On July 26th, 1997, Don Shula capped an illustrious career when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, following his election into the shrine on January 25th, 1999, his first year of eligibility. Shula's unanimous election to the Hall was the ultimate honor in a career full of record-setting accomplishments.
Starting with the 1996 season, Shula has served as Vice-Chairman of the Miami Dolphins, having been named to that position on January 5th, 1996. This year marks his 30th season with the Dolphins, a tenure that started when he was named Head Coach of the club in 1970.
Shula's record as head coach of the Dolphins (1970-95) and before that as the head coach of the Baltimore Colts (1963-69) is unmatched in National Football League history. In 1995 he concluded his 33rd season as an NFL head coach and his 26th season as head coach of the Dolphins. He owns a career record of 347-173-6 (.665), including a regular season mark of 328-156-6 (.676) , and is the winningest coach in NFL history.
In addition, Shula won Super Bowl titles in 1972 and 1973, one of only five coaches in NFL history to win consecutive Super Bowls His 1972 team went 17-0, recording the only undefeated season in the NFL annals. He has appeared in more Super Bowls (six) than any other coach, and is one of only two coaches (along with Buffalo's Marv Levy) to reach the Super Bowl three straight seasons (1971-3). He also advanced to the Super Bowl with the Dolphins in 1982 and 1984, as well as in 1968 as head coach of the Colts.
Don Shula also contributed to the growth of the NFL off the field by serving from 1975 through 1995 on the league's influential Competition Committee, which evaluates and recommends changes in playing rules, as well as regulations designed to improve the safety of playing conditions.
1 of 5 NFL Coaches to Win 2 Consecutive Super Bowls
