Chris Shula, one other Rams assistant on NFL head coaching radars

It’s a minor miracle every time Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams get to keep their coordinators during the annual head coaching cycle. That was the case this past year when Mike LaFleur and Chris Shula both returned to McVay’s staff, but the Rams may not be as lucky in 2026.

McVay’s staff could be poached by other teams searching for their next head coach this coming offseason, with Shula being one of the top candidates to leave.

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On Wednesday, ESPN insiders Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler named the candidates they most strongly believe will get head coaching jobs, and Graziano’s first pick was Shula.

The name that jumped to my mind is Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, who I believe will be on a lot of lists. That Sean McVay pixie dust has been the key for a lot of guys getting their first head coaching shot, and Shula could be next. I could see him being of interest in Tennessee if he brings the right offensive coordinator with him for quarterback Cam Ward's development.

Fowler responded by agreeing with Graziano’s pick: “Shula has that Rams tree, coaches an opportunistic defense in L.A. and has long been on the league's internal radar as an emerging candidate. That's a good formula.”

In addition to Shula, Fowler also believes one other Rams assistant who could draw interest is pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.

“And a sleeper candidate is Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, who could have some action,” Fowler wrote.

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Shula’s stock has been on the rise all year with the way the Rams’ defense has been playing, though their last three games. allowing 31 points per, has caused things to cool off. Still, he’s worked alongside Sean McVay in L.A. since 2017 and is a long-time friend of the Rams head coach, dating back to their days in college as players at Miami (Ohio).

As for Scheelhaase, he drew some interest last year when the Bucs and Jaguars both interviewed him to be their offensive coordinator before going in a different direction. He’s just 35 years old and is viewed as a strong young candidate in the coaching circle, whether as an OC or head coach.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: NFL insiders name 2 Rams assistants to watch as head coaching targets