Chris Shula linked to Titans head coaching job rumors?

January 11, 2026

Chris Shula linked to Titans head coaching job: Coaching carousel watch

Chris Shula linked to Titans head coaching job surfaced in reports this week, fueling coaching carousel speculation. The Titans opened their head coaching vacancy early, moving on from Brian Callahan after Week six. As a result, Tennessee enters the 2026 offseason with massive cap space and nine draft picks.

Meanwhile, NFL Network reported a request to interview Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula. Shula has worked on Sean McVay’s staff since 2017 and became defensive coordinator in 2024. Under his direction, the Rams rank among the league’s best in run defense and points allowed. Therefore, his reported interest carries weight because teams prize defensive discipline and playoff experience.

If hired, Shula would step into a roster-rich Titans situation with the fourth overall draft pick. However, the interview request also signals broader coaching volatility across the NFL, not just Tennessee. This piece will track developments, insider context, contract implications, and ripple effects for the Rams and Titans.

Chris Shula linked to Titans head coaching job: What This Means for Both Teams

Chris Shula linked to Titans head coaching job represents a pivotal moment for both franchises. As Tennessee begins a wide-ranging search, the Titans head coach interview process now includes a young defensive mind. Shula rose through the Rams staff after joining in 2017 and became the Rams defensive coordinator in 2024. Under Sean McVay’s leadership, he helped shape a top run defense and a unit that allows just over twenty points per game. Therefore, his résumé fits the profile of coaches Tennessee covets.

Key insights

  • For the Titans: Tennessee enters the 2026 offseason with nearly one hundred million dollars in cap space and nine draft picks, including the fourth overall pick. As a result, hiring Shula would give them an experienced defensive architect to pair with roster flexibility.
  • For the Rams: Losing their Rams defensive coordinator would test Los Angeles depth on staff and continuity on defense. However, the organization could move quickly to promote or rehire, and Raheem Morris remains a plausible short-term option.
  • For Shula: His trajectory from position coach to defensive coordinator shows rapid growth. Moreover, Pro Football Focus credits his unit as the league’s best run defense, and Jared Verse and Byron Young earned Pro Bowl recognition under his watch.
  • League impact: This development underscores how one interview can ripple across the NFL coaching carousel, because coaching hires trigger staff changes and strategic shifts.

Ultimately, this is still early and speculative. Nevertheless, teams will watch the Titans head coach interview process closely because the outcome could reshape both franchises.

Chris Shula coaching carousel illustration

Rams defense performance and why Chris Shula is a hot head coaching candidate

Chris Shula has built a resume that warrants interview requests. The Rams defense is allowing 20.4 points per game, ranking 10th fewest in the NFL. Moreover, that consistency shows in late game stops and situational defense. Shula earned a promotion to Rams defensive coordinator in 2024 after years on Sean McVay’s staff. Therefore, his rapid rise matters in the Titans head coach interview landscape.

Pro Football Focus rated the Rams as the best run defense unit this season, and that ranking reflects scheme and personnel. Jared Verse and Byron Young earned Pro Bowl honors, which underscores pass rush development under Shula. As a result, the unit pairs stout gap control with timely pressure packages.

Key evidence why Shula is a hot candidate

  • Team metrics: Rams allowing 20.4 points per game, which places them among the league’s stingiest units.
  • Run defense: Pro Football Focus named Los Angeles the best run defense unit this season.
  • Player development: Edge rushers Jared Verse and Byron Young earned Pro Bowl nods under Shula.
  • Coaching trajectory: Shula joined the Rams in 2017 and rose to defensive coordinator in 2024.
  • Scheme strengths: He emphasizes gap discipline, run fits and situational pressure.
  • Organizational depth: If he departs, the Rams could pivot quickly, and Raheem Morris remains a plausible return option.

Taken together, these indicators explain why teams seek Shula in coaching searches. Because he blends analytics, player growth and in-game adjustments, he checks many head coach boxes. However, interviews are early and the process will reveal whether Tennessee makes a formal push.

CandidateCurrent role and teamCoaching experienceReputationSuper Bowl winsPotential impact for Titans
Chris ShulaDefensive coordinator, Los Angeles RamsOn Rams staff since 2017, promoted to DC in 2024Defensive minded, elite run defense and gap disciplineYes, part of Rams staff for Super Bowl LVIInstall disciplined defense, develop EDGE talent, leverage draft and cap flexibility
Raheem MorrisFormer Rams defensive coordinator; coaching elsewhere recentlyLong NFL coaching resume with coordinator and interim rolesAggressive defensive schemer, situational specialistNo noted Super Bowl head coaching winsProvide immediate continuity or short term fix if Rams need a replacement
Unspecified Super Bowl winning candidateRole and team not publicly namedVeteran head coach pedigree expected by Titans per reportsVaries by name, generally proven leadershipAt least one Super Bowl win as reported preferenceBrings instant credibility and roster control, could reshape franchise direction

Public reporting currently singles out Shula and notes a search for a Super Bowl winning coach. Therefore, the candidate list can change quickly. Teams will test fit, philosophy, and contract demands during interviews.

Chris Shula linked to Titans head coaching job would carry real strategic weight for both franchises. For Tennessee, hiring Shula would install a defensive-minded leader into a roster-rich offseason. Because the Titans enter 2026 with roughly one hundred million dollars in cap space and nine draft picks, Shula would gain rare roster flexibility. Moreover, his rapid rise to Rams defensive coordinator and PFF recognition for run defense support his candidacy.

For the Los Angeles Rams, Shula’s potential departure would force a coaching adjustment. The team could promote internally or pursue a proven coordinator like Raheem Morris. As a result, Los Angeles would prioritize continuity to protect its defensive identity under Sean McVay.

Looking ahead, the Titans head coach interview process will reveal fit and vision. Teams will weigh scheme, leadership and draft strategy before offering a deal. Therefore, expect more interviews, media reports, and rapid staff movement during the coaching carousel.

This analysis comes from Rams News LLC. Follow for updates at ramsnews.com and on Twitter X with @ZachGatsby for ongoing NFL coaching rumors and insider coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does “Chris Shula linked to Titans head coaching job” mean?

It means Tennessee requested permission to interview Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula. NFL reporting first noted the request. Therefore, it signals genuine interest. However, an interview does not guarantee a hire.

How would Shula affect the Titans if hired?

Shula would bring defensive structure and player development. The Titans enter 2026 with almost one hundred million dollars in cap space and nine draft picks. As a result, he could shape front seven personnel and install a run-first defensive identity.

What happens to the Rams if Shula leaves?

The Rams would lose their defensive play-caller and a key developer of EDGE talent. However, Los Angeles has options. The team could promote internally, rehire Raheem Morris, or seek an external coordinator to maintain continuity.

Is Shula qualified for a head coaching role?

Yes. He rose through Sean McVay’s staff since 2017 and became defensive coordinator in 2024. Moreover, the Rams allow 20.4 points per game and PFF rated their run defense top in the league. Jared Verse and Byron Young earned Pro Bowl nods under his guidance.

What does this say about NFL coaching trends?

The league continues to elevate young coordinators fast. Consequently, teams prize schematics, analytics and player development. Therefore, expect more defensive coordinators to surface in future coaching carousels.