Jan. 12, 2026, 4:39 a.m. MT

The Arizona Cardinals have another candidate they are looking at to replace Jonathan Gannon as head coach. It is another coach with ties to the NFC West.

According to SI.com’s Albert Breer, the Cardinals and the Las Vegas Raiders requested interviews with Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula.

Shula, the grandson of legendary Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula.

Chris Shula has been the Rams’ defensive coordinator for the last two seasons. This past season, the Rams ranked 17th in the league in yards allowed and 10th in points allowed.

He started in the NFL as a defensive quality control coach in 2015 with the then-San Diego Chargers under head coach Mike McCoy. When Sean McVay became head coach of the Rams, Shula joined him on the defensive staff. In 2017, he was assistant linebackers coach. In 2019, he was outside linebackers coach. In 2021, he became the linebackers coach. In 2022, he was named passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach. In 2023, he became the pass rush coordinator and linebackers coach, before running the whole defense in 2024.

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He is one of two McVay assistants the Cardinals are targeting, including offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and one of 10 candidates we know the Cardinals have interviewed or requedted interviews for.

Who are the other candidates to replace Jonathan Gannon?

There are now 10 known candidates the Cardinals have interviewed or requested to interview.

Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance JosephFormer Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem MorrisKansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt NagySeattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint KubiakMiami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony WeaverSan Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert SalehGreen Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff HafleyNew England Patriots passing game coordinator and tight ends coach Thomas BrownLos Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur

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