The Hot Seat

FAST TRACK TO NOWHERE

With his team's 30-27 overtime loss to the Oilers on Oct. 6, Bengals coach David Shula suffered the 50th defeat of his career, and because it took him only 69 games to get there, he has achieved that dubious milestone faster than any other NFL coach. Clearly, being the son of Don Shula, the winningest coach the game has ever produced, is no guarantee of success. Here are the coaches who most swiftly gained membership in the Fifty Loss Club.

DAVID SHULA, Bengals

Games It Took to Lose 50: 69 (19-50), Career Record: 19-51
Was four years old when his dad lost his first game and a freshman in college when he lost his 50th; Dave did it in his fifth season.

JOHN McKAY, Buccaneers

Games It Took to Lose 50: 72 (21-50-1), Career, Record: 44-88-1
Won four national championships while coaching at Southern Cal, then lost his first 26 games in the NFL.

TOM LANDRY, Cowboys

Games It Took to Lose 50: 74 (20-50-4), Career Record: 270-178-6
Eventually won the third-most games in league history, 14 division titles, five conference crowns and two Super Bowls.

MARION CAMPBELL, Falcons, Eagles, Falcons

Games It Took to Lose 50: 75 (24-50-1), Career Record: 34-80-1
In six seasons with the Falcons, who fired him after a 6-19 stint, then rehired him 11 years later, he finished last three times.