Marv Levy

He was the only NFL head coach to lead his team to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances (1991-94). He was the 10th winningest NFL coach of all-time with 154 victories. Twice he was named NFL Coach of the Year (1985 and ’95). In 2001, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Before all of these accolades, Marv Levy was on the football coaching staff at the University of New Mexico. Although his stay was a brief one, Levy made his presence felt.

Levy came to UNM from Iowa’s Coe College in 1955. He was an assistant to Chuck Clausen from 1956-57, then took over when Clausen departed for the University of Arizona after the ’57 season. Bolstered by outstanding New Mexico prep talent plus two transplanted Iowans in Don Perkins and Chuck Roberts, Levy led the Lobos to consecutive 7-3 seasons. He was named Skyline Coach of the Year in 1958.

“Don and I, along with Joe Gale, were the first Afro-Americans to ever play football at UNM,” said Roberts. “Dick Clausen and Marv made it possible.”

One of Levy’s landmark wins at New Mexico was a 28-27 upset win over a powerful Air Force team in 1959. “More than 3,000 fans gave us an overwhelming reception on our arrival at the old airport,” Levy said.

Levy’s success at UNM got the attention of Cal Berkeley and Marv headed west to coach the Bears (1960-63) before moving to William & Mary (1964-68).

Levy broke into the pro ranks as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams (for legendary coach George Allen). He became head coach of the Montreal Alouettes before landing his first position as the leader of the Kansas City Chiefs. That was followed by a 123-78 ledger in 12 spectacular seasons in Buffalo.