A Conversation With Don Shula

TAMPA - Hall of Fame coach Don Shula, who guided the 1972 Dolphins to the only perfect season in NFL history, visited his steakhouse at the Hotel InterContinental Tampa this week for a re-opening following renovations. The winningest coach in league history spoke to Tribune NFL writer Ira Kaufman on an array of topics ranging from Peyton Manning to Larry King.

How's the restaurant business these days?

We've got 26 'Shula's' around the country, and we're going to be opening in Hong Kong soon. We'll find out how much they like American steak over there. Our first restaurant was in Miami Lakes, and then we came here to Tampa.

Has it really been 35 years since the perfect 17-0.

Yes, and nobody had been perfect in the NFL for 50 years before that. A couple of years ago, the Colts started 13-0 and they looked unbeatable before losing to San Diego. Whoever wins the Patriots-Colts game (Nov. 4) has a chance to run the table, but the team that emerges will still have some tough games left.

Would both Indianapolis and New England go for the perfect record late in the regular season, rather than rest some regulars?

I think the Patriots have already shown what they're going to do - they're going to go for it. I think Bill Belichick's that way; their fans want him to do it, and Tom Brady wants to do it. If they have a shot, they'll go for it. I think Tony Dungy might go for it, too, if given the chance.

You coached Johnny Unitas in Baltimore and against Joe Namath in a Super Bowl. How good are Brady and Manning?

I love watching Peyton Manning. That guy is so smart and so sharp. And the thing a lot of people don't realize is his relationship with (offensive coordinator) Tom Moore. They've been in the same offense since Day 1, and that helps immensely. Brady has so much confidence right now that his line will give him time and his receivers will get open. I love Wes Welker, and I'm disappointed Miami let him go. He's one of those receivers you can count on to make a play for you when you really need one. And adding Randy Moss is a big plus for them.

What has happened to your Dolphins?

It hurts me and it hurts the fans to see what has happened to them. It's not what they've been used to and what they've learned to expect when they go to a game in Miami. I was there on Sunday when they played the Patriots, who had 42 points at halftime. Miami's defense can't stop anybody right now.

How's the diet going?

Well you know my wife, Mary Anne, and I are on Nutri-Systems, and we've lost 55 pounds between us. If you both do it together, you've got a chance. My back, my hips and my knees were hurting and I wanted to get my weight down and put less pressure on my body. We got the weight off in about four or five months, but then we went on a cruise - that was tough on the diet.

Which coaches impress you today?

I really admire Tony Dungy. I just read his book and it was excellent, all-encompassing. I enjoyed reading it. My son Mike worked for Tony in Tampa and he told me 'Dad, what you see is what you get.' He's just a nice guy who never raises his voice and always keeps his cool. That's been his secret.

What are your early impressions of Roger Goodell?

I like him. I've known him for years, and he knows how everything works in the league. That has helped him as the new NFL commissioner. He's been strong on discipline and I admire a guy who is willing to take a strong stand. Being wishy-washy has never been my way. As a commissioner, you've got to do something to make these players take notice of what the consequences are for their actions. They represent the NFL and they are role models for kids.

What bugs you about the NFL today?

I took a lot of pride in always having the least-penalized team. We didn't make mental mistakes or beat ourselves. When I watch games now, I'm horrified by some of the penalties. I'd make a big issue of stopping practice when a guy jumped offsides. The players would look at me like I was crazy, but I've never been a let-it-slide type of guy. I figure you're not going to prevent these things from happening in a crucial part of the football game if you tolerate it at practice.

How far back do you go with Mr. Miami, Larry King?

I did his first national radio show. He was in Washington and I was his first guest on that show. When I got down to Miami as a coach in 1970, I get this call from Larry King. We met somewhere and I sat down for an interview. When it was over, I thought I've never had an interview go by so fast, with so many intelligent questions. I couldn't believe it. Then he gives me a check for $300. I went to cash it and the check bounces, so I call Larry. Eventually, I got the money. It took a while, but Larry ended up handing me three $100 bills.

Ira Kaufman