Don Shula wasn’t only the greatest coach in Miami Dolphins’ history, he was also the NFL’s most winningest coach ever. Shula passed away on Monday at the age of 90. Throughout his career, Shula won 347 games as head coach, an NFL record. He also holds the NFL’s only undefeated season when in 1972, his Miami Dolphins finished the season with a 17-0 record, winning Super Bowl VII against the Washington Redskins 14-7. Shula also coached the Baltimore Colts before joining the Dolphins.
“Don Shula was the patriarch of the Miami Dolphins for 50 years,” the Miami Dolphins said today. “He brought the winning edge to our franchise and put the Dolphins and the city of Miami in the national sports scene. Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Mary Anne along with his children Dave, Donna, Sharon, Anne, and Mike.”
“Coach Shula will truly be missed. He embodied the definition of ‘greatness.’ He brought that winning attitude with him every day and made everyone around him better. I want to thank him for always believing in me. He made me a better player and person. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Shula family,” said NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino who played 17 seasons with the Dolphins.
Dolphins great, hall-of-fame running back Larry Csonka said of Shula, “I was saddened and surprised to hear of Coach Shula’s passing. He was always a source of strength and motivation for me, and it’s hard to believe he’s gone.” Csonka played on back to back Super Bowl championship teams with the Dolphins in 1972 and 1973.
“The Shula family thanks all those who have shared their sorrow over the passing of Our Coach. He was an inspiration to us all for his Faith, love of Family & Community. He is remembered as a great leader who shaped many lives by his example. He left us Still Undefeated!,” his family said in a statement today.
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