As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue their head coaching search, team president Art Rooney II and general manager Omar Khan are casting a wide net-but they may have one less AFC North rival to worry about when it comes to a key candidate.
Chris Shula, currently the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams and grandson of Hall of Fame coach Don Shula, has been in the mix for Pittsburgh’s vacancy. He’s already met with the Steelers, along with four other teams: the Ravens, Dolphins, Raiders, and Cardinals. That’s five interviews out of seven total requests, according to reports.
Interestingly, while the Cleveland Browns also requested to speak with Shula, there’s been no meeting between the two sides. That’s notable given Shula’s Ohio roots-he played at Miami (Ohio) and began his coaching career at John Carroll. Despite that connection, there’s no indication he’s interested in a move to Cleveland, or in stepping into a scenario that would potentially involve replacing Kevin Stefanski.
The Steelers, meanwhile, are doing their due diligence. In addition to meeting with Shula, they also held a virtual interview with Rams quarterbacks coach Nate Scheelhaase. Up next on the schedule: interviews with Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.
Shula’s résumé is solid. He’s been with the Rams for nine seasons, working his way up through Sean McVay’s staff and now serving his second stint as defensive coordinator.
This season, his unit quietly put together a strong campaign. The Rams ranked 10th in points allowed per game (20.4) and 12th against the run (110.8 yards per game)-a testament to disciplined, bend-but-don’t-break football that fits the Steelers’ identity.
If Pittsburgh were to hire Shula, it would continue a clear trend. Each of the Steelers’ last three head coaches-Mike Tomlin, Bill Cowher, and Chuck Noll-were first-time NFL head coaches with defensive backgrounds. Shula would make it four straight, reinforcing the franchise’s long-standing commitment to defensive-minded leadership.
There’s still a ways to go in the Steelers’ search, but Shula’s name remains firmly in the conversation. And with no apparent competition from within the division, Pittsburgh may have a clearer path to landing one of the most intriguing young coaches on the market.