Don Shula
NFL's winningest head coach and Hall of Famer, never associated with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Donald Francis Shula (January 4, 1930 – May 4, 2020) was an American football defensive back and coach who served as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL) from 1963 to 1995. The head coach of the Miami Dolphins for most of his career, Shula is the NFL's winningest head coach at 347 career victories and 328 regular season victories. He is regarded as one of the greatest head coaches of all time.
- Role
- Head Coach (Baltimore Colts, Miami Dolphins)
- Affiliation
- Never affiliated with Cincinnati Bengals
- Status
- Hall of Fame Coach (Class of 1997)
Lore & Background
Shula held his first head coaching position with the Baltimore Colts for seven seasons and spent his next 26 seasons with Miami. With the Dolphins, he led the team to two consecutive Super Bowl titles in Super Bowl VII and Super Bowl VIII. His first Super Bowl title during 1972 is the only perfect season in NFL history. Shula was the first head coach to appear in six Super Bowls, five with the Dolphins and one with the Colts. He was also the first head coach to bring two franchises to the Super Bowl and appear in three consecutive Super Bowls, which he accomplished with the Dolphins from 1971 to 1973. Having guided Baltimore to Super Bowl III and Miami to Super Bowl VI, Shula is the only head coach to lead two franchises to their Super Bowl debut. He was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
In Their Own Story
In the annals of Bengals history, there is no chapter written by Don Shula. While fans in other cities celebrated his Super Bowl victories and perfect seasons, the Bengals were forging their own identity under coaches like Paul Brown's successors, Sam Wyche, and others. The gridiron of Cincinnati has never seen a whistle blown by Shula.
Reader's Guide
Shula never coached or played for the Cincinnati Bengals. His entire coaching career was spent with the Baltimore Colts and the Miami Dolphins. The source article does not mention any connection between Shula and the Bengals other than as an opponent.
Did You Know?
- Shula was the first head coach to appear in six Super Bowls.
- He led the 1972 Miami Dolphins to the only perfect season in NFL history.
- Shula is the NFL's winningest head coach with 347 career victories.
- He is the only head coach to lead two franchises to their Super Bowl debut.
More in Legendary Players & Coaches
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