What Are NFL Coaching Interview Requests for Shula?
NFL coaching interview requests have ignited a fresh wave of buzz around the Los Angeles Rams’ coaching staff. Teams from the Cardinals to the Raiders have sought conversations with Rams assistants, and insiders say more requests are likely. Because those interviews could reshape NFL staffs, the ripple effects matter for the entire league.
At the center are defensive coordinator Chris Shula and pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase. Shula’s quick rise and Scheelhaase’s offensive fingerprints draw attention from club decision makers. However, timing and NFL interview rules will influence how many of these chats turn into actual hires. Therefore, evaluating the Rams’ internal pipeline gives a clearer read on coaching market value.
This piece breaks down the latest interview requests and the implications for the Rams. Fans should watch staff movement closely, because hires change schemes and personnel plans. Read on for a team-by-team look and insider context. Expect more names to surface soon.
NFL Coaching Interview Requests
Chris Shula stands out as one of the NFL’s most talked about young defensive minds. At 39 years old, he carries a deep football pedigree as the son of Dave Shula and the grandson of Hall of Famer Don Shula. Because of that lineage and his rapid rise, teams watch his every move closely.
Shula’s coaching timeline shows steady advancement. He started in the NFL as a Chargers quality control coach in 2015. Then he joined the Rams as an assistant linebackers coach in 2017. In 2019 he earned a promotion to outside linebackers coach. By 2023 he took on outside linebackers and pass rush coordinator duties. Finally in 2024 the Rams promoted him to defensive coordinator. As a result, he now runs one of the league’s more versatile units.
His impact on the Rams defense proved measurable in 2025. The team finished No. 10 in scoring defense and No. 17 in total defense. Additionally, the Rams ranked No. 12 against the run and No. 19 against the pass. The organization allocated 16.9 percent of the salary cap to defense by season’s end, which underscores the front office’s trust in his scheme and players.
Multiple clubs have pursued interviews. Specifically, six teams have requested access to Shula, including the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans. However, NFL interview rules create timing constraints. For example, Shula cannot talk to the Giants until January 13, and most interviews will follow the league’s three hour virtual format.
For deeper context on the Rams coaching market and speculation, see RamsNews coverage here: Chris Shula Coverage. Also track which Rams assistants could be poached here: Rams Coaching Candidates. For related front office movement and how GM interviews influence coaching searches, see: Dolphins GM Interview Requests. For the NFL’s broader hiring calendar and rules, visit the league hub: NFL Hub.
NFL coaching interview requests: Nate Scheelhaase and assistant coach buzz
Nate Scheelhaase has emerged as a noteworthy young offensive coach. He starred at Illinois from 2010 through 2013 as a dynamic quarterback. After his playing days, he entered the college ranks and built a steady coaching résumé.
He joined Iowa State as a running backs coach in 2018. Over the next seasons, he shifted to wide receivers and then to offensive coordinator and quarterback coach in 2023. In 2024, Scheelhaase took a role with the Los Angeles Rams. By 2025, the Rams promoted him to pass game coordinator, a sign of the staff’s confidence.
Raiders leaders requested an interview with Scheelhaase. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns also scheduled a meeting. Because teams value creative passing concepts, his name rose on several shortlists. As a result, Scheelhaase now sits among assistants getting serious looks in this hiring cycle.
The Raiders interview list reads like a who’s who of veteran and midcareer coaches. For context, Las Vegas has interviewed Vance Joseph, Lou Anarumo, Klint Kubiak, Mike McCarthy, Kevin Stefanski, Antonio Pierce, Raheem Morris, and Darren Rizzi. That breadth shows teams cast wide nets, seeking both experience and fresh perspectives.
The broader assistant coach buzz reflects a league trend. Teams now prize young coordinators and position coaches who blend schematic innovation with player rapport. Therefore, Scheelhaase’s rise matters because it signals how NFL staffs will evolve. Clubs will keep probing the Rams’ staff, and more requests are likely as searches progress.
| Team | Coach(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | Chris Shula | Requested interview for head coach or defensive role; part of six teams seeking Shula. |
| Baltimore Ravens | Chris Shula | Interview request submitted; one of six clubs pursuing Shula. |
| Las Vegas Raiders | Chris Shula; Nate Scheelhaase; also interviewing Vance Joseph, Lou Anarumo, Klint Kubiak, Mike McCarthy, Kevin Stefanski, Antonio Pierce, Raheem Morris, Darren Rizzi | Multiple interviews ongoing; Raiders are casting a wide net; virtual or in-person formats TBD. |
| Miami Dolphins | Chris Shula | Request filed; included among teams seeking Shula. |
| New York Giants | Chris Shula | Cannot interview until January 13 due to NFL rules; interviews limited to three hours and often virtual. |
| Tennessee Titans | Chris Shula | Listed among six teams that requested access to Shula. |
| Cleveland Browns | Nate Scheelhaase | Scheduled interview; Browns added Scheelhaase to their candidate meetings. |
Conclusion
The wave of NFL coaching interview requests tied to the Rams remains active and fluid. Chris Shula and Nate Scheelhaase lead the list of names drawing interest, and six teams have formally requested Shula. Because timing matters, Shula cannot speak with the Giants until January 13 under league rules, and most interviews follow the three hour virtual limit. Meanwhile, Scheelhaase has meetings with the Raiders and Browns, which highlights rising demand for young offensive thinkers. As a result, hires could reshape schemes, player roles, and roster planning across the league. Teams will mix veteran candidates with up-and-coming assistants during this search.
For ongoing coverage and analysis, follow Rams News LLC at Rams News LLC and on Twitter/X at ZachGatsby. Stay tuned, because more names and confirmed interview dates will emerge as clubs finalize choices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are NFL coaching interview requests and why do they matter?
NFL coaching interview requests are formal asks from one club to meet a coach employed by another team. Because these requests signal a club’s interest, they shape the hiring market and rumor cycles. Therefore, they matter to front offices, players, and fans tracking potential staff changes.
Which Rams coaches are drawing the most interview interest?
The top names are defensive coordinator Chris Shula and pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase. Specifically, six teams have requested interviews with Shula. Meanwhile, Scheelhaase has scheduled meetings with the Raiders and Browns, which shows rising demand for Rams assistants.
What rules and timelines govern these interviews?
NFL rules set windows and limits for interviewing staff on other teams. For example, Shula cannot meet with the Giants until January 13. Also, most interviews cap at three hours and use a virtual format unless clubs arrange otherwise. As a result, timing and playoff progress may delay or compress meetings.
Could the Rams lose key assistants, and what would that mean?
Yes, assistants can be hired away and departure effects vary. If a coordinator or pass game coordinator leaves, the team may alter schemes and personnel plans. Also, the Rams invested about 16.9 percent of their salary cap in defense in 2025, so any defensive staff change could influence future roster choices.
How should fans track ongoing coach movement and confirmed interviews?
Follow reputable beat writers and team reports for the fastest updates. However, expect official confirmations only after interviews conclude and clubs announce hires. Meanwhile, keep an eye on league rules and scheduled interview dates to understand the timeline.
When should fans expect official confirmations?
Official confirmations generally come after interviews are completed and the clubs have made their decisions public. Fans should look out for announcements around major league events or deadlines when clubs typically finalize and publicize their hiring decisions.