The death of Don Shula, the NFL's winningest coach who led the Miami Dolphins to the league's only undefeated season, reverberated throughout the NFL on Monday.
Shula won an NFL-record 347 games, including the postseason, and led Miami to a 17-0 record in 1972, culminating with a victory in Super Bowl VII.
Shula coached for 33 NFL seasons, 26 with Miami, and only two of his Dolphins teams finished below .500. He finished with an overall coaching record of 347-173-6 (73-26-4 with Baltimore).
The impact of the death of the Dolphins legend was felt throughout the sporting world:
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
"Coach Shula really set the standard for all of us."
— NFL (@NFL) May 4, 2020
Bill Belichick remembers a fellow coaching legend. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/NRYwXpjW7U
The Greatest.
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) May 4, 2020
Thank you for everything, Coach Shula. pic.twitter.com/7eXY4ZOKn6
Rest in peace, Coach Shula.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 4, 2020
Hard to believe he's gone. He was such a dominant force. I fully expected he'd live to see 100. Winning was critical to him but winning WITHIN THE RULES was more important. There was only 1 perfect team in the first 100 yrs of the NFL and Coach Shula is the reason! #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/yimRSpkZDO
— Larry Csonka (@Larry_Csonka39) May 4, 2020
<We lost the greatest coach of all time. RIP Coach Don Shula pic.twitter.com/nVD0nkQm1W
— Bruce Arians (@BruceArians) May 4, 2020
"Don Shula can take his and beat yours, and he could take yours and beat his." - Bum Phillips
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 4, 2020
The NFL lost a legend today.
Rest In Peace Don.
I was sadden to hear this morning of the passing of the greatest coach in NFL history. My coach for 10 years. Coach Shula took a chance on me and the rest is history. My condolences to the family. Best coach on earth, best coach in heaven. RIP Coach @MiamiDolphins pic.twitter.com/tIBGgj0pfN
— Mark G Clayton (@hands83) May 4, 2020
We lost one of the most iconic men in the history of NFL coaching in Don Shula. His leadership and wisdom helped to guide me and many others who have made a life in coaching football. Thank you Coach Shula. May your spirit and legacy live on forever. RIP
— Bill Cowher (@CowherCBS) May 4, 2020
Don Shula has passed away at the age of 90
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) May 4, 2020
One of the very greatest football coaches of all time.
Rest in peace Sir, you left some classic football games behind you@
RIP NFL Hall of Fame Coach and 2X Super Bowl champion Don Shula! My prayers go out to his family.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 4, 2020
I'm at a loss for words. The game lost one of its giants. People will remember Coach Shula for all the games he won, but as an influential member of the competition committee he did so much for advancing the game to what it is now. Miss you already. Rest easy, my friend.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) May 4, 2020
-Gil pic.twitter.com/cp3nLQaofm
We lost a true coaching legend today with the passing of Coach Shula. He drafted me and even though I never played for him I always had the greatest respect for him and his teams. My prayers go out to his family.
— Joe Theismann (@Theismann7) May 4, 2020
R.I.P. to the goat Don Shula🙏🏾
— DeVante Parker (@DeVanteParker11) May 4, 2020
R.I.H Coach Shula...one of the best to ever do it. My condolences to his family🙏🙏
— PAT SURTAINl (@psurtain23) May 4, 2020
Extending my deepest condolences to the Shula family. When I first started watching football, Coach Shula was the standard for winning. He coached many more players & people than he perhaps ever knew. I am grateful to coach in the same sport in pursuit of winning. #RIPDonShula pic.twitter.com/KXYp6lHCA7
— Cris Dishman (@dishman_cris) May 4, 2020
RIP to the best there ever was! The Miami Legend! 🙏 https://t.co/sk8LSjFLK4
— Jakeem Grant (@_TheDreamIsHere) May 4, 2020
Just got word that Coach Don Shula has passed away. Please keep his family in your prayers. Rest In Heaven Coach. Thank you 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️🐬🐬🐬#MiamiDolphins #Legend #HOF
— Richmond Webb (@RichmondWebb) May 4, 2020
"One thing I never want to be accused of is not working."
— Kenyan Drake™ (@KDx32) May 4, 2020
RIP Coach Don Shula.
We were fortunate enough to have Don Shula coach the Senior Bowl four times during his Hall-of-Fame career. Below is a pic from the 1987 game with sons Mike and Dave. On behalf of everyone at our game, thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of Coach Shula. pic.twitter.com/0MGb2yGx6d
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) May 4, 2020
RIH Coach❤️ thank you https://t.co/9zRuwoYzwq
— Terry Kirby (@TerryKirby42) May 4, 2020
RIP Coach @DonShula !!! You've touched hundreds of thousands, you've coached thousands and each has their story. Thank you for touching me personally!!! ♥️
— Troy Stradford (@TroyStradford) May 4, 2020
There are nearly 7.8b people in the world. How many will say they've impacted as many people at @DonShula. He was an imperfect man striving for perfection and got it once. The rest of the time he came really close. What a legacy we were given. #RIPGOAT pic.twitter.com/7LzQYi2s6h
— Twan Russell (@TwanRussell) May 4, 2020
Rest In Peace "Don Shula"! Legendary🙏🏽🐐
— Davon Godchaux (@ChauxDown) May 4, 2020
Today is a sad day. Coach Shula was the rare man who exemplified true greatness in every aspect of his life. He will be so missed by so many but his legacy of character and excellence will endure. All my best to Mary Anne and the Shula family. pic.twitter.com/PLoIhyPGrl
— Tom Garfinkel (@TomGarfinkel) May 4, 2020