Career Timeline of Don Shula: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Don Shula made an impact.

Don Shula (1930-2020) was a highly successful American football coach and player. He spent seven seasons as a defensive back in the NFL, but is most recognized for his remarkable coaching career from 1963 to 1995. Shula is most known for coaching the Miami Dolphins, leading them to an undefeated season in 1972, a feat unmatched in NFL history. He holds the NFL record for most career wins as a head coach with 328. His leadership and strategic brilliance made him one of the most respected and influential figures in the sport.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1951: Played in all 12 Games and Recorded Four Interceptions

In 1951, Shula played in all 12 of Cleveland's games, making his first appearance as a starter in October, and recorded four interceptions as the Browns advanced to the championship game.

1951: Drafted by Cleveland Browns

In January 1951, the Cleveland Browns selected Shula in the ninth round of the NFL draft, while he was graduating, and he signed a $5,000-a-year contract.

1953: Signed with the Baltimore Colts

In 1953, Shula signed a $6,500-a-year contract with the Baltimore Colts, who were preparing for their first season after relocating from Dallas.

1955: Five Interceptions and Injury

In 1955, Shula had five interceptions again, but missed the final three games of the season due to a broken jaw suffered in a game against the Los Angeles Rams.

1956: One Interception

In 1956, Shula only had one interception that year, and the Colts continued to struggle despite Johnny Unitas becoming the starting quarterback.

1957: Waived by Colts and Picked Up by Redskins

At the end of training camp in the 1957 season, Shula was waived by the Colts and subsequently picked up by the Washington Redskins.

February 1958: Hired as Defensive Backs Coach at University of Virginia

In February 1958, Shula got his first coaching job as a defensive backs coach at the University of Virginia under Dick Voris.

1959: Defensive Backs Coaching Job at the University of Kentucky

In 1959, Shula moved to a defensive backs coaching job at the University of Kentucky under head coach Blanton Collier.

1960: Defensive Backfield Coach for the Detroit Lions

In 1960, Shula got his first NFL coaching job as the defensive backfield coach for the Detroit Lions.

1962: Detroit's Defense Finished Second in Fewest Points Allowed

In 1962, Detroit's defense, coached by Shula, was near the top of the league in fewest points allowed, finishing second, and also led the league in fewest yards allowed, with 3,217.

1963: First Head Coaching Job with Baltimore Colts

In 1963, Don Shula secured his first head coaching position with the Baltimore Colts, a role he held until 1969.

1963: First Season as Colts Head Coach

In 1963, Shula started as the head coach for the Colts and finished the season with an 8-6 record.

1963: Named Head Coach of the Baltimore Colts

In 1963, Shula was named the head coach of the Baltimore Colts after Weeb Ewbank was fired.

1964: Coached Johnny Unitas to World Championship Appearance

In 1964, Don Shula coached Johnny Unitas to a World Championship appearance in the pre-Super Bowl era.

1968: Coached in Super Bowl

In 1968, Don Shula coached Johnny Unitas and Earl Morrall to Super Bowl appearances.

1969: Super Bowl Loss Fallout

After the Super Bowl loss in 1969, the relationship between Don Shula and Carroll Rosenbloom deteriorated. Joe Robbie, the owner of the Miami Dolphins, offered Shula a contract with a higher salary, general manager powers, and an ownership stake.

1969: Final Season with the Colts

In 1969, Don Shula's last season as head coach of the Colts resulted in an 8–5–1 record, failing to reach the playoffs. This marked the end of his tenure in Baltimore.

1970: Move to the Miami Dolphins

In 1970, Don Shula accepted an offer to coach the Miami Dolphins. Rosenbloom accused Robbie of tampering at an NFL meeting in Hawaii. Commissioner Pete Rozelle found the Dolphins in violation for not seeking permission to negotiate with Shula and not notifying the Colts before the announcement. As punishment, the Colts were awarded Miami's first-round pick in 1971.

1970: Immediate Success with the Dolphins

In 1970, Don Shula achieved immediate success with the Miami Dolphins, leading them to a 10–4 win–loss record. He also acquired Paul Warfield from the Cleveland Browns, a move that significantly strengthened the team.

1970: Hired as Miami Dolphins Head Coach

In 1970, Shula was hired as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, commencing a 26-season tenure with the team.

1971: Coached in Super Bowl

In 1971, Don Shula coached Bob Griese to a Super Bowl appearance.

1971: Run-First Offensive Strategy

In 1971, Don Shula's team utilized a run-first offensive strategy.

1972: Coached in Super Bowl

In 1972, Don Shula coached Bob Griese to a Super Bowl appearance.

1972: Perfect Season and Super Bowl VII Victory

In 1972, Don Shula led the Miami Dolphins to the NFL's first and only perfect season with a 17–0 record, culminating in a 14–7 Super Bowl VII victory over the Washington Redskins. This marked his 100th win in his first decade as a head coach. The team overcame the loss of their starting quarterback, Bob Griese, with Earl Morrall stepping in.

1972: Run-First Offensive Strategy

In 1972, Don Shula's team utilized a run-first offensive strategy.

1972: 1972 team's perfect season

In 1972, Shula coached a perfect season, which was later honored with a White House ceremony.

1973: Co-authored "The Winning Edge"

In 1973, Don Shula co-authored the book "The Winning Edge" with Lou Sahadi.

1973: Coached in Super Bowl

In 1973, Don Shula coached Bob Griese to a Super Bowl appearance.

1973: Run-First Offensive Strategy

In 1973, Don Shula's team utilized a run-first offensive strategy.

1973: Second Consecutive Super Bowl Victory

In 1973, after losing the second game of the season, the Miami Dolphins, led by Don Shula, secured their second consecutive Super Bowl victory by defeating the Minnesota Vikings 24–7.

1982: Coached in Super Bowl

In 1982, Don Shula coached David Woodley to a Super Bowl appearance.

1982: Run-First Offensive Strategy

In 1982, Don Shula's team utilized a run-first offensive strategy.

1983: Offer from Donald Trump

In 1983, Donald Trump offered Don Shula a $1 million-a-year contract to coach the New Jersey Generals. Negotiations fell apart when Shula requested a rent-free apartment at Trump Tower. Shula decided to stay in Miami.

1983: Drafting of Dan Marino

In 1983, the Miami Dolphins drafted Dan Marino, marking a new era for the team. Marino won the starting job midway through the season.

1984: Coached in Super Bowl

In 1984, Don Shula coached Dan Marino to a Super Bowl appearance.

1989: Branding Business Venture

In 1989, Don Shula ventured into the branding business by lending his name to a steakhouse owned by the Graham family.

February 25, 1991: Death of Dorothy Shula and Founding of the Don Shula Foundation for Breast Cancer Research

On February 25, 1991, Dorothy Shula died of breast cancer at the age of 57. That same year, the Don Shula Foundation for Breast Cancer Research was founded.

1991: Hotel and Golf Club Renaming

In 1991, Don Shula put his name on Graham-owned properties, including the family's hotel in Miami Lakes. It was renamed Don Shula's Hotel & Golf Club in exchange for an equity stake in the family's hospitality division.

October 2, 1994: "Shula Bowl"

On October 2, 1994, Don Shula's Miami Dolphins defeated his son David Shula's Cincinnati Bengals 23–7 in the "Shula Bowl," marking the first father-son head coaching matchup in NFL history.