The case for recognizing Don Shula's overlooked Playoff Bowl victories: A deeper dive into the NFL's history and its impact on coaching records
In the world of professional football, few names resonate as strongly as Don Shula, the legendary coach whose career achievements are often the subject of debate and admiration. While his overall win record stands at an impressive 347, there's a compelling argument that his true legacy should be 349, thanks to two often-overlooked victories in the Playoff Bowl.
The Playoff Bowl, a third-place game in the NFL's history, was a postseason contest that, while not as prestigious as the Super Bowl, still held significant importance in the league's early days. Don Shula's team, the Baltimore Colts, claimed victory in this game twice, in 1965 and 1966. These wins, though seemingly insignificant in today's context, were crucial milestones in Shula's career and the NFL's evolution.
What makes these victories particularly intriguing is the context in which they occurred. In 1965, the Colts defeated the Dallas Cowboys, and the following year, they bested the Philadelphia Eagles. Shula's teams displayed a level of determination and skill that earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike. His post-game comments, as quoted by Dave Hyde, highlight the intensity and competitiveness of these games, even if they were not part of the modern NFL playoffs.
The argument for including these wins in Shula's record is not merely about historical accuracy. It's about recognizing the impact of these games on the NFL's early playoff structure. In the 1960s, the league had a different approach to postseason play, and these third-place games were a crucial part of that landscape. By adding these victories to his tally, we acknowledge the significance of Shula's contributions to the league's development.
This discussion brings to light an interesting parallel with international football. In the 2026 World Cup, Kylian Mbappé's two goals in the third-place game were instrumental in his team's performance. These goals contributed to his overall tournament total and all-time World Cup record, even though the game was considered 'meaningless.' Similarly, Shula's Playoff Bowl wins, though not part of the current NFL playoffs, were meaningful in their time and should be recognized as such.
The NFL's decision to discontinue the Playoff Bowl in favor of the Pro Bowl might have been influenced by the changing dynamics of the league. However, the fact remains that these games were still playoff games, and Shula's victories in them should be counted. This perspective not only adds to Shula's coaching legacy but also provides a fascinating insight into the NFL's historical approach to postseason play.
In conclusion, the inclusion of Don Shula's Playoff Bowl wins in his coaching record is a matter of historical accuracy and recognition of the NFL's early playoff structure. It invites a broader discussion about the evolution of professional football and the impact of coaches like Shula on the league's development. Perhaps it's time to reevaluate the criteria for coaching greatness and consider the context and significance of every game a coach wins.
