Don Shula

Lore & Background

Shula was born in Grand River, Ohio, to Hungarian immigrant parents. He played college football at John Carroll University and was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 1951. After playing for the Browns, Baltimore Colts, and Washington Redskins, he began his coaching career as a defensive backs coach at the University of Virginia and the University of Kentucky. He became head coach of the Baltimore Colts in 1963 and later the Miami Dolphins. Shula is the only head coach to lead two franchises to their Super Bowl debut and the first to appear in six Super Bowls.

In Their Own Story

The December wind howled across the Polo Grounds, biting at the exposed skin of the players huddled on the sideline. Don Shula stood with his clipboard, eyes scanning the opposing formation with a intensity that silenced the nervous chatter around him. 'They think they're better because they wear NFL jerseys,' he muttered to the defensive line, his voice low but cutting through the cold air. 'Tonight, we show them what this green and white means.' He watched as the defense shifted, executing his complex calls with precision, a silent promise of the historic upset waiting just over the horizon.

Reader's Guide

Don Shula never coached for the New York Jets. He was head coach of the Baltimore Colts from 1963 to 1969 and head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 1970 to 1995. He did not serve as an assistant coach under Weeb Ewbank with the Jets. Shula's only connection to the Jets is that his Colts team lost Super Bowl III to the Jets.

Did You Know?

• Shula is the only head coach to lead two franchises to their Super Bowl debut.
• He was the first head coach to appear in six Super Bowls.
• Shula's 1972 Dolphins team is the only perfect season in NFL history.
• He has the most Super Bowl losses at four.