You probably can’t go wrong in the NFL when you’re hiring a coach with the last name “Shula.” But for the Cleveland Browns, the question is whether they’re trying to get in on the momentum behind Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula–grandson of legendary Dolphins and Colts coach Don Shula–a bit before his train has left the station.
Many have already identified Shula as the lead candidate to take over for former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin after he stepped down in Pittsburgh following Monday night’s loss to the Texans. News that the Steelers would seek to interview Shula–who is preparing for the Rams’ divisional round game against the Bears on Sunday night–emerged on Wednesday morning.
Hours later came news that the Browns would also seek to talk with Shula about replacing Kevin Stefanski as their head coach. As Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported on Twitter/X, “#Browns will put in a request to interview #Rams DC Chris Shula, league source tells clevelanddotcom.”
Chris Shula Got Results With Rams
Shula is only 39 and would represent the 10th coach the Browns have interviewed, if he does consider Cleveland, that is. He was a linebacker at Ball State in the early 2000s, where one of his teammates was current Rams head coach Sean McVay. Shula has been with the Rams since 2017, when he was one of the linebackers coaches, and coached the linebackers for most of his tenure in L.A., until he was made defensive coordinator in 2024.
The Rams have the No. 1 rated defense in the NFL this season, according to Pro Football Focus (the Browns are No. 2). Last year, in Shula’s first season as DC, the Rams were 15th in defense, which was up from No. 25 in the year before Shula took over.
Browns a Longshot for Chris Shula
But the Browns are likely a longshot for Shula, considering the level of attention he has already gotten, and the team’s late move into his pursuit. According to Pro Football Talk, Shula is a plus-190 to be the next coach in Pittsburgh, well ahead of the odds for the likes of Brian Flores (plus-400) and Robert Saleh (plus-700).
According to reporters, the Cardinals, Raiders, Dolphins, Giants, and Titans are also seeking to talk with Shula about their open jobs.
GettyEx-head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens reacts prior to the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Browns’ Harbaugh Interest Still Unresolved
As it stands, the Browns have a very eclectic group from which they could pick the head coach who will succeed Kevin Stefanski. They interviewed in-house candidates, coordinators Jim Schwartz and Tommy Rees, last week, as well as Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher, Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde and Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
They added former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel to the mix on Monday. Schwartz interviewed with the Ravens on Wednesday.
The Browns are also planning to conduct interviews in the coming days with Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.
The big question for the Browns still remains the John Harbaugh possibility. Harbaugh has interviewed with the Giants, but there’s no firm notion yet that he is interested in the Cleveland job.
Browns Add Late Request for Rising Coach With Famous Name