Larry Csonka Reflects on Don Shula’s Coaching in Modern NFL
- Larry Csonka discussed his relationship with Don Shula on The Ricky Cobb Show, highlighting Shula's demanding coaching style.
- Initially, players struggled with Shula's strict demands, but success on the field made it easier to accept his methods.
- Csonka doubts that Shula's coaching style would be effective in the modern NFL, suggesting it may not fit contemporary coaching practices.
On a recent episode of The Ricky Cobb Show, NFL Hall of Famer Larry Csonka reflected on his experiences playing for the legendary Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula. Csonka described Shula as a demanding coach who sought perfection and was in control of all aspects of the team. Initially, Csonka and his teammates found Shula's coaching style challenging, with many players considering leaving the team due to the intense demands placed upon them. However, as the team began to win, their perception of Shula's methods changed. Winning made it easier for the players to accept his strict coaching style, as they started to see the results of their hard work. Csonka emphasized that the success of the team fostered a sense of faith and camaraderie among the players, which ultimately made Shula's tough demeanor more tolerable. Despite the success, Csonka expressed doubt about whether Shula's coaching approach would be effective in the modern NFL, suggesting that it might not align with contemporary coaching philosophies. He concluded that Shula's methods could be seen as a 'square peg in a round hole' in today's game, indicating a significant shift in how coaching is perceived and executed in the current football landscape.