Despite the lack of success during the 2022 season, members of Sean McVay’s coaching staff on the Los Angeles Rams remain in high demand around football circles.
McVay has already lost several key coaches in the offseason, starting with former offensive coordinator Liam Coen who went back to Kentucky to reprise the same role. While Mike LaFleur eventually replaced Coen, they took a hit when Thomas Brown agreed to terms with the Carolina Panthers to become their new offensive coordinator. Los Angeles also lost Greg Olson to their rivals the Seattle Seahawks as they hired him away to be their new quarterbacks coach.
While the coaches for the offense will look different heading into 2023, the defense features some familiar faces. Raheem Morris will be returning as defensive coordinator after interviewing for the Indianapolis Colts head coaching vacancy, while Aubrey Pleasant is coming back to the team to be their new defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator.
However, the defense could be losing a key member as Chris Shula has reportedly interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles for their defensive coordinator position, via Mike Garofolo of NFL Network:
Among the #Eagles defensive coordinator interviews to date: #Rams DBs coach/pass game coordinator Chris Shula and Michigan DC Jesse Minter, sources say. Shula and Nick Sirianni were together on the #Chargers’ coaching staff 2015-16.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 21, 2023
After their appearance in Super Bowl LVII, the Eagles lost both their offensive and defensive coordinators. Shane Steichen accepted the head coaching job with the Colts, while Jonathan Gannon moved on to become the new head coach for the Arizona Cardinals.
McVay has a keen eye for identifying talented young head coaches, and Shula fits the bill as he’s got the experience and pedigree. Shula is the son of former Cincinnati Bengals head coach Dave Shula and the grandson of the late Hall of Fame coach Don Shula.
While his family name is well-regarded around the NFL, Chris has done well for himself as he worked his way up the college ranks to make it to the league as an assistant linebackers coach with the San Diego Chargers. From there, Shula moved on to the Rams where he started as an outside linebackers coach in 2018 before being promoted to linebackers coach in 2021. During the 2022 season, Shula served as the defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator.
With Pleasant back on board, it’ll be interesting to see what role Los Angeles envisions for Shula should he not get the job in Philadelphia and decides to return to the organization.
