Don Shula and Dan Marino were one of the best QB-Coach duos in NFL history, bringing incredible success to the Miami Dolphins in the 80s and 90s.
Shula passed away at the age of 90 peacefully in his home on Monday and his former quarterback took to Twitter to react to the sad news.
Coach Shula – you will truly be missed! You embody the definition of “greatness.” You brought that winning attitude with you every day and made everyone around you better. (Part 1/2) pic.twitter.com/Ytoi5l7H4F
— Dan Marino (@DanMarino) May 4, 2020
Thank you for always believing in me. You made me a better player and person. My thoughts & prayers are with the entire Shula family. Love you Coach! #RIP (Part 2 of 2) pic.twitter.com/iFMLip3dCV
— Dan Marino (@DanMarino) May 4, 2020
Shula and Marino teamed up from 1983 until Shula's retirement in 1995. And while Marino would never bring the Dolphins a Super Bowl championship as Shula did twice in both 1972 and 1973, the Hall of Fame coach helped mentor Marino into one of the best quarterbacks in league history.
By the time Marino entered the league, Shula had already been an NFL head coach for two decades with both Miami and the Baltimore Colts. All in all, Shula enjoyed an incredibly successful 33 years as a head coach in the NFL, and by the time he retired, Shula ranked first among NFL head coaches in wins (347) — a record that he still holds today.
The legendary head coach also served as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions for three seasons before becoming a head coach. Due to the sheer length of his head coaching career, Shula's 173 career losses is also an NFL all-time record.
As for Marino, under Shula, the former No. 27 overall pick would become a nine-time Pro Bowler and was named league MVP in 1984.
Marino is considered one of the best QBs to ever play the game of football and when he retired in 1999, he held many career passing records, including most passing yards and passing touchdowns.
Follow Us
Subscribe