Bill Belichick, the winningest head coach in NFL history, and Robert Kraft, his former boss, have advanced as finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2026 class, the organization announced Wednesday.

Belichick is the lone finalist in the coach category. Kraft represents the contributor category. Three players—Ken Anderson, Roger Craig, and L.C. Greenwood—are finalists in the seniors category.

All five finalists must secure at least 80% approval from the Hall of Fame selection committee to be inducted. Each committee member may vote for only three of the five finalists. Under 2024 bylaws, a maximum of three finalists can be elected to the Class of 2026, which will be announced during Super Bowl week in February.

If none of the five receives 80% approval, the candidate with the most support will be elected.

Belichick's Unmatched Coaching Career

Belichick's nearly five-decade NFL career began in 1975 as an assistant with the Baltimore Colts. He won two Super Bowls as a defensive assistant with the New York Giants in 1986 and 1990, then served as head coach of the Cleveland Browns from 1991 to 1995.

When Kraft hired him in 2000, Belichick transformed the New England Patriots into a dynasty. Over 18 seasons, he led the franchise to six Super Bowl victories—more than any other head coach in NFL history. His overall record stands at 333-178, second only to Hall of Famer Don Shula's 347 victories.

Nine other coaches competed in the semifinalist stage: Tom Coughlin, Mike Holmgren, Chuck Knox, Buddy Parker, Dan Reeves, Marty Schottenheimer, George Seifert, and Mike Shanahan.

Kraft's Transformative Ownership

Kraft purchased the Patriots in 1994 for $172 million—a record for a professional sports franchise at the time—and prevented the team from relocating to St. Louis. He privately financed the construction of Gillette Stadium to secure the franchise's future.

Every home game has sold out since his arrival. The franchise is now valued at $9 billion.

During Kraft's tenure, New England has won six Super Bowls and appeared in 10 total—three more Super Bowl appearances than any other owner in league history. Kraft has served on 17 owners committees, chairing the broadcast/media committee for the past 18 years since taking the role in 1997.

Nine other contributors were semifinalists: K.S. "Bud" Adams, Roone Arledge, Ralph Hay, Frank "Bucko" Kilroy, Art Rooney Jr., Clark Shaughnessy, Seymour Siwoff, and Buddy Young.

Three Legends Compete in Seniors Category

Roger Craig pioneered the pass-catching running back role. In 1985, he became the first player to record 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season—a feat only matched since by Marshall Faulk and Christian McCaffrey. Craig won three Super Bowls with San Francisco across eight seasons, then played for the Los Angeles Raiders and Minnesota Vikings.

Craig accumulated 13,100 yards from scrimmage and 73 touchdowns over his career. He earned 1988 Offensive Player of the Year honors and finished third in MVP voting that season.

Ken Anderson, a third-round pick from Augustana (Ill.) College in 1971, became the Cincinnati Bengals' full-time starter in his second season after limited action as a rookie. Playing 192 games for Cincinnati through 1986, Anderson earned four Pro Bowl selections, a 1981 league MVP award, and finished with 32,838 passing yards and 197 passing touchdowns.

L.C. Greenwood was a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers' legendary "Steel Curtain" defense in the 1970s. Undrafted out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Greenwood spent his entire 13-season, 170-game career in Pittsburgh, winning four Super Bowl rings. He earned two first-team All-Pro selections and six Pro Bowl invitations, recording 78 sacks and 14 fumble recoveries.

Six other seniors advanced to the semifinalist stage: Henry Ellard, Joe Jacoby, Eddie Meador, Stanley Morgan, Steve Tasker, and Otis Taylor.