The Miami Dolphins made their first Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl VI, but lost to the Dallas Cowboys 24-3. In 1972, the Dolphins completed the NFL's only perfect season culminating in a Super Bowl win, winning all 14 of its regular-season games, both of its NFL playoff games, and also Super Bowl VII. The Dolphins thus became the first NFL team to accomplish a perfect regular season. The Dolphins also won Super Bowl VIII, becoming the first team to appear in three consecutive Super Bowls, and the second team (the first AFL/AFC team) to win back-to-back championships. For most of their early history, the Dolphins were coached by Don Shula, the most successful head coach in professional football history in terms of total games won.