Former Miami Dolphins coach and NFL Hall of Famer Don Shula passed away early Monday morning at his home in South Florida, as reported by the Miami Dolphins. His age was ninety-decades.
The Dolphins verified in a tweet that Shula “passed away peacefully at his home.” Although the exact reason of death was not disclosed, it did not seem to be connected to the coronavirus. He recently sought therapy for fluid retention and sleep apnea, according to his wife Mary Anne.
“Don Shula was the patriarch of the Miami Dolphins for 50 years,” the team said in a statement. “He brought the winning edge to our franchise and put the Dolphins and the city of Miami on the national sports scene. Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Mary Anne along with his children, Dave, Donna, Sharon, Anne and Mike.”
The Greatest.
Thank you for everything, Coach Shula. pic.twitter.com/7eXY4ZOKn6
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) May 4, 2020
Between 1970 and 1995, Shula oversaw the Dolphins as its coach. In 1972, under his direction, the team had the only flawless season in NFL history. The next year, they also triumphed in the Super Bowl. As a coach, Shula was named to the All-American team four times. For his career, he set a new record for the league with 328 regular season wins and 19 playoff triumphs (NBC Sports).
During the regular season, he won more than half of the games he appeared in. His Super Bowl record was less than stellar, at 2-4. In 1969, his Baltimore Colts were defeated by the Joe Namath–led New York Jets, and he presided over three championship games in which his Dolphins were unsuccessful.
Before becoming head coach of the Baltimore Colts in 1963, Shula had served as defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions and had previously played defensive back for the Cleveland Browns, the Redskins, and the Baltimore Colts.
“The Game has lost one of the greats today, but we have all lost a truly incredible man,” David Baker, president and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, said in a statement. “Coach Shula was a man who truly loved the game and I have often been moved by the deep respect and affection he was always afforded by the men who played for him.”
According to Baker, in remembrance of Shula, the flag at the Hall of Fame museum will be flown at half-staff.Tom Garfinkel, vice chairman, president and CEO of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, said in a statement:
“Today is a sad day. Coach Shula was the rare man who exemplified true greatness in every aspect of his life. He will be so missed by so many but his legacy of character and excellence will endure.”
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