flyers Head Coach...Time Out.

It was the famous time out last year that sparked the Flyers incredible come from behind victory in game 7 against the Bruins on the road.

Laviolette eventually led the team to the Stanley Cup Finals where they lost to the Blackhawks.

9. Villanova Wildcats: Jay Wright

Since Jay Wright has come to Philadelphia, Villanova has become a household name for college basketball powerhouses.

Wright is 203-98 in nine seasons with the Wildcats.

His best season came in 08-09 when the Wildcats won 30 games and went to the Final Four.

8. Philadelphia Phillies: Dallas Green

Dallas Green coached the Phillies to their first ever World Series Title in 1980.

He went 169-130 in three seasons.

He is a member of the Phillies Wall of Fame.

7. Philadelphia University: Herb Magee

Herb Magee, during his 43 years as Philadelphia University Head Coach, has become the all time winningest coach in NCAA history with over 900 wins.

Magee may be the best coach in Philly history that mainstream media has not heard of.

6. Philadelphia Eagles: Dick Vermeil

Dick Vermeil came to the Eagles in 1976 after they went 4-10 the previous season. In 1978, he took the Eagles to the playoffs for the first time in 18 seasons.

He hosted open try-outs for all Philadelphians in his first year. That is where Vince Papale came from.

He led the Eagles to Super Bowl XV.

5. Philadelphia 76ers: Larry Brown

Larry Brown had some up and down years with the Sixers. He had losing seasons and he had some good ones. A 2001 NBA Finals appearance tops the list.

Brown in 5+ seasons was 255-205.

Brown put together a team in 2001 that included Allen Iverson...the rest, many people probably forget.

The starting lineup that year was Eric Snow, AI, George Lynch, Tyrone Hill, and Dikembe Mutombo.

Brown somehow managed to get that team to play together well and they won the Eastern Conference.

4. Philadelphia Eagles: Andy Reid

Whether you like it or not, Andy Reid is one of the best coaches in Philadelphia Eagles history. He has no championships to bolster that argument, but he has plenty of other awards and trophies in his case.

In 12 seasons as Head Coach, Reid has gone 118-73, only have two losing seasons. He leads the Eagles in All-Time Wins as a Head Coach.

During his reign, he led the Eagles to five NFC Championship games and one Super Bowl appearance.

3. Temple: John Chaney

John Chaney isn't just a legendary coach in Philadelphia. He is a legend across the Nation when it comes to college basketball.

Chaney is 741-312 in 34 years at Cheyney State and Temple.

Most of his success came at Temple where he made a postseason appearance in all but one season there. He made the Elite 8 five different times.

Chaney was a very enthusiastic and outgoing coach who captured the hearts of Philadelphia sports fans. Sometimes he got a little out of control though...you know the stories.

2. Philadelphia 76ers: Billy Cunningham

Cunningham had by far the best winning percentage of any of the major league sports coaches on this list.

From 1977-1985, he led the 76ers to a 454-196 record. The last 76ers championship was won by Cunningham and Dr. J.

1. Philadelphia Phillies: Charlie Manuel

Charlie Manuel is not only at the top of this list because of his record. It is also because he has made his mark in Philadelphia as a man of the people. He is one of us.

Managerial-wise, Manuel developed a decent Phillies team to perhaps a dynasty.

He has led the Phillies to four straight Division Titles and two straight World Series appearances.

His 2008 World Series Title brought the city back to life. It was the City's first major sports title since 1983. Charlie put the Phillies back on the map and looks to continue so this season.

(Didn't quite make the top 10....#11 Jack Ramsey-Sixers, #12 Buddy Ryan-Eagles, #13 Harry Litwack-Temple Men's Basketball, #14 Fran Dunphy-Penn/Temple, #15 Alex Hannum-Sixers, #16 Phil Martelli-St. Joe's, #17 Buck Shaw-Eagles, #18 Eddie Sawyer-Phillies, #19 Doug Collins-Sixers, #20 Fred Shero-Flyers)