The Los Angeles Rams are coming off two straight losses, and are no longer in contention for the NFC West championship or the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff picture. That said, they are still the pick of many to come out of the NFC and make it to the Super Bowl.
The Rams' coaching staff is one of the best in the NFL, but Los Angeles may be replacing its defensive coordinator in 2026 if Dan Graziano of ESPN is correct. In a dual piece on ESPN, Graziano says that he is most confident that Chris Shula will get a head coaching job in 2026.
"The name that jumped to my mind is Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, who I believe will be on a lot of lists," Graziano writes. "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."
The Rams' defense has been one of the most efficient in the NFL this season, currently sitting with the ninth-best EPA per play in the NFL while also allowing the fifth-fewest touchdowns.
Shula would be the second McVay defensive coordinator to get a head coaching job in the last three cycles, as the Atlanta Falcons hired Raheem Morris in 2024. If Morris is let go by the Falcons, the Rams may give him a call to replace Shula should he get a head job of his own.
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