Steelers’ Art Rooney II, Kevin Colbert on Death of Don Shula

Steelers President Art Rooney II and General Manager Kevin Colbert have released statements on the death of legendary coach Don Shula.

Rooney expressed his condolences to the Shula family, and shared an anecdote that his recommendation was key in the Steelers hiring Chuck Noll back in 1969.

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Don Shula,” Rooney said. “In my opinion, Coach Shula is on the Mount Rushmore of NFL Head Coaches and his coaching career impacted so many people on and off the field. His recommendation to my grandfather and father was a key to hiring Chuck Noll. I know both had great respect for Coach Shula and all of the outstanding contributions he made to the NFL.

“Our thoughts and prayers [are] with the entire Shula family as he will be missed by the entire NFL community.”

Colbert echoed Rooney’s sentiments, and spoke of the impact Shula had on him during their five years together in Miami. Colbert worked as a college scout under Shula from 1985 to 1989.

“I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Coach Don Shula,” Colbert said. “I was very fortunate to have spent five years with Coach Shula. I always admired the manner with which he lived out his faith and showed a dedication to his family while meeting the demands of being a great NFL coach. These are lessons I will forever cherish. Please know that he and his family will be in our prayers.

Shula is the winningest coach in NFL history with 328 regular-season victories. He was also a two-time Super Bowl champion and led Miami to the only undefeated season in NFL history in 1972.

Shula had just two losing seasons over his 33-year coaching career with the Dolphins and Baltimore Colts.

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997.

Shula passed Monday morning at the age of 90.