Don Shula

[Halas Hall]

I noticed Don Shula celebrated his 90th birthday earlier this month. Does anyone else feel his years coaching the Colts are underappreciated? I understand his Colts did not win any Championships, but it's wild that from December 18, 1966 to January 12, 1969 they only lost two football games.

[sheajets]

Still a bit bitter over the tarp incident. Shula will always get a dirty look from me but I mean Miami beat us twice already that year they probably didn't need the slop

The Baltimore years are unfairly remembered for a few colossal L's. 1967 was the greatest NFL team in history to not enter the postseason. It was pretty much the equivalent of a 100+ win MLB team missing the playoffs in the old era. Maybe even like a 105+ win team. But whoever lost that game was going to be "that team" thing is there was no stigma really until the Jets disaster happened and then the following year all the wind was out of their sails. Many more bloody battles with the Jets would follow.

Always admired Shula's adaptability as a coach and his ability to change with the times and anticipate where the NFL is going. Belichick is like that now but Shula was the exact same thing. Very innovative.

But I'm elated that he's still with us. How many are still around who can say they sat in Paul Browns classrooms? Shame that Carl Taseff couldn't be there as well. His right hand man

[JuggernautJ]

I don't think Don Shula gets short shrift around here (we know our football history) but in general I would guess that most casual fans don't even know he was once coach of the Colts.
Especially those not of viewing age in the 1960's.

And a belated happy birthday, coach.

[BD Sullivan]

The fact that he took a banged up team on the road and should have won the 1965 playoff game has always been a major point in his favor. As was immediately turning the Dolphins into winners --though he did have to deal with the carping of Joe Thomas and George Wilson grumbling that he got the credit for their hard work.

[74_75_78_79_]

Just TWO losing seasons ('76 & '88) and just four .500 seasons in a 33 season career as a head coach!