Rams Chris Shula Receives First Head Coaching Interview Request

“I don't know," stated Shula. "If the right [opportunity presents itself], if the right spot in the right context and if the right situation presents itself, when that time comes, we'll decide that. I’ll sit down with [Head Coach] Sean [McVay] and everybody that I'm close to and make that decision. I think that's on the teams that you talk to to make that decision.”

Many around the NFL expect Shula to be a head coach soon, whether this hiring cycle or the next. Shula will be able to conduct interviews free of restictions if the Rams lose on Saturday.

Built For the Moment

Earlier this season, Rams head coach Sean McVay spoke about his relationship with Shula that stems back to their collegiate days, detailing the strides and growth Shula has taken, rising from a Rams assistant to becoming the team's defensive coordinator in 2024.

“There's a lot of love and experience together going back to even playing ball with him in college," stated McVay. "I think there are a lot of consistencies that we can relate to in terms of coming from football families and understanding this space. It's really all those things that I just talked about. He checks all those boxes. I think what's really cool is he's had a chance to coach on all three levels. He and I are so connected in regard to how we see the game and how we believe the game should be played, from an offensive, a defensive and really just a holistic perspective."

"That rapport that I have with him and guys like [Assistant Head Coach/Pass Game Coordinator] Aubrey and [Defensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator] Giff Smith and our defensive staff as a whole, but it was really just the connection. When I opened up the competition, he earned the job. He did a great job with his interview. He has done a great job, I think, of really being able to collaborate with his coaching staff. Chris will be the first to tell you, ‘This is a collective effort.’ You hear the headsets on game day and what a phenomenal job he and our defensive coaches do of collaborating to try to be able to put our guys in good positions throughout the game and having a feel for all what's needed. ‘How do we want to play that? What's their approach?’ He's a stud."

"I'm really proud of him. I don't want to even say proud because it's not like I have anything to do with it. I'm just really happy and I'm not at all surprised and there's a lot of love for him. I think the players feel that and the coaches that he works with. He's doing a great job. It's a big reason why we've had a lot of cool things go on through 11 games so far.”

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