History of Don Shula in Timeline
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.
January 4, 1930: Don Shula Born
On January 4, 1930, Donald Francis Shula was born. He later became a celebrated American professional football player, coach, and executive.
1936: Shula's Siblings Born
In 1936, six siblings of Shula were born, including a set of triplets, expanding his family.
1945: Played on Harvey High School Football Team
Starting in 1945, Shula played on the football team at Harvey High School in Painesville, Ohio, marking the beginning of his football career.
1947: Contemplated Working Before College
In 1947, as he prepared to graduate high school, Shula considered working for a year before going to college due to the return of many men from World War II competing for scholarships.
October 1948: Victory Over Youngstown State
In October 1948, Shula, substituting for the injured starting halfback, ran for 175 yards and scored two touchdowns in a victory over Youngstown State.
1950: Rushed for 125 yards against Syracuse
During his senior year in 1950, Shula rushed for 125 yards in a win over a heavily favored Syracuse team, contributing significantly to his team's victory.
1950: Previous Colts Franchise Folded
In 1950, the earlier Colts franchise folded, leading to the relocation of the Dallas Texans to Baltimore in 1953.
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.
July 19, 1958: Marriage to Dorothy Bartish
On July 19, 1958, Don Shula married Dorothy Bartish, who was from Painesville, Ohio, after the end of his playing career. They had been in a relationship since high school.
1958: Previous Championship Win
In 1958, Johnny Unitas helped the Colts win championships.
May 28, 1959: Birth of Dave Shula
On May 28, 1959, Dave Shula, the first of Don Shula and Dorothy Bartish's five children, was born.
1959: Previous Championship Win
In 1959, Johnny Unitas helped the Colts win championships.
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.
April 28, 1961: Birth of Donna Shula
On April 28, 1961, Donna Shula, one of Don Shula and Dorothy Bartish's five children, was born.
June 30, 1962: Birth of Sharon Shula
On June 30, 1962, Sharon Shula, one of Don Shula and Dorothy Bartish's five children, was born.
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.
May 7, 1964: Birth of Anne Shula
On May 7, 1964, Anne Shula, one of Don Shula and Dorothy Bartish's five children, was born.
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.
1964: NFL Championship Game Loss
In 1964, Don Shula faced an upset loss in the NFL Championship Game while coaching the Colts.
1964: AP NFL Coach of the Year Award
In 1964, Shula received the AP NFL Coach of the Year Award, recognizing his contributions to the sport.
June 3, 1965: Birth of Mike Shula
On June 3, 1965, Mike Shula, one of Don Shula and Dorothy Bartish's five children, was born.
1965: Lost Playoff Game to Green Bay Packers
In 1965, the Colts lost a playoff game to the Green Bay Packers in sudden-death overtime after tying for the best record in the NFL West, preventing them from playing in the championship game.
1966: Dolphins Founding Year
In 1966, the Miami Dolphins were founded and became part of the AFL.
1967: AP NFL Coach of the Year Award
In 1967, Don Shula was named AP NFL Coach of the Year for his achievements.
1968: Coached in Super Bowl
In 1968, Don Shula coached Johnny Unitas and Earl Morrall to Super Bowl appearances.
1968: AP NFL Coach of the Year Award and NFL Championship
In 1968, Don Shula won his third AP NFL Coach of the Year award, after leading the Colts to a 13-1 record and victory in the NFL Championship Game against the Cleveland Browns.
1968: Unitas Injured, Morrall Takes Over
In 1968, Johnny Unitas's elbow injury led to Earl Morrall becoming the starting quarterback for the Colts. Despite initial low expectations, Morrall led the team to a successful season, with Unitas's attempts to return being hampered by recurring injury issues. The Colts finished with a 13-1 record but ultimately lost Super Bowl III to the New York Jets.
1968: AP NFL Coach of the Year Award
In 1968, Shula received the AP NFL Coach of the Year Award for his successful season.
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.
1969: Dolphins Struggles Before Shula
In 1969, prior to Shula's arrival, the Dolphins had not won more than five games in any season under coach George Wilson, highlighting the team's struggles.
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.
1970: AFL and NFL Merger
The year 1970 marked the commencement of the merger between the AFL and NFL.
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.
1971: Penalty for Tampering
In 1971, as punishment for tampering, the Miami Dolphins' first-round pick was awarded to the Colts.
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.
1972: AP NFL Coach of the Year Award
In 1972, Shula won the AP NFL Coach of the Year award for the fourth time.
1972: Super Bowl VII and Perfect Season
In 1972, Shula's Miami Dolphins completed the only undefeated perfect season in NFL history, finishing with a 17–0 record and winning Super Bowl VII, also earning Shula his 4th NFL AP Coach of the Year Award.
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.
1974: Devout Catholic
In 1974, at the peak of his coaching career, Don Shula said he attended Mass every morning. Shula once considered becoming a Catholic priest but decided he could not commit to being both priest and coach.
1974: Conflict with Robbie
In 1974, tensions arose between Don Shula and Joe Robbie, particularly regarding Robbie's reluctance to invest in high-profile players. Shula's authority as general manager and part-owner also contributed to conflicts, one of which became public during a banquet celebrating Miami's Super Bowl win.
1974: AFC Divisional Playoff Loss
In 1974, the Miami Dolphins lost to the Oakland Raiders 28–26 in an AFC divisional playoff game, known as The Sea of Hands play, ending their chance for a third consecutive Super Bowl title.
1975: Team Decimation due to World Football League
In 1975, the Dolphins were significantly impacted by the emergence of the World Football League, leading to the departure of key players like Larry Csonka, Paul Warfield, and Jim Kiick to the Memphis Southmen.
1976: Losing Season
In 1976, the Miami Dolphins had a losing season with a 6–8 record.
1978: Playoff Appearance
In 1978, Don Shula led the Dolphins to the playoffs, but they lost in the first round.
1979: Playoff Appearance
In 1979, Don Shula led the Dolphins to the playoffs, but they lost in the first round.
1980: Griese's Retirement
In 1980, Bob Griese retired from the NFL, leading to David Woodley and Don Strock sharing quarterback duties for the Miami Dolphins.
1981: "The Epic in Miami" Playoff Loss
In 1981, the Miami Dolphins lost in the first round of the playoffs to the San Diego Chargers in a double-overtime game known as "The Epic in Miami".
1982: Coached in Super Bowl
In 1982, Don Shula coached David Woodley to a Super Bowl appearance.
1982: Super Bowl Loss to the Redskins
In 1982, Don Shula's Miami Dolphins made it to the Super Bowl during the strike-shortened season but lost to the Washington Redskins. The defense was known as the "Killer Bees".
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: Don Shula Expressway Dedicated
In 1983, the Don Shula Expressway in Miami was dedicated.
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: Super Bowl Loss and Subsequent Seasons
After the Super Bowl loss in 1984, Don Shula's teams experienced only one losing season but never returned to the Super Bowl.
1984: Coached in Super Bowl
In 1984, Don Shula coached Dan Marino to a Super Bowl appearance.
1984: Super Bowl Appearance and Loss
In 1984, led by Dan Marino, the Miami Dolphins reached the Super Bowl but lost to the San Francisco 49ers. Marino set a record with 5,084 passing yards and 48 touchdown passes.
1985: Shula Describes Coaching Philosophy
In 1985, Don Shula spoke about adapting his coaching style based on his personnel, noting the shift from a "grind'em-out" style to a more explosive passing attack with quarterbacks like Johnny Unitas and Dan Marino.
1985: Playoff Appearance
In 1985, Shula's Dolphins made the playoffs but did not advance to the Super Bowl.
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.
1990: Playoff Appearance
In 1990, Shula's Dolphins made the playoffs but did not advance to the Super Bowl.
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.
1992: Playoff Appearance
In 1992, Shula's Dolphins made the playoffs but did not advance to the Super Bowl.
October 15, 1993: Marriage to Mary Anne Stephens
On October 15, 1993, Don Shula married his second wife, Mary Anne Stephens. They resided in the Indian Creek home Mary Anne had received in her divorce settlement. They split their time between Indian Creek and a home in San Francisco during Florida's hurricane season.
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.
1995: Co-authored "Everyone's a Coach"
In 1995, Don Shula co-authored the book "Everyone's a Coach".
1995: Final Season Playoff Appearance
In 1995, Don Shula's final season, the Miami Dolphins made the playoffs, but did not reach the Super Bowl.
1996: Retirement from Coaching
In 1996, Don Shula retired from coaching amid speculation that he was forced out by Wayne Huizenga, who acquired full ownership of the Miami Dolphins. He retired at the age of 66.
1996: Inducted into Miami Dolphins Honor Roll
In 1996, immediately after his retirement, Don Shula was honored by being inducted into the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll.
1997: Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame
In 1997, Don Shula was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during his first year of eligibility, marking a significant recognition of his career.
1999: Honored with the Lombardi Award of Excellence
In 1999, Don Shula was honored with the "Lombardi Award of Excellence" from the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation.
2001: Co-authored "The Little Black Book of Coaching: Motivating People to be Winners"
In 2001, Don Shula co-authored "The Little Black Book of Coaching: Motivating People to be Winners" with Ken Blanchard.
2002: Shula Bowl Established
Since 2002, an annual college football game between South Florida schools Florida Atlantic and FIU is named the Shula Bowl in his honor. The game's winner receives a traveling trophy named the Don Shula Award.
2003: Super Bowl XXXVII Coin Toss
In 2003, Don Shula performed the ceremonial coin toss at Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego.
2003: Don Shula Stadium at John Carroll University Opens
In 2003, the Don Shula Stadium at John Carroll University was named after him when it opened.
November 15, 2005: Enrolling in Medicare Part D
On November 15, 2005, Don Shula became the first American to enroll in the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
March 25, 2007: Shula Presents Winners Cup to Tiger Woods
On March 25, 2007, Don Shula presented the Winners Cup to Tiger Woods after Woods won the 2007 WGC-CA Golf Tournament at the Doral Resort in Miami.
2007: NutriSystem Promotion with Wife
In 2007, Don Shula joined his wife Mary Ann in promoting NutriSystem diets geared for people age 60 and older.
2007: Lombardi Trophy Presentation
In 2007, Don Shula participated in the Vince Lombardi Trophy presentation at Super Bowl XLI in Miami Gardens.
2007: Dungy Surpasses Shula
In 2007, Tony Dungy surpassed Don Shula's record for most victories in Colts history, achieving his 74th win.
2007: Patriots' Near Perfect Season
In 2007, the New England Patriots went undefeated until losing to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl, failing to match the Dolphins' perfect season of 1972.
February 3, 2008: Attending Super Bowl XLII
On February 3, 2008, Don Shula attended Super Bowl XLII in Glendale, Arizona, where the New England Patriots lost their bid for a perfect season.
January 31, 2010: Unveiling of Statue at Hard Rock Stadium
On January 31, 2010, a statue of Don Shula was unveiled at Hard Rock Stadium, where the Dolphins play. The stadium's street address is 347 Don Shula Drive, referencing his career win total.
2011: Receives Ellis Island Medal of Honor
In 2011, Don Shula received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in recognition of his humanitarian efforts.
2011: Added to Walk of Fame
In 2011, Don Shula was added to a Walk of Fame outside Hard Rock Stadium.
2012: Shula on Product Endorsements
In 2012, Don Shula discussed his criteria for product endorsements, emphasizing the importance of aligning with his personality and values.
2013: Attended White House Ceremony
In 2013, Don Shula attended a White House ceremony honoring the 1972 team's perfect season.
2016: Pacemaker Implanted
In 2016, Don Shula had a pacemaker implanted due to heart issues he was experiencing.
2019: Selected to NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
In 2019, Shula was selected to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, solidifying his place as one of the 10 greatest head coaches in NFL history.
May 4, 2020: Don Shula's Death
On May 4, 2020, Don Shula passed away. He was a renowned figure in American football, having served as a head coach in the NFL from 1963 to 1995.
2020: Death of Don Shula
In 2020, Don Shula passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy as a legendary figure in NFL history.
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