Don Shula claims one last win over Bill Belichick in debate for greatest coach of all time
One last win for the true GOAT.
The debate for the greatest head coach of all time was looking like it was going to be shaky there, for a while.
Former Miami Dolphins head coach and franchise legend Don Shula was facing down loads of pressure from a hated divisional rival in the New England Patriots and Bill Belichick on the all-time wins list. But then, Miami caught a break. The Patriots faltered and Belichick was dismissed. Then, he failed to land another gig. And the ‘greatest of all time’ debate faded as the years past. Now, we have one last win for Shula in the history books.
Don Shula remains apart of an exclusive club of coaches that Bill Belichick will miss
The Pro Football Hall of Fame did not give Belichick enough votes to be nominated into the Class of 2026, which was his first season of eligibility. As a result, Belichick will need to wait at least one more season before taking his (rightful) place in Canton, Ohio. But you know who did not have to wait to be inducted? That’s right — Don Shula.
Shula is a member of the exclusive list of head coaches to be named first-ballot Hall of Famers, offering one final distinction between Shula and Belichick’s overall resumes. Bill has the advantage in the way of Super Bowl titles — but a 34-44 record in Cleveland before landing with the Patriots is a far cry from Shula’s 71-23-4 record with the Baltimore Colts before arriving in Miami in 1970.
Shula has more wins, a better career winning percentage, won with a greater variance of players (Johnny Unitas to Bob Griese to Dan Marino versus Tom Brady), and now…a first-ballot Hall of Fame induction. No one should be debating Belichick’s merits for the Hall. And he likely should have been a part of this year’s class — but he’s not. And as Belichick’s mentor Bill Parcells once said…you are what your record says you are. These records suggest the case for GOAT is closed. It’s Shula.
Don Shula’s GOAT status
- Most wins of any coach in NFL history (347)
- Three league championships (one in Baltimore, two in Miami)
- .677 career in percentage
- First-ballot Hall of Fame head coach
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