SAN FRANCISCO — If a person encountered Wade Phillips and Mike Shula on the street, there would be little reason to believe the two had anything in common.
Phillips, with a personality as big as Texas and a one-liner to fit every occasion, is like a Hollywood casting description of “football coach” come to life. Shula, with a deep tan and a quiet voice, is happy to chat but is unassuming to the point that he seems surprised to be recognized.
When you dig beneath the surface, you find men who grew up in the shadows of larger-than-life fathers and coaches, Bum Phillips and Don Shula.