Robbie becomes the Dolphins’ major owner when he and five Miami businessmen buy out the interest of W.H. Keland
December 14:
Dolphins lose at home to the Jets, 27-9, ending a 3-10-1 season and also ending George Wilson’s four-year stewardship as coach. Wilson went 15-39-2.
Back-to-Back Super Bowls and the Perfect Season
SHULA AND THE GLORY YEARS
Chapter 2
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Don Shula is carried off the field after completing a perfect season by defeating the Washington Redskins, 14-7, in Super Bowl 7 at the Los Angeles Coliseum, January 14, 1973. (Miami Herald)
“I’m no miracle worker. I don’t have a magic formula. I’m not a person with a great deal of finesse. I’m just a guy who rolls up his sleeves and goes to work.”
Don Shula (from “The Winning Edge”)
“As a coach you don’t have the luxury of looking back and remembering. Someday, when I don’t have a tomorrow to look to, I’ll take time to smell the roses. I’m kidding a little, but it’s true. You don’t have time to enjoy the past when you have to prepare for the present.”
Miami Dolphins Coach Don Shula
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Timeline 1970-1974
1970
February 18:
Don Shula is named head coach and vice president after seven seasons coaching the Baltimore Colts.
Don Shula reports to the Dolphins for his official photo, February 18, 1970. (John Pineda/Miami Herald)
Among Shula’s fondest memories: the first time he coached the Colts to victory over the Green Bay Packers, 21-20, on September 20, 1964 before 42,327 screaming fans; John Unitas to Raymond Berry; the comeback victories; Unitas to Willie Richardson to beat the Packers, 13-10, on November 5, 1967.
Don Shula remembering his years in Baltimore
“The fan support we had there was tremendous. One of my biggest questions when I came here was whether or not we could get that kind of support here.”
Don Shula remembering his move from Baltimore to Miami
Don Shula, left, is introduced as the Dolphins coach by owner Joe Robbie in 1970. (Joe Schuppe/Miami Herald)
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Don Shula named Bill Arnsparger as the first addition to his coaching staff. Arnsparger was an assistant to Shula with the Baltimore Colts and was hired as defensive line coach for the Dolphins, February 25, 1970. (John Pineda/Miami Herald)
April 13:
NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle orders Dolphins to forfeit their first-round draft pick to Baltimore as compensation for tampering in their hiring of Don Shula.
December 20:
Dolphins extend winning streak to six and clinch the franchise’s first playoff berth with a 45-7 win against Buffalo at the Orange Bowl.
December 27:
The Oakland Raiders beat the Dolphins, 21-14, in Miami’s first playoff game.
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1971
October 17:
Bob Griese sets an NFL record by throwing touchdowns on three consecutive passes in the first quarter of a 41-3 victory over New England at the Orange Bowl.
DOLPHIN TRIVIA:
Name the only Dolphin ever traded twice for draft choices.
John Stofa (for a No. 1 and 2 in 1967, and a No. 7 in 1971).
December 19:
Dolphins win their first AFC East title by defeating Green Bay, 27-6, in front of 74,215, the team’s largest crowd at the Orange Bowl to date. The Dolphins finish 10-3-1.
December 25:
In their first postseason victory, the Dolphins beat Kansas City, 27-24, in two overtimes to win the longest game in NFL history (82 minutes, 40 seconds) and advance to the AFC Championship.
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THE NFL’S LONGEST GAME
GARO KICKS DOLPHINS TO VICTORY
Saturday, December 25, 1971
Kicker Garo Yepremian (1) and holder Karl Noonan (89) celebrate the 37-yard field goal against the Kansas City Chiefs that ended pro football’s longest game, December 25, 1971 at Municipal Stadium in Kansas City. (John Pineda/Miami Herald)
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