There’s nothing quite like the no-holds-barred, riveting words from an NFL coach to breathe fire into a team before the Super Bowl. The sentiment holds true for school principals, too. Principals have the power to motivate, inspire, and transform their staff and students through the course of a day, a week, or an entire school year. These words, from some of the NFL’s most successful coaches, can also be motivational quotes for principals and their staff. Use them to take your school from a good squad to Super Bowl-level awesome.
1. Vince Lombardi, Green Bay Packers (1959–67)
2. Tony Dungy, Indianapolis Colts (2002–2008)
3. John Madden, Oakland Raiders (1969–1978)
4. Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers (2007–present)
5. Bill Walsh, San Francisco 49ers (1979–1988)
6. Tom Landry, Dallas Cowboys (1960–1988)
7. Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks (2010–present)
8. Mike Shanahan, Denver Broncos (1995–2008)
9. Chuck Noll, Pittsburgh Steelers (1969–1991)
10. Dick Vermeil, Philadelphia Eagles (1976–1982), St. Louis Rams (1997–1999)
What are your favorite leadership quotes or motivational quotes for principals? Share in our Facebook group Principal Life for more conversation and insights into the challenges of school leadership.
