Legendary NFL head coach Don Shula died at the age of 90 on Monday, the Miami Dolphins announced. Shula, the winningest coach in NFL history at 328 regular-season wins and 347 total wins, led the Super Bowl-winning Dolphins to an undefeated season in 1972 -- a feat no coach has been able to duplicate.
During his 33-season career, Shula won two Super Bowls -- one in 1972 and another in 1973, both with the Dolphins. Shula started his coaching career with the Detroit Lions as a defensive coordinator from 1960-1962, before getting a head coaching job with the Baltimore Colts, where he stayed from 1963-1969.
When the Dolphins announced Shula had died Monday morning, an outpouring of love came from fans and players throughout the league and the sports world. Here is what people had to say about Shula's contributions to the game of football:
Rest in peace to the winningest coach in NFL history, Don Shula. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/4mZ8cjUBl2
— NFL (@NFL) May 4, 2020
The Dolphins released a statement on his passing, saying, "Don Shula was the patriarch of the Miami Dolphins for 50 years. He brought the winning edge to our franchise and put the Dolphins and the city of Miami in the national sports scene. Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Mary Anne, along with his children Dave, Donna, Sharon, Anne, and Mike."
The Miami Dolphins are saddened to announce that Head Coach Don Shula passed away peacefully at his home this morning. pic.twitter.com/MKAtXFA4zd
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) May 4, 2020
They also called him "the greatest" and thanked him for all he did for the franchise.
The Greatest.
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) May 4, 2020
Thank you for everything, Coach Shula. pic.twitter.com/7eXY4ZOKn6
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement as well:
"Don Shula will always be remembered as one of the greatest coaches and contributors in the history of our game. He made an extraordinarily positive impact on so many lives."
Statement from Roger Goodell on the passing of Don Shula. pic.twitter.com/Dq5XE8i5f0
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) May 4, 2020
The Pro Football Hall of Fame released a statement from Hall of Fame president and CEO David Baker who said, "The Game has lost one of the greats today, but we have all lost a truly incredible man."
Official statement from @PFHOFPrez on the passing of Hall of Famer @DonShula.#HOFForever | @MiamiDolphins pic.twitter.com/3lPvtz32Ur
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) May 4, 2020
Mark Clayton said Shula, his coach of 10 years, took a chance on him. Clayton thanked the NFL legend and wrote, "Best coach on earth, best coach in heaven."
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
The NFL looked different when Shula entered it. It was a low-scoring, run-dominated game, but he helped change it to be passing oriented.
"You can't tell the story of this league... without a chapter on Don Shula." - @JasonLaCanfora pic.twitter.com/SRMhR6fbVo
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) May 4, 2020
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said his organization is grateful for the relationship they have had with the Shula family. Jones wrote, "Don was not just an iconic figure in the history of our game, he was an American institution who always represented the highest levels of character, leadership and integrity.
Jerry Jones with a statement on the passing of Don Shula: pic.twitter.com/e3bSAYtkMY
— David Helman (@HelmanDC) May 4, 2020
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick could have three undefeated regular seasons (even accounting for an extended 17-game season that is likely to take place in 2021) and still not catch up to Shula:
How great was Don Shula? He has 55 more wins (328) than Bill Belichick (273). pic.twitter.com/BCv5Inlcb9
— NFLonCBS (@NFLonCBS) May 4, 2020
Colts owner Jim Irsay wrote, "We will miss you, Don Shula. One of the last of the all-time greats from an incredible era."
We will miss you, Don Shula. One of the last of the all-time greats from an incredible era.
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) May 4, 2020
Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher thanked Shula, saying "His leadership and wisdom helped to guide me and many others who have made a life in coaching football."
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
The Buffalo Bills offered their condolences.
We express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of former @MiamiDolphins Head Coach Don Shula who passed this morning. pic.twitter.com/aVhQ5FuN4j
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) May 4, 2020
Another AFC East rival offered a message to Shula as well.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family of legendary Baltimore Colts and @MiamiDolphins head coach Don Shula after his passing this morning. pic.twitter.com/55DRpipYA8
— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 4, 2020
Magic Johnson sent out prayers to Shula's family.
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
Arizona Cardinals and former Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake quoted Shula, tweeting, "'One thing I never want to be accused of is not working.'"
“One thing I never want to be accused of is not working.”
— Kenyan Drake™ (@KDx32) May 4, 2020
RIP Coach Don Shula.
Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker offered a message to Shula:
R.I.P. to the goat Don Shula🙏🏾
— DeVante Parker (@DeVanteParker11) May 4, 2020