Every coaching cycle comes with a few names that rise quietly at first, then start echoing around the league once evaluators get past the surface. Chris Shula has become one of those names. And as the New York Giants begin another search for stability, vision, and leadership, it’s no surprise he’s already drawing attention inside league circles.
Why Shula’s background matters more than people realize

Shula’s last name inevitably grabs headlines, but the more interesting part of his story has nothing to do with legacy. It’s how he’s climbed. The Rams hired him in 2017 as a defensive quality control coach, and over the next eight years under Sean McVay, he worked his way through almost every defensive room on the staff. Linebackers coach. Outside linebackers coach. Pass rush coordinator. Then a jump to defensive coordinator in 2024.

It wasn’t a ceremonial promotion.

Los Angeles lost stars, cycled through role players, and dealt with a defense built with more undrafted starters than most teams would dare rely on. Yet the Rams didn’t collapse. They sharpened.

This season, Shula’s unit has become one of the toughest, most disciplined defenses in football. They stop the run with structure and patience. They cover with modern spacing concepts that mimic what the league’s smartest offensive staffs are using. And they do it without a roster filled with blue-chip talent.

One first-round pick. Four undrafted starters. No problem.

What the Giants can take from his work with the Rams

The Giants’ defensive identity has been shaky over the past few seasons, swinging from aggressive to passive, often depending on injuries or whatever crisis was at their doorstep. What Shula has built with the Rams is the opposite: a system that has a clear vision and elevates whoever steps on the field.

Players praise his ability to communicate. Coaches rave about his preparation. McVay trusts him to make adjustments on the fly, and the Rams’ defensive cohesion shows it. They play fast, but not reckless. They play physical, but not panicked.

That’s exactly the brand of football the Giants keep trying to rediscover.

16 comments

  5. for anyone that actually -watched- the glazer report last week, he specifically said he was high on Shula, not just because hes coached and is close to McVay, but that McVay runs everything he does by Shula, not because he has to, but because hes grooming Shula to be a HC one day. He works very close Shula in order to prepare him as best he can.

    Im not sure how, but that aspect of Glazer’s report seems to always get ignored while I also think its quite possibly one of the most important. Its one thing to just coach under someone, its another when they actively do their job with you in order for you to get as close to hands on experience as possible.

    Edit: source, watch the video and LISTEN to how Glazer discusses Shula: [https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/jay-glazer-who-giants-aren-t-targeting-replace-brian-daboll](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/jay-glazer-who-giants-aren-t-targeting-replace-brian-daboll)

  6. Or maybe Chris Shula isn’t a good head coach despite being a good coordinator, like Daboll.

    I really hate that the fans and media are going to be doing this for months, there is no obvious choice right now.

  7. >it wasn’t a ceremonial promotion

    Gotta appreciate when the ai model reminding us of exactly what we’re already thinking **in bold text for emphasis**

  10. Don’t need more OJT coaches, need proved experience. Isnt that clear from how long we been in this mess ?

  13. Idc tbh. I was hyped for Schurmur. I was hyped Judge. I was hyped for Daboll. I don’t know shit.

  16. All we know is that Shula is a good DC. He has no HC experience, so it’s highly risky. But that applies to all first time HCs

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