SAN JOSE — Aside from the last name and prominent jaw, Mike Shula is his own man when it comes to the coaching profession. He is the designer of the NFL's most prolific offense, the play-caller for Cam Newton and creator of an innovative scheme that takes advantage of the Panthers quarterback's rare skills as a runner and passer.
"I'll be the first to admit that my dad, who he is, has opened doors," said Shula, the 50-year-old offensive coordinator of the Panthers and son of Dolphins Hall of Fame coach Don Shula. "I'd be lying if I said it didn't.