Miami Dolphins Interview Chris Shula: Don Shula’s Grandson Emerges as Defensive Coordinator Candidate
Summary:
The Miami Dolphins have requested permission to interview Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula – grandson of legendary coach Don Shula – as they seek to end their 35-year Super Bowl drought. This development marks a potential resurgence of the Shula legacy in Miami, where Don Shula led the franchise to three Super Bowl appearances and the NFL’s only perfect season. Chris Shula’s defensive schemes helped the Rams rank 10th in points allowed (20.4/game) during the 2024 season despite a mid-tier yards-per-game ranking. The interview request comes as the Dolphins aim to strengthen coaching leadership following their AFC East runner-up finish.
What This Means for You:
- Legacy Potential: Monitor how Chris Shula’s defensive philosophy might transform Miami’s 15th-ranked scoring defense, particularly against divisional rivals like Buffalo
- Coaching Continuity: Evaluate whether Shula’s 8-year tenure under Sean McVay translates to Miami’s offensive-centric system under Mike McDaniel
- Historical Context: Track whether this potential hire impacts Miami’s 17-0 season commemoration strategies and franchise branding
- Coaching Development Risk: Note Shula’s limited coordinator experience (1 season) compared to veteran candidates
Original Post:
The Dolphins haven’t been to a Super Bowl since their coach’s last name was Shula. So why not interview a coach with the last name Shula?
Per multiple reports, the Dolphins have requested permission to interview Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula. He’s the grandson of legendary Dolphins coach Don Shula.
Chris, 39, joined the Rams in 2017, as part of head coach Sean McVay’s initial staff. Shula became the defensive coordinator in 2024, replacing former Falcons head coach Raheem Moore.
Chris Shula is also the son of David Shula, who was hired to coach the Bengals at the age of 33. He went 19-52 in four-plus seasons.
Don, of course, is the all-time winningest coach in pro football history, with 328 regular-season wins and 347 total wins, including the postseason.
He became head coach of the Colts at 33, taking them to Super Bowl III. After joining the Dolphins in 1970, Don Shula led Miami to three straight Super Bowls, winning Super Bowl VII and Super Bowl VIII. His 1972 team went 17-0.
The Rams finished 17th in total defense, allowing 327.5 yards per game. They were tenth in points allowed, at 20.4. They begin their 2025 playoff run later today, with a wild-card game at Carolina.
Extra Information:
1. Don Shula’s Coaching Legacy (Pro Football Reference) – Contextualizes the historical significance for Dolphins’ legacy decisions
2. NFL 2024 Defensive Analytics (NGS) – Shows Rams’ defensive performance metrics under Shula
3. Miami DC Search Board (Dolphins Talk) – Names competing candidates in Miami’s coordinator search
People Also Ask About:
- Q: How many years has Chris Shula coached in the NFL?
A: Shula enters his 9th NFL season in 2025, all with the Rams organization. - Q: What defensive scheme does Chris Shula run?
A: He employs multiple 3-4 hybrid fronts with dime packages on passing downs. - Q: How is Chris Shula related to Don Shula?
A: He’s the grandson of Don Shula and son of former Bengals coach David Shula. - Q: What was Miami’s defensive ranking last season?
A: The Dolphins ranked 22nd in yards allowed and 15th in points allowed.
Expert Opinion:
“The Shula name carries massive weight in Miami, but Chris must be evaluated purely on modern schematic merits,” says NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger. “His Rams defenses showed elite red zone efficiency (ranked 4th) despite middling yardage totals – a crucial factor in playoff scenarios Miami frequently encounters.”
Key Terms:
- Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator candidate Chris Shula
- Don Shula coaching legacy Miami Dolphins
- Los Angeles Rams defensive scheme 2024 analysis
- NFL head coaching family trees
- Sean McVay coaching tree expansion
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