Chris Shula Makes Playoff Debut, Continuing Family’s NFL Legacy

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Chris Shula, the first-year defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, is set to make his playoff debut this weekend, continuing a storied family legacy in the NFL. Shula, the grandson of Hall of Fame coach Don Shula, has risen through the coaching ranks to lead the Rams’ defense in their postseason campaign.

Chris Shula played college football as a linebacker at Miami University (Ohio) from 2004 to 2008, where he was teammates with current Rams head coach Sean McVay. After three college coaching stints, Shula entered the NFL in 2015 as a defensive quality control coach for the Chargers. He joined the Rams in 2017 as an assistant linebackers coach, reuniting with McVay. By the time the Rams won Super Bowl LVI in 2022, Shula had been promoted to linebackers coach. He later served as pass game coordinator, defensive backs coach, and pass rush coordinator before being named defensive coordinator in 2024.

Despite the retirement of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, Shula’s defense remained competitive, helping the Rams secure an NFC West title and a playoff berth. “Chris has done an incredible job of adapting and leading our defense,” McVay said. “His preparation and attention to detail are second to none.”

The Shula family’s NFL legacy is unparalleled. Chris’s grandfather, Don Shula, is the winningest coach in NFL history, with a record of 347-173-6. Don Shula led the Miami Dolphins to back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1972 and 1973, including the only perfect season in NFL history. He also coached the Baltimore Colts from 1963 to 1969, earning three NFL Coach of the Year awards.

Don Shula’s sons, Dave and Mike, also carved out coaching careers in the NFL. Dave Shula served as head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals from 1992 to 1996, while Mike Shula has held various offensive coordinator roles, including with the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants. Mike is currently the offensive coordinator at the University of South Carolina.

With Chris Shula’s playoff debut, the Shula family now boasts four members who have served as NFL coordinators or head coaches. “It’s an honor to carry on the family tradition,” Chris Shula said. “But my focus is on helping this team win.”