The legendary Don Shula has passed away, the team has confirmed.
A Grand River, Ohio, native, Shula played back for John Carroll University in Ohio. A ninth-round pick of the Cleveland Browns, Shula played seven seasons for the Browns, Baltimore Colts and Washington Redskins from 1951-57.
He returned to the NFL in 1960 as the Detroit Lions' defensive coordinator, then became the Colts' head coach in 1963. After leading the club to an NFL championship in 1968, where the favored Colts fell to Joe Namath's New York Jets in Super Bowl III, the game that launched the Super Bowl as the behemoth it is today.
Shula left for the Miami Dolphins in 1970, where he remained through his retirement in 1995. He led the Fins to two Super Bowl titles, including the NFL's only perfect season in 1972. The Dolphins would become back-to-back Super Bowl champions the following year, becoming one of just eight NFL teams to repeat as Super Bowl champions.
His teams made 19 playoff appearances in 33 seasons with six Super Bowl appearances.
"Today, we mourn the loss of one of the finest coaches in the history of football, Don Shula, a member of the Class of 1951," John Carroll president Dr. Michael D. Johnson said in a statement on Monday. JCU's stadium is named in Shula's honor.
"He will be remembered by most for his Hall of Fame NFL coaching career. But his impact on our community cannot be overlooked. He set a high standard for future JCU alumni looking to play, coach, or work in the NFL. Today, Don Shula Stadium and the Shula Chair in Philosophy stand as clear reminders of the man who never forgot his roots.
"Our condolences go out to his family, along with the thanks of a community grateful for his generosity and example."
"Much like the entire football community, we are mourning the loss of Don Shula," the Cleveland Browns said in a statement. "Well before he became known as the legendary Coach Shula, he was growing up in Northeast Ohio with a passion for the game we all love. We're proud of the fact that his football foundation was built in Ohio, starting at Harvey High School in Painesville, playing collegiately at John Carroll and then being drafted by the Browns. Coach Shula's contribution to our game are unmatched. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Shula Family."
Shula still owns the NFL record for 347 total victories as a head coach. He was 90 years old.
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