The New York Giants came into this season with high hopes for their defense - and for good reason. They invested heavily in talent through free agency and the draft, aiming to build a top-10 unit.
But 14 weeks in, the results have been anything but inspiring. The Giants’ defense ranks 31st in the league, a staggering underachievement considering the resources poured into that side of the ball.
That lack of production cost both defensive coordinator Shane Bowen and head coach Brian Daboll their jobs midseason. Neither could get the most out of a roster that, on paper, should be doing far more damage - especially up front, where the Giants boast names like Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Abdul Carter, and Dexter Lawrence. That’s a front four with serious upside, but so far, the results haven’t matched the talent.
As the Giants look ahead to their next head coach, the focus has to be on someone who can unlock that defensive potential - someone who can lead, develop, and elevate. One name that’s gaining traction: Chris Shula, the current defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.
Chris Shula’s Rise in Los Angeles
Shula may carry a familiar last name - he’s the grandson of Hall of Fame coach Don Shula - but he’s carved out his own path in the NFL. He’s been part of Sean McVay’s Rams staff since 2017, working his way up through the defensive ranks before taking over as defensive coordinator in 2024.
And in just two seasons at the helm, Shula’s unit has become one of the most efficient and disruptive defenses in the league.
In his first year as DC, the Rams tied for fifth in red zone efficiency (allowing touchdowns on just 50% of trips), ranked sixth in goal-to-go efficiency (65.5%), sixth in total hurries (225), 10th in pressure rate (35.7%), and finished tied for 12th in interceptions (13). Those aren’t just good numbers - they’re top-tier production, especially for a defense that wasn’t exactly loaded with big-name stars.
This season, the Rams have taken another step forward. They rank third in the NFL in points allowed per game (17.5) and sit 13th in total yards allowed per game (315.0).
That’s elite-level performance - and they’re doing it with the lowest-paid defense in the league. That kind of efficiency speaks volumes about Shula’s ability to coach up talent, scheme effectively, and get buy-in across the board.
A Proven Developer of Talent
One of the most compelling arguments for Shula as a head coaching candidate is his track record of player development - particularly in the front seven.
This season, young edge rushers Jared Verse and Byron Young have emerged as two of the most productive pass-rushers in the league under Shula’s guidance. Verse, in particular, won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2024 with 4.5 sacks - a number that doesn’t jump off the page, but his impact on the field went far beyond the stat sheet.
Shula’s ability to coach up edge players goes back years. As the Rams’ outside linebackers coach, he helped Dante Fowler Jr. to a career-best 11.5 sacks in 2019.
A year later, Leonard Floyd posted a personal high of 10.5 sacks under Shula. And in 2023, while coaching the inside linebackers, Ernest Jones set a franchise record with 145 total tackles.
This is a coach who knows how to maximize pass-rushing talent - and that’s exactly what the Giants need. The pieces are already in place along the defensive line. They just need someone who can bring it all together and get them playing to their potential.
McVay’s Right-Hand Man
Inside the Rams’ building, Shula is seen as more than just a defensive mind. According to reports, Sean McVay has been grooming him for a head coaching role, involving him in non-defensive concepts and preparing him for the kind of big-picture, CEO-style leadership role that today’s NFL demands.
That’s significant, especially coming from McVay - widely regarded as one of the league’s premier head coaches and a proven developer of coaching talent. If McVay sees Shula as his top protégé, that’s not something to take lightly.
At 39 years old, Shula fits the mold of the modern NFL head coach: young, innovative, and capable of building a long-term vision. He doesn’t have head coaching experience yet, and that’s one box he doesn’t check. But in terms of leadership, development, and defensive acumen, he checks just about every other one.
The Fit in New York
The Giants have a decision to make. They could go the route of experience, targeting a former head coach to steady the ship. Or they could take a swing at a rising star - someone who can grow with the roster and bring a new energy to the franchise.
If they choose the latter, Chris Shula should be at the top of the list.
He’s already shown he can do more with less, leading a low-budget Rams defense to top-tier production. He’s developed young talent at every level. And he’s been trusted with more responsibility than most assistants get - a clear sign that he’s ready for the next step.
The Giants don’t just need a coach. They need a leader who can reshape the culture, revitalize the defense, and get the most out of a roster that has underperformed for too long. Chris Shula might just be that guy.