Rams Defense Aiming to Step Up Against the Panthers
Chris Shula Positioned for NFL Head Coach Opportunities as Rams Face Playoff Challenge
Chris Shula, the Rams’ defensive coordinator, is on track to potentially follow in the footsteps of his celebrated family legacy. With his grandfather holding the record for the most wins as a head coach in NFL history and his father serving as an NFL head coach as well, Shula is poised to become a third-generation head coach in the league.
As the Rams prepare for an NFC wild-card playoff game against the Carolina Panthers this Saturday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, Shula’s focus remains on the immediate task at hand. Teams may request interviews with him for head coaching positions as assistants involved in playoff games become eligible for such opportunities after this weekend. Rams coach Sean McVay anticipates that Shula will attract interest from various teams.
"My mind remains focused on the Panthers, who are extremely capable of beating us," Shula stated on Wednesday. "That warrants all of my attention, so that’s what they’re going to get."
Shula, 39, has been part of the Rams’ staff since McVay’s arrival in 2017, having previously served in roles coaching inside linebackers, defensive backs, and edge rushers. His elevation to defensive coordinator occurred in 2024, following Raheem Morris’s departure to become the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
With the recent firing of Morris, the Falcons are among seven NFL teams seeking a new head coach, joining the ranks of the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans.
When asked about his readiness to step into a head coach role, Shula emphasized the importance of timing. "If the right spot and the right context and the right situation present themselves, when that time comes we’ll decide that," he said, adding that he would consult with McVay and others close to him.
Don Shula, Chris’s grandfather, recorded 328 wins over his illustrious career, including guiding the Baltimore Colts to an NFL championship in 1968 and leading the Miami Dolphins to consecutive Super Bowl titles in 1972 and 1973. Chris’s father, Dave, spent a decade as an NFL assistant before coaching the Cincinnati Bengals from 1992 to 1996.
Should Chris Shula ascend to a head coach position, it would further extend McVay’s coaching tree. Former assistants under McVay, such as Matt LaFleur and Zac Taylor, have successfully transitioned to head coach roles in the NFL.
“It’s like the best way to get your heart broken, but you’re happy for your guys,” McVay said regarding the potential of his assistants moving up the coaching ladder.
Shula’s defense has shown promise this season, featuring a robust front that includes Pro Bowl edge rushers Jared Verse and Byron Young. The Rams ranked 10th in the NFL in points allowed, surrendering an average of 20.4 points per game, and recorded 47 sacks.
Reflecting on their prior matchup against the Panthers—where they suffered a 31-28 defeat—Shula acknowledged the need for improvement. In that game, quarterback Matthew Stafford faced difficulties, throwing two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, and losing a fumble.
Despite the weight of the upcoming playoff game, Shula remains undaunted. “It’s a playoff game and it’s an extremely tough team on the road in a hostile environment,” he remarked. “So I think we’ll be ready to go.”
