David Shula, son of the legendary NFL coach Don Shula, embarked on his own journey in the world of professional football, primarily as a coach. His career began after his college days at Dartmouth, where he played as a wide receiver. Although he did not play in the NFL, his understanding of the game and his family background paved the way for a coaching career.
In 1982, Shula started his coaching career with the Miami Dolphins, the team his father famously coached. He served as an assistant coach, focusing on the wide receivers. This role allowed him to learn the intricacies of coaching at the professional level under the guidance of his father. His tenure with the Dolphins lasted until 1988, during which he honed his skills and gained valuable experience.
Following his stint with the Dolphins, Shula moved to the Dallas Cowboys in 1989, where he took on the role of offensive coordinator. Working under head coach Jimmy Johnson, Shula was part of a team that was in the process of rebuilding. His time with the Cowboys was marked by the development of a young team that would eventually become one of the dominant forces in the NFL in the early 1990s, although Shula left before the team reached its peak.
In 1992, Shula was appointed as the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. At the age of 32, he became the youngest head coach in the NFL at that time. His tenure with the Bengals was challenging, as the team struggled to find success on the field. Over five seasons, Shula's Bengals compiled a record of 19 wins and 52 losses. Despite his efforts, the team was unable to achieve a winning season, and he was released from his position in 1996.
After his coaching career in the NFL, Shula transitioned into the business world, joining the family restaurant business, Shula's Steak Houses. This marked a significant shift from his previous career path, but he continued to be involved in football through various media and consulting roles.
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