The Los Angeles Rams are promoting linebackers coach and pass rush coordinator Chris Shula to defensive coordinator, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Shula has been with the team since 2017 when he joined the organization as an assistant linebackers coach. He made his way up to linebackers coach in 2021 and took the reins as the defensive backs coach the following season before returning as linebackers coach in 2023.
The 37-year-old served as the defensive coordinator at John Carroll before becoming a defensive quality coach for the San Diego Chargers in 2015.
Los Angeles had been looking for Raheem Morris' replacement since he took the Atlanta Falcons head coaching job in late January.
The Rams' defense ranked 18th in points per game allowed and 11th in success rate last season, per Ben Baldwin's database. The unit exceeded preseason expectations, as Los Angeles' defensive depth chart isn't talent-heavy outside of Aaron Donald.
Shula is the grandson of legendary Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula.
