Chris Shula, the accomplished defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, has been instrumental in guiding his team to a stellar regular-season performance and a spot in the divisional playoffs. His surname, however, resonates deeply with long-time football enthusiasts, evoking memories of a legendary figure in the sport's history. This piece delves into Chris Shula's esteemed family ties and his individual ascent within the coaching ranks.
The name Shula is synonymous with gridiron greatness, primarily due to Chris's grandfather, Don Shula. A revered Pro Football Hall of Famer, Don Shula holds the distinction of being the winningest head coach in NFL history. Over an extraordinary 33-year career, he amassed an unparalleled 328 regular-season victories and a total of 347 wins when including playoff contests. His coaching legacy is further cemented by leading the 1972 Miami Dolphins to an undefeated season and a Super Bowl triumph, a feat that remains unmatched in the league.
Chris Shula is indeed a direct descendant of the iconic Don Shula, being his grandson. His father, Dave Shula, also pursued a coaching career, notably serving as the head coach for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1992 to 1996. Additionally, Chris's uncle, Mike Shula, made his mark in collegiate football, coaching the University of Alabama from 2003 to 2006, directly preceding the highly successful tenure of Nick Saban.
Chris Shula's own coaching journey began in 2010, marking the start of a continuous upward climb through both college and professional football. His early roles included assistant linebackers coach at Ball State in 2010 and a graduate assistant position at Indiana from 2011 to 2013. He then took on the defensive coordinator role at John Carroll in 2014, followed by a transition to the NFL as a defensive quality control coach for the San Diego Chargers in 2015-2016.
His career with the Los Angeles Rams commenced in 2017 as an assistant linebackers coach, coinciding with Sean McVay's arrival as head coach. Over the years, Shula has steadily progressed within the Rams' coaching staff, holding positions such as outside linebackers coach (2019-2020), linebackers coach (2021), pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach (2022), and pass rush coordinator and linebackers coach (2023). His current appointment as the defensive coordinator for the Rams since 2024 highlights his significant contributions and rising prominence. His success has not gone unnoticed, as he has recently garnered interview requests for head coaching vacancies, indicating he may soon become another branch on McVay's extensive coaching tree.
The Shula family's enduring influence in professional football is evident through Chris Shula's impressive rise in the coaching world. Building upon the monumental achievements of his grandfather, Don Shula, Chris has meticulously carved out his own path, demonstrating a deep understanding of the game and a clear aptitude for leadership. His progression through various coaching capacities, culminating in his current role as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, underscores a commitment to excellence and a potential future as a leading figure in the NFL.