Who Is Don Shula? Age, Biography and Wiki
Don Shula was born on January 4, 1930, and sadly passed away on May 4, 2020. He was an iconic figure in American football, renowned for his remarkable coaching career, which spanned over three decades. Shula is best known for leading the Miami Dolphins to an unprecedented perfect season in 1972, making them the only NFL team to achieve this remarkable feat. Throughout his career, he accumulated numerous accolades, including being named the NFL's Coach of the Year multiple times and earning induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
| Occupation | Football Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 4, 1930 |
| Age | 90 Years |
| Birth Place | Grand River, Ohio, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 4 May, 2020 |
| Died Place | Indian Creek, Florida, U.S. |
Popularity
Don Shula's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While Don Shula's precise height and weight are not widely documented in media sources, he was known for maintaining a commanding presence on and off the field. As a former player and coach, physical fitness played a critical role in his life, contributing to his longevity in the sport.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Don Shula was married to Mary Anne Shula, with whom he spent several decades of his life. Together they had five children. Shula’s family was an essential component of his life, and they rallied around him throughout his storied career. Despite his passing, the Shula legacy continues through his family, who honor him in various ways, including sustaining his restaurants and charitable endeavors.
His parents, Dan and Mary Shula (Dénes Süle and Mária Miller), were of Hungarian origin, having immigrated when they were children. Shula's father Dan worked for $9 a week at a rose nursery and saved up to buy the small house where Shula spent his early childhood.
The house was next door to a grocery store in Grand River owned by Mary's parents. Shula played football in his neighborhood as a child, but his parents forbade it after he got a gash on his face when he was 11.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Don Shula's net worth was estimated to be around $35 million. Throughout his career, Shula earned significant salaries as a coach, alongside revenue generated from his successful restaurant business and various endorsements. His financial acumen ensured that he left behind a legacy not only in football but also in sustainable wealth.
Career, Business and Investments
Don Shula had a remarkable career that began as a player in the NFL before transitioning to coaching. He first became head coach of the Baltimore Colts before transforming the Miami Dolphins into a dominant franchise. Beyond football, Shula made smart business investments, including a chain of steakhouses named "Shula's Steak House," which has locations across the United States. His business acumen and dedication have left a lasting impact on his community and the sports world.
Donald Francis Shula (January 4, 1930 – May 4, 2020) was an American professional football player, coach and executive who served as a head coach in the National Football League (NFL) from 1963 to 1995. He played seven seasons as a defensive back in the NFL. For most of his career, Shula was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.
Social Network
Don Shula was an influential figure within the sports community and maintained an active social presence throughout his life. His legacy is celebrated on various social platforms where fans and former players remember his contributions to the game and his advocacy for various charitable causes. His family has continued to share his legacy through social media, keeping his spirit alive among fans.
Shula retired with an all-time regular and post season overall win-loss record of 347–173–6, which currently ranks him 1st in regular season wins (328) and overall total wins (347), making him the winningest head coach in NFL history in terms of coaching victories.
As of 2024, Shula is the only head coach to win the AP NFL Coach of the Year Award four times (1964, 1967-1968, 1972). He was selected as a coach to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team and enshrined into the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll immediately after his retirement in 1996.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997 in his first year of eligibility, and in 2019 was selected to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team as one of the 10 greatest head coaches in NFL History. Shula died in 2020 at the age of 90.
Education
Don Shula completed his higher education at John Carroll University, where he played college football. His experiences on the field, coupled with his studies, laid the groundwork for his remarkable football career. Shula always emphasized the importance of education, often visiting schools and encouraging young athletes to pursue both athletic and academic excellence.
Within weeks of joining Harvey's football team, Shula was a starting left halfback in the school's single-wing offense. He handled a large portion of the team's rushing and passing duties, and helped lead the team to a 7–3 win–loss record in his senior year. It was the first time in 18 years that Harvey High School had had a seven-win season.
The team would have won a league title had it not lost an early game to Willoughby. He also ran the 440-yard dash at Harvey and was an 11-time letterman in his three years there.
