Don Shula becomes first NFL coach to win 100 regular-season games in 10 seasons
Legendary coach Don Shula reached a milestone in NFL history on October 25, 1971.
The Miami Dolphins defeated the Baltimore Colts 24-3, giving Shula his 100th regular-season win as an NFL head coach. This remarkable achievement was accomplished in just 10 seasons, making Shula the first coach to reach 100 wins that quickly.
Shula's impressive coaching career.
Shula began his coaching career with the Baltimore Colts in 1963. He led the Colts to the NFL Championship Game in 1964 but lost to the Cleveland Browns. In 1965, Shula was hired as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, a struggling expansion team.
Under Shula's leadership, the Dolphins quickly became a powerhouse. They won their first Super Bowl in 1972, and they repeated as champions the following year. The Dolphins also won the Super Bowl in 1974, making them the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. Shula retired from coaching in 1995, with a record of 347-173-6. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
Shula's impact on the NFL
Shula is considered one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. He is the only coach to win two consecutive Super Bowls and the only coach to win three consecutive Super Bowls. Shula also has the most wins of any coach in NFL history.
Shula's success was due in part to his innovative coaching style. He was one of the first coaches to use the two-minute offense, and he also pioneered the use of the zone defense. Shula was also a master motivator, and he was able to get the most out of his players.
Shula's legacy
Shula's legacy extends beyond his impressive coaching record. He was a pioneer in the NFL, and he helped to shape the game as we know it today. Shula was also a great ambassador for the sport, and he helped to promote the NFL around the world.