NFL Power Rankings: 30 Best Coaches of All-Time
By Will Osgood
5. Don Shula (1963-1995)
Don Shula did not begin his career as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, but he certainly made the majority of his legacy that way. Shula had great success early in his career with the Baltimore Colts before transitioning down to South Beach. He of course went undefeated in 1972 with outspoken Mercury Morris, Bob Griese, Larry Csonka and the “No Name” defense.
He was also blessed with one of the finest Quarterbacks in NFL history, Dan Marino, but struggled to make much hay in the postseason throughout the Hall of Fame Quarterback’s career. But it was his attention to detail and his constant nagging and encouragement that made Shula one of the best to ever coach the game. He believed that if a player took a certain number of repetitions in practice, he could make his mistakes then, but Sundays would be easier because he is now playing and not thinking.
Shula no doubt had an impact on the way coaches create practice plans and the way they interact with their players. After all, the results speak for themselves: 33 seasons, .678 winning percentage (regular season), 19 playoff appearances, .528 playoff win percentage, six conference championships and two Super Bowl titles.
Next: How will the top four end up?