The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Shula mourned at JCU
Hearts were heavy on May 4 at John Carroll, where the university mourned the loss of its most famous alum.
Don Shula passed away at age 90. The NFL’s all-time winningest coach with 347 victories was born in Grand River, then prepped at Harvey High School before heading to JCU, where he played football and graduated in 1951.
“He will be remembered by most for his Hall of Fame NFL coaching career,” said JCU president Dr. Michael D. Johnson in a prepared statement. “But his impact on our community cannot be overlooked. He set a high standard for future JCU alumni looking to play, coach or work in the NFL. Today, Don Shula Stadium and the Shula Chair in Philosophy stand as clear reminders of the man who never forgot his roots.”
Following graduation from JCU, Shula played seven seasons in the NFL — including two seasons with the Browns in 1951 and 1952 — then went into coaching. A a 33-year career as head coach of the Colts and Dolphins ensued. Along the way, he secured two iconic feats.
In 1972, he became the first — and still the only — coach to lead an NFL team to a perfect season. Miami went 17-0 and won the Super Bowl against the Redskins.
On Nov. 14, 1993, Shula became the NFL’s all-winningest coach after the Dolphins beat the Eagles. He finished his career two seasons later with 347 victories.
While at JCU, Shula was a running back. With fellow future JCU Hall of Famer Carl Taseff, they formed a potent rushing attack for the Blue Streaks. Shula averaged 6.6 yards per carry at JCU.
Shula was in the inaugural class of the Harvey Alumni Distinguished Graduates honored in 1990. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997. Shula then returned to JCU in 2002 for a lasting honor. The school named its football stadium Don Shula Stadium.
“It’s an honor we get to play at Don Shula Stadium every day,” said JCU senior starting quarterback Jake Floriea of Mentor.
Shula’s roots to JCU continued well past his graduation in 1951. His grandson, Chris (and son to former Bengals head coach Dave) was hired as JCU defensive coordinator in 2014.
“I couldn’t be more proud when I heard he got (the job),” Don Shula told The News-Herald in 2014. “John Carroll has meant an awful lot to me, and for him to get that opportunity is something I think he’ll really enjoy. I had no idea he was even interviewing for the job, and that made it even more surprising for me.”
Longtime Case Western Reserve coach Greg Debeljak graduated from JCU, and during the 1990s served as assistant for former coach Tony DeCarlo, who like Shula graduated from Harvey. Shula’s ties through DeCarlo kept a strong connection between Miami and JCU during Shula’s NFL heyday with the Dolphins.
“Coach Shula would stop by campus about once a year when I was at JCU as an undergrad and coach,” said Debeljak. “He and Coach DeCarlo had a strong connection.”
Debeljak said Shula was very generous to JCU and the athletic department.
“Everyone knows about the big gifts that went to the gym and the (football) stadium,” said Debeljak.
Shula also donated film projectors to the football program, and would regularly send personally signed letters to each year’s top football recruits.
“He certainly went above and beyond to support his alma mater,” said Debeljak.
Other reaction of Shula’s death from JCU notables: LONDON FLETCHER, FORMER JCU LINEBACKER AND 2019 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE » “He was a tremendous man on and off the field. He carried himself with grace and dignity. He’s the epitome of what it means to be ‘Men of Carroll.’ “
GREG ROMAN, 1995 JCU GRAD AND BALTIMORE RAVENS OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR » “Don Shula was a legendary coach, a great man and an inspiration to us all. I had the pleasure and privilege assisting him along with other teammates in 1994, when the basketball gym was dedicated in his name.” MICHELLE MORGAN, JCU ATHLETIC DIRECTOR » “Don Shula’s impact on John Carroll University and our athletic programs cannot be overstated. He took leadership skills from JCU to the NFL, where he set the standard for so many to follow. He will be missed, but certainly not forgotten as his name adorns our campus stadium and his legacy lives on through the character and competitiveness of our student-athletes and alumni.”
DAVID CALDWELL, 1996 JCU GRAD AND JACKONSVILLE JAGUARS GENERAL MANAGER » “Today is a tough day for anyone that attended John Carroll University, as well as everyone that had the pleasure of knowing Coach Shula. He was an incredibly inspirational leader and represented the university with class and excellence … Rest in peace to the greatest coach to ever do it.”