What Do Interviews with Chris Shula Signal for NFL?
Interviews with Chris Shula: Coaching carousel puts Rams defensive coordinator in demand
Interviews with Chris Shula are multiplying as the NFL coaching carousel kicks into high gear. At 39, the Rams’ defensive coordinator draws interest from six teams. Meanwhile, several franchises have formally requested interviews. This situation could reshape offseason moves.
Teams that have requested interviews include:
- Arizona Cardinals
- Baltimore Ravens
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Miami Dolphins
- New York Giants
- Tennessee Titans
The concentrated attention highlights Shula’s rapid rise through the coaching ranks. He began with the Chargers in 2015 and rose inside the Rams organization. As a result, teams seeking defensive leadership see him as a candidate who blends youth with pedigree.
However, the interview requests also test the Rams’ ability to retain coaching talent. If Shula interviews widely, other clubs could view him as a head coaching or senior defensive coordinator candidate. Therefore, the coming weeks will be telling for both Shula and the teams pursuing him.
Interviews with Chris Shula: Background and career overview
Chris Shula has built a steady, upward coaching trajectory in the NFL. He is 39 years old and comes from a notable coaching family. His father is Dave Shula and his grandfather is Hall of Famer Don Shula. Therefore, pedigree and experience both shape his profile.
Key career milestones and roles
- 2015: Hired by the Chargers as defensive quality control coach
- 2017: Joined the Rams as assistant linebackers coach
- 2019: Promoted to outside linebackers coach with Los Angeles
- 2023: Coached both linebackers and defensive backs, then returned to outside linebackers and pass rush coordination
- 2024: Promoted to Rams defensive coordinator
As a result of that rise, he became a target during the 2026 coaching carousel. Several articles have tracked those developments, including pieces on coaching poaching and job rumors. For context, see RamsNews coverage on Shula and Titans head coaching links at RamsNews coverage on Shula. Also, review which Rams candidates could be poached at Rams coaching candidates and broader staff poaching coverage at Rams staff poaching coverage.
Shula’s experience blends positional teaching with scheme design. In 2025 the Rams defense finished among the NFL’s top 20 units. Because he combines a coaching lineage with modern defensive work, teams see him as a potential coordinator or head coach candidate.
Teams requesting Interviews with Chris Shula
| Team | Interviews requested | Notable facts and team needs | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | 1 | Seeking defensive leadership after staff turnover. Therefore they want pass rush coaching and schematic updates. | Phoenix, Arizona |
| Baltimore Ravens | 1 | Known for elite defense, however they seek fresh play-calling ideas and continuity. | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 1 | Rebuilding defense; interested in young coordinators with pass rush emphasis. | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Miami Dolphins | 1 | Drew interest for aggressive schemes and hybrid linebacker usage. | Miami Gardens, Florida |
| New York Giants | 1 | Looking for defensive identity; Shula linked in reports as a candidate. | East Rutherford, New Jersey |
| Tennessee Titans | 1 | Rumored interest amid head coach speculation; value run defense coaching. | Nashville, Tennessee |
Interviews with Chris Shula: What the requests mean for NFL teams
The flurry of Interviews with Chris Shula signals more than curiosity. Teams evaluate him for scheme innovation and leadership because he led a top-20 defense in 2025. Therefore front offices see a coach who can teach position players and call plays under pressure. As a result, Shula ranks as a hot coordinator and potential head coach candidate.
Shula’s rise matters for two reasons. First, he brings measurable defensive results and pass rush development. Second, his family legacy adds credibility and pedigree, which matters in interview rooms. Because he moved from outside linebackers coach to defensive coordinator, teams view him as ready for greater responsibility.
Interested clubs face different needs and motives. The Cardinals and Raiders want play-callers who fix pass rush problems. The Ravens may seek fresh ideas despite defensive strength. The Dolphins and Giants aim to refine hybrid linebacker usage and run defense. Meanwhile the Titans reportedly consider him amid head coach speculation.
Moreover, the carousel affects talent flow across the NFL. When a coordinator interviews, other teams update lists and media outlets cover the motion, including NFL Trade Rumors reports. Therefore a single interview can trigger broader changes. Finally, the Rams must weigh retention and staffing depth because losing Shula would reshape their defensive plan.
Conclusion
Interviews with Chris Shula have become a focal point of the 2026 coaching carousel. Six teams requested interviews, showing clear demand for his defensive approach. At 39, he pairs modern scheming with a deep coaching lineage. That combination makes him attractive as both a coordinator and a future head coach.
The requests matter in practical ways. Teams like the Cardinals and Raiders seek pass rush improvement. The Ravens and Dolphins want fresh play-calling ideas. The Giants and Titans evaluate him for defensive identity and leadership. Therefore, a single hire could shift several organizations’ plans.
For the Rams, the situation tests staff retention and succession planning. If Shula departs, Los Angeles would need to replace play-calling and positional coaching quickly. Conversely, keeping him preserves continuity for a top-20 defense.
Rams News LLC reported these developments and continues to track them. For more coverage, visit Rams News and follow updates on Twitter. We will update this story as teams confirm interviews and make decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which teams have requested interviews with Chris Shula?
The Cardinals, Ravens, Raiders, Dolphins, Giants, and Titans have each requested interviews. Therefore six teams have shown formal interest.
Why are Interviews with Chris Shula attracting so much attention?
Shula led a top-20 Rams defense in 2025, and he developed outside linebackers and pass rushers. Because of measurable results and his coaching pedigree, teams see him as a modern defensive leader.
Is Chris Shula a realistic head coaching candidate?
Yes. At 39, he has coordinator experience and a strong family legacy. As a result, franchises view him as someone who could move from defensive coordinator to head coach.
What would Shula’s departure mean for the Rams?
Losing him would force Los Angeles to adjust play-calling and positional coaching. However, the Rams could promote internally or pursue external replacements to maintain continuity.
How do these interviews affect the wider NFL coaching carousel?
Interviews create domino effects across searches because teams adapt quickly. Moreover media outlets and NFL Trade Rumors update candidate lists, and front offices re-evaluate their plans.
If you have more questions about the coaching carousel or Shula’s status, check ongoing coverage for updates.