Moments in NFL History: Shulas face off
In the world of men’s professional sports, many sons have followed in their father’s footsteps. Across eras, some sons have played against their dads. Some, even, have played with their dads.
But it took until this date (Oct. 2) in 1994 for a first-of-its-kind occurrence.
When DON SHULA’s Miami Dolphins made their way to Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati to face the Bengals, coached by David Shula, the “Shula Bowl” marked the first time – in any pro sport – that a father and son served as head coaches on opposing sides.
Don was in his 32nd year as a head coach and his 25th with the Miami Dolphins. David was in in his third year at the helm for the Bengals after spending time in the NFL as an offensive coordinator with the Cowboys.
In that game, the Dolphins, led by Hall of Famer DAN MARINO, defeated the Bengals 23-7 – foreshadowing the season to come for each team. The Dolphins finished 10-6, winning their division as well as one playoff game before losing to the eventual AFC champion San Diego Chargers. The Bengals finished the season 3-13.
The “Shula Bowl” paved the way for other contests featuring family members on opposing sidelines:
- The “Shula Bowl II”
- Don Shula’s Dolphins again defeated David Shula’s Bengals, 26-23, on Oct. 1, 1995
- The “Har-Bowl”
- John Harbaugh and Jim Harbaugh are the only set of brothers to square off as opposing head coaches and have done so three times:
- Nov. 24, 2011 (John Harbaugh’s Ravens defeated Jim Harbaugh’s San Francisco 49ers 16-6)
- Feb. 3, 2013 (In Super Bowl XLVII, the Ravens defeated the 49ers 34-31)
- Nov. 25, 2024 (After a stint in the NCAA, Jim Harbuagh returned to coach the Los Angeles Chargers, who lost to the John Harbaugh-coached Ravens 30-23)
- John Harbaugh and Jim Harbaugh are the only set of brothers to square off as opposing head coaches and have done so three times:
This NFL season also saw brothers link up during the preseason. First-year Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur took on his elder brother Matt and the Green Bay Packers. Mike came away with the bragging rights, 42-38.
Football will always be a family affair, and thanks to families like the Shulas, Harbaughs and LeFluers, there will be many matchups featuring family members for years to come.
