Brown's history: Don Shula

There are countless Paul Brown disciples that became successful head coaches. My favorite is Hall of Famer Don Shula

Shula, who was born in Grand River, Ohio, played defensive back for the Cleveland Browns under Paul Brown from 1951 to 1953. Interesting to note is that in the history of Pro Football only two coaches have had perfect seasons. Don Shula with the 1972 Dolphins in the NFL and Paul Brown with the 1948 Cleveland Browns of the AAFL.

Shula became a head coach in the NFL at the ripe young age of 33. Sound familiar? If so, the question in everyone's mind is, why was Shula such an instant success? My answer would be Shula's depth and variety of experience was notable even at 33 years old.

Shula played and studied under Paul Brown and another Brown disciple named Weeb Ewbank at Baltimore. Shula began his coaching career as an assistant coach at the University of Kentucky working for yet another Paul Brown disciple named Blanton Collier. Shula also was an assistant coach at the University of Virginia and defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.

What does this all say?? Anyone who has run a business knows that as a check and balance to your own first impressions, when you hire someone you look to find several references. Shula at the ripe young age of 33, had served as a coach under 3 different men, and played for 2 more, all whom recommended him highly. It's a basic rule in business to hire persons with multiple good references.

Eric Mangini worked as a ballboy and gopher for Bill Belichick and obviously knew how to kiss up to Belichick but one has to wonder if Mangini learned anything other than how to impress in a short interview and perhaps while working for Belichick, how to cheat. In a sad and final irony, I've read articles in which Belichick himself is quoted as stating he never viewed Mangini as head coach material.

Mangini's results lead fans to question just how professional the Browns hiring practices are. Why did the Cleveland Browns hire a person with such a thin resume? It's just not consistent with lessons anyone could learn from studying Brown's history.