It’s a must-watch—Netflix has released a new documentary chronicling the remarkable life and career of Don Shula, widely considered one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. The film, titled Shula: A Legacy of Excellence, provides a comprehensive look at Shula’s journey, from his early coaching days to his retirement and his passing on May 4, 2020, at the age of 90. A story that spans more than six decades of football history, the documentary masterfully brings to life not only the hard-charging coach known for his toughness and discipline but also the man whose values, integrity, and leadership transformed a franchise and influenced generations of athletes and coaches.
From the first few minutes, the documentary grips the viewer with rich archival footage, interviews with former players, sports analysts, family members, and iconic figures in the football world. The documentary doesn’t just list the accolades Shula amassed during his career; it brings context to the legacy. As the NFL’s all-time winningest head coach with 347 career victories, Shula’s record stands not just as a measure of longevity but as a testament to enduring excellence. The film walks audiences through his early years coaching the Baltimore Colts, where his perfectionism and innovative mindset started turning heads. Even in those early days, Shula was known for his obsessive attention to detail and a rare ability to command respect without sacrificing dignity or professionalism.
One of the most powerful aspects of Shula: A Legacy of Excellence is its treatment of the 1972 Miami Dolphins season—the only perfect season in NFL history. The way the documentary builds toward that moment is cinematic and filled with emotion. Players from that legendary team, including Bob Griese, Larry Csonka, and Mercury Morris, recount the behind-the-scenes moments that made the team so cohesive, and they reflect on the unrelenting demands Shula placed on them. And yet, each player also expresses a deep sense of gratitude. Shula, known for being strict but fair, fostered an environment of mutual accountability. The film cleverly juxtaposes footage of Shula’s fiery sideline demeanor with warm anecdotes from his players, painting a picture of a leader who genuinely cared about the men he coached, even if he rarely let his guard down during games.
The documentary also pays homage to Shula’s adaptability, a trait not always associated with long-tenured coaches. When Dan Marino arrived in the 1980s, Shula didn’t try to mold Marino into a conservative quarterback. Instead, he changed his offense entirely to take advantage of Marino’s strong arm and quick release. That kind of strategic flexibility is highlighted throughout the film as one of Shula’s most underrated traits. Whether he was coaching a grind-it-out running team in the 70s or a high-flying passing offense in the 80s, Shula’s only allegiance was to winning.
Interspersed with football highlights are personal moments that reveal the human side of the legend. Interviews with his children and grandchildren provide insight into Shula’s life off the field, showing a man who balanced discipline with love, and competitiveness with compassion. His late wife, Dorothy, is remembered as his rock, and their enduring relationship is depicted as a source of strength for the coach during some of the most grueling years of his career. Former players also recount Shula’s commitment to faith and family, and how he led by example—whether that meant attending Mass daily or taking time to mentor young players off the field.
Shula’s influence went far beyond the sidelines. The documentary explores how his leadership helped change the perception of the Dolphins franchise, which was relatively new and struggling before his arrival in 1970. Within just a few years, he turned Miami into the epicenter of professional football excellence. Under his leadership, the Dolphins went to five Super Bowls, winning two, and consistently remained a powerhouse for much of the 1970s and 80s. The film captures the profound civic pride his success engendered in Miami, where fans revered Shula not just as a coach, but as a symbol of excellence and character.
The film does not shy away from the tougher moments in Shula’s career either. It recounts the disappointment of the Colts’ Super Bowl III loss to Joe Namath’s Jets, a defeat that still stings for many who were there. It reflects on the scrutiny he faced in the late 80s and early 90s as the game evolved and younger coaches emerged. But rather than framing these as blemishes, the documentary uses them to underscore Shula’s resilience. Despite setbacks, he never compromised his values or resorted to gimmicks. Instead, he stuck to fundamentals—discipline, preparation, and accountability—and let the results speak for themselves.
In his later years, Shula became a revered elder statesman of the game, often seen at NFL events and Dolphins games with a smile, a handshake, and words of wisdom. The film’s latter chapters focus on Shula’s life after football, where he embraced his role as a mentor and ambassador. His Shula’s Steak Houses became national chains, his family continued to grow, and he frequently gave back to communities through charity and youth programs. Perhaps most touching is how he stayed connected to the Dolphins organization, mentoring young coaches and attending alumni events until health issues limited his mobility.
The passing of Don Shula in 2020 is handled with grace and reverence. The documentary shows tributes from across the league, from coaches and players to fans who never met him but were moved by his story. Watching the nation mourn his death gives viewers a sense of the immense legacy he left behind. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s eulogy, which is excerpted in the film, encapsulates what many felt: that the league had lost not just a coach, but a standard-bearer of professionalism, decency, and vision.
The cinematography and pacing of Shula: A Legacy of Excellence are also worth noting. The film is not just informative but immersive. The use of slow-motion replays of classic games, combined with an emotive musical score, brings out the drama and poetry of football in a way that feels both epic and personal. Interviews are edited to feel like conversations rather than soundbites, and the transitions between past and present are seamless, aided by excellent narration that provides historical context without overwhelming the story.
One of the most rewarding elements of the documentary is its effort to connect Shula’s values to today’s game. Young coaches like Sean McVay and Mike Tomlin appear in the film to speak on how Shula’s principles of preparation and leadership continue to influence coaching philosophies today. Analysts also comment on the increasing rarity of a coach like Shula, who spent 26 seasons with one team and never had a losing season. In an era defined by rapid changes and high turnover, Shula’s consistency and character shine even brighter.
There are moments when the film feels like more than a biography—it becomes a meditation on leadership, legacy, and the pursuit of excellence. In telling the story of Don Shula, Netflix has not only honored a man but also offered a blueprint for anyone in any field who wants to lead with conviction, integrity, and purpose. For football fans, it’s a deep dive into a pivotal chapter of the NFL’s history. For everyone else, it’s a moving portrait of a man who stayed true to himself and lifted those around him, both on and off the field.
In the end, Shula: A Legacy of Excellence isn’t just a documentary about football. It’s a tribute to a man whose life embodied the best of what sports can be. A story of triumphs and trials, discipline and compassion, tradition and transformation, it reminds us why Don Shula remains one of the most revered figures in the history of American sports. This film is more than worth watching—it’s essential viewing for anyone who believes in the power of leadership and the enduring impact of character.
