One of the Pittsburgh Steeler s' first formal interview requests in their newly opened head coaching search is Chris Shula, the Los Angeles Rams ' defensive coordinator, according to Adam Schefter.
Shula has quickly emerged as one of the most sought-after candidates in this hiring cycle. Now in his second season as the Rams' defensive coordinator, he has overseen a unit that has consistently overachieved relative to personnel, blending discipline with creative pressure packages. Prior to his promotion, Shula served as Los Angeles ' linebackers coach and pass-rush coordinator, where he played a key role in developing the Rams' front seven.
Shula also carries one of the most recognizable names in NFL coaching history, as the grandson of Dolphins legend Don Shula.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin after a playoff game against the Houston Texans on Jan. 12, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
While team president Art Rooney II has stated that the Steelers will not limit their search to defensive-minded candidates, it's difficult to ignore the organization's historical tendencies. The franchise's two most recent hires, Mike Tomlin, and Bill Cowher, both fit the mold of young, defensive-oriented leaders who emphasized culture and accountability alongside scheme.
From a schematic standpoint, Shula's background aligns seamlessly with Pittsburgh's defensive identity. The Rams operate primarily out of a 3–4 base with heavy nickel usage and zone-pressure concepts , a structure the Steelers have long relied upon to maximize edge defenders like T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith .
Still, the Steelers' coaching search extends far beyond X's and O's. This is a franchise defined by stability, internal development, and what is often referred to simply as "the standard." Replacing a coach who held the position for nearly two decades , even amid recent postseason struggles, is no small task. The next hire must not only deliver results but also preserve the organizational identity that has defined Pittsburgh for generations.
Regardless of the outcome, the coming weeks promise to be fascinating. For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Steelers are navigating unfamiliar territory, and the direction they choose will shape the franchise for years to come.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Steelers Request Head Coach Interview with Rising Rams DC
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