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With the news this morning that former Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula has passed away at the age of 90, the football world will undoubtedly turn their attention to Shula’s incredible resume and he will be once again remembered for what he was — arguably the greatest head coach in NFL history. Shula, who coached for 33 seasons across four decades in the NFL, boasts a number of records, even to this day.
What are some of Shula’s greatest accomplishments on the gridiron? Here are some of Shula’s current records.
Winningest coach in NFL history — 328 (347 including postseason) credited wins, 10 more than George Halas and 55 more than the next closest coach, Bill Belichick.
The undefeated season of 1972 — Shula remains the only NFL head coach with an unblemished perfect season on his record throughout the Super Bowl era.
Games above .500 — Shula’s final career record as an NFL head coach was 328-156-6. This 172 game margin is the highest in NFL history to this day by 2 games over George Halas and 26 better than the next closest coach, Bill Belichick.
Most quarterbacks coached to Super Bowl appearances — Shula’s coaching resume included five separate quarterbacks making Super Bowl appearances under his direction: Johnny Unitas, Earl Morrall, Bob Griese, David Woodley and Dan Marino. Joe Gibbs of the Washington Redskins coaches three separate quarterbacks to the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl losses — All that success didn’t always end with happy endings. Shula’s four Super Bowl losses is tied for the most in NFL history with Marv Levy, Bud Grant and Dan Reeves.