Let's make this birthday one to remember.

79 years old (Born on May 31, 1946)

Happy birthday, Coach Jim Bates! You’re the man who turned defensive strategies into fine art—I'm sure quarterbacks still see your playbook in their nightmares. Fans remember how you stepped up as interim head coach for the Miami Dolphins in 2004 and fired everyone up faster than a halftime pep talk. That defense was fierce enough to make even the bravest offense wish they'd taken a sick day.

Even though it's been years since those glory days, your legacy lives on like an endless replay of your finest wins—and let's face it, there's probably at least one NFL QB who wakes up sweating every time they hear your name. Cheers to you, Coach Bates—may tackling candles on your cake be as easy as stopping rookie running backs!