Intriguing Coaching Candidate: Chris Shula

The Las Vegas Raiders are in the midst of a coaching search and have scheduled interviews with several candidates, including some former head coaches and many first-time head coaches. One of the coaches is Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula.

Shula is the son of former Cincinnati Bengals head coach Dave Shula and is in the Hall of Fame as the grandson of Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula. His uncle, Mike Shula, was formerly the head coach at Alabama, worked as an offensive coach for several NFL teams, and most recently served as an offensive analyst for  South Carolina. So he has an extensive football background.

The young Shula played college football for the Miami RedHawks, where he was teammates with Sean McVay.

Shula got into coaching in 2010 as a linebackers coach at Ball State University. Then went to Indiana University as a graduate assistant in 2011, before getting his first defensive coordinator job at John Carroll University.

Shula gained valuable NFL experience in 2015 with the San Diego Chargers, serving as a defensive quality control coach under head coach Mike McCoy. His progression with the Rams since 2017, including roles as assistant linebackers coach, outside linebackers coach, pass game coordinator, and pass rush coordinator, underscores his growing expertise and leadership in the league.

Shula is seen as a rising defensive mind in the league with success coordinating the Rams’.

In 2024, the Rams’ defense ranked around 17th in points allowed and 26th in total yards. The Rams’ defense excelled late in the season, allowing 14 points or fewer in many games and generating an intense pass rush and turnovers in the playoffs.

Under Shula’s leadership, the Rams’ defense ranked 10th in scoring defense, allowing 20.4 points per game, and 17th in yards allowed per game. The unit excelled in late-season pass rush and turnovers, finishing 6th in interceptions with 16 and 8th in sacks with 47.

Shula has shown an ability to develop young talent, and strengthening pressure and coverage are good attributes that could help a rebuilding Raiders defense.

While the Raiders may lean toward an offensive-minded coach with the first pick, Shula presents a strategic opportunity-hiring him with a strong OC could be a game-changer for the team’s future.