Rams at Packers sees the youngest Playoff Head Coach Match up since Shula vs Madden in 1970
The Playoffs of 1970 saw the beginning of one of the NFL’s most intriguing coaching rivalries. That of Raiders’ John Madden and Dolphins’ Don Shula. In their wild card match up from 1970, Madden was 34 and Shula just 40. This weekend we have a match up between the Packers Matt LaFleur (41) and Ram’s Sean McVay (34). Which could be the beginning of a great modern-day coaching conflict.
It was a rainy December 27th when the Raiders beat the Dolphins in front of 54,401. Quarterback Daryle Lamonica threw an 82-yard touchdown pass to receiver Rod Sherman to give the Raiders a 21-14 victory. It would be the first of many post season matches between the two franchises.
Don Shula’s record as head coach of the Baltimore Colts from 1963 to 1969 and the Miami Dolphins from 1970 to 1995 is unsurpassed in NFL history. In 1995, he ended his 33-year career as the winningest NFL head coach ever with a record of 347-173-6 (.665). Madden on the other hand finished his career in 1978 with a record 112-39-7 (0.759). The highest winning percentage for a coach with at least 100 wins.
Madden and Shula would face off 7 times. With Madden winning 4 and Shula 3. Three of these contests being playoff games, which Madden holds the edge 2-1.
The NFL world lost Don Shula in May of 2020. With Jon Madden being one of the first to pay tribute to the Hall of Fame Coach.
Rams at Packers – A new coaching rivalry?
This weekend in the Rams at Packers game will be the first time McVay and LaFleur have met as Head Coaches. More often they have worked together. First with LaFleur as the quarterbacks coach in Washington and McVay as Offensive Coordinator under Head Coach Mike Shannahan. Then again at the Rams with McVay as the Head Coach and LaFleur as the Offensive coordinator.
The advantage could be with LaFleur who boasts possible 2020 MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Who at 37 is older than the Rams coach. But McVay’s Rams boast the leagues tightest defence with superstars Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey.
Will this be the beginning of the league’s next big rivalry?