One thing about Ted's approach to coaching and Smeefers mention of Marty Schottenheimer.
Stability is a good thing, but inertia might be your enemy. If Marty had made methodical progress as a HC to overcome his conservative game management (and reflexive, abrupt and not well considered attempts to mix things up) he would likely have had more playoff success.
I am not sure how much of this is Ted, but McCarthy has changed things up and leaned new tricks. It has made him a better coach. This year, with a Defense on the fritz, he has even taken to valuing first downs well into his 4 minute offense.
Like the Steelers approach, keeping a good coach and making him a better one is the mark of a franchise that will continue to be successful.