Horrible MNF performance places Rams coordinator in Dolphins 2026 crosshairs

The Los Angeles Rams have been the incubation chamber for NFL teams for some time. The front office has led to reclamation projects for both the Detroit Lions and the Jacksonville Jaguars, as both Brad Holmes and James Gladstone learned from general manager Les Snead. The coaching tree of head coach Sean McVay is well established in the NFL.

Many expect defensive coordinator Chris Shula to be the next hot name as one of 2026's new NFL head coaches. And after Monday Night Football, the team most likely to hire him into that role is as obvious as the nose on your face.

But before we go there, let's state why it's so obvious. The 2-7 Miami Dolphins just fired their general manager, Chris Grier, in mid-season, just days before the November 4 date set for the 2025 NFL trade deadline. After the Dolphins' embarrassing loss to the 3-5 Baltimore Ravens by a score of 28-6, the team is pursuing a new direction.

You do not need a crystal ball to scry how the Dolphins will almost certainly pursue Chris Shula as their next head coach. Hiring legendary Dolphins head coach Don Shula's grandson to lead the team is a once-in-a-lifetime marketing coup that will fill seats and sell merchandise.

Chris Shula will be a 2026 NFL head coach, but where?

The resume of defensive coordinator Chris Shula will pique the curiosity of many NFL teams. But his fit to take over as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2026 is a perfect fit. Why? The Miami Dolphins are squeezed for salary cap space, and are considered one of the most difficult franchises to turn around for a new head coach by ESPN NFL analyst Field Yates:

All the more reason to hire Shula, as he has gotten champagne production from Los Angeles's defense, while on a beer budget. Shula's group is getting remarkable returns for the dollars spent, and it's not even close. For a remarkably cheap defense, it's dominating in practically every meaningful statistic and metric.

Nobody is lobbying for the Miami Dolphins, or any NFL team for that matter, to hire Chris Shula. But let's be honest. He is a sensational defensive coordinator who is not exactly running under the radar right now. Some NFL team will hire him as its new head coach in 2026. Right now, signs are pointing to the Dolphins for that honor.

Truth be told, it simply makes too much sense. As always, thanks for reading.