Chris Shula’s stock is exploding but NFL rules are making teams wait

Chris Shula has been pegged as a future head coach for quite some time, so it's no surprise that teams are calling to schedule interviews with the Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator as they begin their searches in earnest. As the NFL's coaching carousel spins into the second full week of firings and (eventual) hirings, the New York Giants have officially requested permission to talk to Shula, per reporter Art Stapleton.

The Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins have also requested interviews with Shula. The fact that the Rams are still alive in the postseason might prove to be a hurdle for Shula and other interviewees. NFL rules limit interaction based on which teams are not only active but also playing.

Given the Rams' appearance in the wild-card round, Shula won't be free to talk to the Giants or any other franchise until January 13, and even then, only a three-hour virtual interview is allowed. From there, Shula's interviews will be further delayed depending on the Rams' success level in the divisional round. Some teams won't want to wait for the sake of moving on with the offseason and giving a new head coach time to put a full staff together.

Shula made waves this season with his ability to build a strong defense that lacked considerable resources, with only 16.9 percent of the salary cap invested on that side of the ball by season's end. Despite the lack of expensive anchors, the Rams still fielded a top 10 defense in points scored to help balance a top-ranked offense. Together, that's why the Rams are considered a Super Bowl contender that finished with 12 regular-season wins.

Chris Shula is drawing head-coaching interest from the Giants, though the Rams’ playoff run could delay any move.

The Giants are searching for answers atop the organizational flow chart after firing Brian Daboll earlier this season, who was let go after starting his fourth season as head coach with a 2-8 record. Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka was given the chance to lead the team with the interim label attached, and he's also going to be given an official interview. However, a fresh voice is expected to lead the team going forward with general manager Joe Schoen still in place in the front office.

Shula will have considerable competition for the job if he's interested. John Harbaugh has not made up his mind about which interviews he will accept, but the Giants have reported heavy interest there. Official interviews have been completed, scheduled, or requested with Denver Broncos DC Vance Joseph, Indianapolis Colts DC Lou Anarumo, Seattle Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak, former NFL head coach Mike McCarthy, former Browns HC Kevin Stefanski, former HC Antonio Pierce, former Falcons HC Raheem Morris, and Broncos assistant Darren Rizzi.

Shula has been with the Rams since the 2017 season, when he was hired away from the San Diego Chargers to be their assistant linebackers coach. Since then, he's climbed the ladder to become Sean McVay's defensive coordinator in 2024.