The Pittsburgh Steelers are navigating unfamiliar territory this offseason - searching for a new head coach for the first time in nearly two decades. It’s a rare moment for one of the NFL’s most stable franchises, and they’re approaching it with the kind of patience you’d expect from an organization that’s only had three head coaches since 1969. But with other teams already locking in their hires, the Steelers’ deliberate pace could come at a cost if they’re not careful.
That said, timing might be working in their favor - at least for now. One of their top candidates, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, isn’t available for in-person interviews just yet.
That’s because he and the Rams are still playing football, having just punched their ticket to the NFC Championship Game with a gritty 20-17 win over the red-hot Chicago Bears. If Shula wasn’t already high on Pittsburgh’s list, his performance on Sunday may have vaulted him to the top.
And it’s not hard to see why.
Shula’s defense was the difference-maker in that game. Facing a Bears offense that had been rolling, the Rams held them to just 4.1 yards per carry - well below their season average of 4.9 - and picked off quarterback Caleb Williams three times.
That kind of opportunistic, bend-but-don’t-break approach has become a hallmark of Shula’s unit over the past two seasons. Since taking over as defensive coordinator, his defenses have forced 46 turnovers - a stat that should catch the eye of Steelers brass, given Pittsburgh’s own emphasis on takeaways.
What makes Shula’s work even more impressive is the context. According to OvertheCap.com, the Rams have allocated the second-fewest cap dollars to their defense this season.
Compare that to the Steelers, who have poured more money into their defense than any other team in the league. Yet by nearly every metric, the Rams fielded the stronger unit in 2025.
That’s a testament to coaching - plain and simple.
Shula, 39, has been with the Rams since Sean McVay took over in 2017, rising through the ranks and earning respect at every stop. While he may not be the flashiest name in this year’s coaching carousel, he checks a lot of boxes for Pittsburgh: young, defensive-minded, steeped in a winning culture, and capable of maximizing talent - even when the talent isn’t elite on paper.
And let’s not overlook the bloodlines. Shula is the grandson of Don Shula, the NFL’s all-time wins leader and a Hall of Fame head coach. That kind of pedigree doesn’t guarantee success, but it certainly doesn’t hurt - especially in a place like Pittsburgh, where tradition and legacy still matter.
Replacing Mike Tomlin won’t be easy. The man led the Steelers for 17 seasons, never had a losing record, and brought home a Super Bowl title. Whoever steps into that role will be expected to uphold a standard that few franchises demand - consistency, toughness, and a defense that sets the tone.
Chris Shula might just be the guy to do it.