As Art Rooney II, Omar Khan and the Pittsburgh Steelers continue their search for a new head coach , it appears they don't have to worry about one AFC North rival competing for one of their candidates.
Chris Shula, the grandson of legendary Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula, has spoken to the Steelers, but hasn't met with the Cleveland Browns , who, according to Mary Kay Cabot, were interested in him.
"Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula wound up doing five HC interviews—he met with the Steelers, Ravens , Dolphins, Raiders and Cardinals," Albert Breer wrote Saturday on X. "He'd gotten seven requests. And the three Rams assistants (Shula, Mike LaFleur, Nate Scheelhaase) did a total of 11 interviews."
The Browns also requested to interview Chris Shula on Wednesday. Despite his ties to Ohio — he attended Miami (Ohio) and started his coaching career with John Carroll — it appears he wasn't interested in possibly succeeding Kevin Stefanski.
Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Dec 7, 2025. — Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images
The Steelers met with both Chris Shula and Scheelhaase virtually on Friday. They were scheduled to speak with Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter on Saturday, as well as Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.
Chris Shula has been with the Rams for nine seasons. He's in his second go-round as Sean McVay's defensive coordinator. During this regular season, the Rams ranked No. 10 in poins allowed per game (20.4) and No. 12 in rushing yards allowed per game (110.8).
Each of the Steelers' past three head coaching hires was a first-time NFL head coach with a defensive background. Chris Shula would make a fourth in a row.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers Coaching Candidate Turned Down Browns Job
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