Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula has passed away at the age of 90.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported the news on Monday morning after one of Shula's children confirmed. A cause of death was not immediately known.
Very sad news: Dolphins Hall of Fame coach Don Shula passed away this morning at age 90, one of his children confirmed.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) May 4, 2020
The Dolphins released an official statement addressing Shula's passing.
“[Shula] passed away peacefully at his home this morning,” the Dolphins said in a statement.
“Don Shula was the patriarch of the Miami Dolphins for 50 years,” the team said. “He brought the winning edge to our franchise and put the Dolphins and the city of Miami in the national sports scene.”
“Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Mary Anne along with his children Dave, Donna, Sharon, Anne and Mike.”
Shula is the all-time leader in wins (347) and games coached (526). He is best known for leading the Dolphins to their perfect season in 1972 while winning two Super Bowl titles. He coached a record 33 consecutive seasons as head coach.
The legendary Dolphins coach exemplified what it meant to be a winner. He began his head coaching career with the Baltimore Colts in 1963 and posted a 71-23-4 record (.755 winning percentage). After beginning his stint with the Dolphins in 1970 — his tenure didn't end until 1995 — he would not suffer his first losing season until 1976, 14 years into his career. In fact, Shula suffered only two losing seasons during his 33 seasons as a head coach.
Not only did Shula coach, he also played seven seasons as a defensive back. Due to his legendary coaching stature, Shula was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Shula's family.
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