Tennessee legend Robert Neyland is often mentioned behind Alabama’s Bear Bryant in reference to the greatest coach in SEC history, but his career numbers beg to differ.

Neyland is the SEC’s all-time leader in winning percentage and is seventh in total wins (173). Four active coaches — Nick Saban, Les Miles, Steve Spurrier and Mark Richt — have staked their claim among the best-ever thanks to successful longevity at their respective programs, including multiple stops for Saban and the Head Ball Coach.

Editor’s note: Coaching records were found using the 2015 SEC Football Media Guide.

Winningest SEC coaches by percentage all-time

  • Robert Neyland, Tennessee: .829 (173-31-12)
  • Urban Meyer, Florida: .813 (65-15)
  • Wallace Wade, Alabama: .8117 (61-13-3)
  • Frank Thomas, Alabama: .8116 (115-24-7)
  • Nick Saban, LSU/Alabama: .802 (134-33)
  • Les Miles, LSU: .780 (103-29)
  • Bear Bryant, Kentucky/Alabama: .797 (292-69-14)
  • Allyn McKeen, Mississippi St.: .764 (65-19-3)
  • G.E. Pyle, Florida: .763 (26-7-3)
  • Dan McGugin, Vanderbilt: .762 (197-55-19)
  • John Vaught, Ole Miss: .748 (190-61-12)
  • Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee: .745 (152-52)
  • Steve Spurrier, Florida/South Carolina: .741 (206-72-1)

All games at SEC institutions. Minimum five years and a .740 winning percentage. Active coaches.

Winningest in-league SEC coaches by percentage

  • Robert Neyland, Tennessee: .787 (62-15-5)
  • Nick Saban, LSU/Alabama: .780 (85-24)
  • Frank Thomas, Alabama: .765 (59-16-6)
  • Bear Bryant, Kentucky/Alabama: .764 (159-46-9)
  • Urban Meyer, Florida: .750 (39-13)
  • Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee: .731 (98-36)
  • Steve Spurrier, Florida/South Carolina: .724 (131-50)
  • Vince Dooley, Georgia: .713 (105-41-4)
  • John Vaught, Ole Miss: .707 (106-41-10)
  • Gene Stallings, Alabama: .704 (38-16)
  • Les Miles, LSU: .690 (58-26)
  • Mark Richt, Georgia: .684 (80-37)

All regular-season games at SEC institutions. Minimum five years and a .680 winning percentage. Active coaches.