Dictionary Thesaurus Word Dynamo Quotes Reference Translator Spanish

Art Shell

Arthur "Art" Shell (born November 26, 1946) is a former American football player in the National Football League (NFL) and two-time former head coach of the Oakland Raiders. He also holds the distinction of becoming the second-ever African American head coach (after Fritz Pollard) in the history of the NFL, and the first in the league's modern era. He also holds the NFL record for playing the longest as a diabetic.

Playing career

Shell was drafted by the Oakland Raiders from Maryland Eastern Shore. Playing offensive tackle, Shell participated in 24 playoff contests, including Super Bowls XI and XV, and was named to eight Pro Bowls.

Shell was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989. In 1999, he was ranked number 55 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players.

Coaching career

Los Angeles Raiders

As coach of the Raiders (at the time located in Los Angeles), Shell compiled a record of 54 wins, 38 losses, and was named AFC Coach of the Year in 1990, when the Raiders won the AFC West division with a 12-4 record, and advanced to the AFC championship game in the playoffs. Al Davis, owner of the Raiders, fired Shell after a 9-7 season in 1994, a move Davis later said he regretted.

After the Raiders

After leaving the Raiders, Shell went on to coaching positions with the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons, before serving as a senior vice president for the NFL, in charge of football operations.

2006 return to Raiders

Shell was officially re-hired by the Raiders as head coach on February 11, 2006. After leading the team to its worst record (2 wins, 14 losses) since 1963, Shell was fired once again by the Raiders on January 4, 2007

Although the Raiders' defense was one of the best in the league, its anemic offense, along with a season long feud with wide receiver Jerry Porter led to the team's downfall and Shell's dismissal.

Personal

Shell is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans.

Shell attended Bonds-Wilson High School in North Charleston, SC. The school is no longer in existence.

Shell is an alumnus of Maryland State College, now known as The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, located in Princess Anne, MD. He hosts an annual celebrity golf tournament there.