Dolphins Set to Interview Grandson of Former Coaching Legend

A coaching legend for the Miami Dolphins may have his grandson soon follow suit.

Today, the Miami Dolphins are set to conduct a virtual interview with Chris Shula, the grandson of legendary Dolphins head coach Don Shula. He will be the sixth candidate the Dolphins have interviewed, after both Jesse Minter and Robert Saleh held interviews yesterday. Former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is the only candidate to hold an in-person interview however.

Shula also will have interviews with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens.

A Rapid Rise Through the Rams’ Defensive Ranks

Joining the Los Angeles Rams as an assistant linebackers coach in 2017, Shula has ascended up the ranks to the point where in 2024, after Raheem Morris left to accept the head coaching job in Atlanta, he stepped into the defensive coordinator role.

The Rams defense saw immediate improvement under Shula, as in the year before Morris left, they were 20th in total defense and and 19th in points allowed per game. However, in Shula’s first year, they improved to10th and 17th respective in the same categories.

“I feel like he’s really called as good a game as anyone I’ve been around,” Rams linebacker Troy Reeder had to say of Shula’s play calling prowess. “Surprises us sometimes with some cool, really aggressive stuff, and then pulls back. We’ve been able to see his personality come to life as a play-caller while still being Chris Shula, the guy that everybody likes to hang out with, super approachable. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever had.”

This time around, the Dolphins are in a much messier situation. Players the likes of Bob Griese, Larry Csonka, and Mercury Morris aren’t stepping through the door, and in fact, several key players could still leave. Tua Tagovailoa may not even be on board anymore and has recently requested a trade out of Miami.

For Shula though, this could just be another opportunity to ascend the NFL ranks. After being closely tied to Sean McVay, this could be his best chance to break out from under his shadow and prove his coaching acumen. Of course, there will still be the shadow of his grandfather’s achievements, but chances are if he finds a way to succeed in Miami, they’ll be talking about his name right alongside his grandfather’s.

Christopher Sheppard Christopher Sheppard is a passionate and knowledgeable sports journalist based in Englewood, NJ pursuing a role in the sports media industry. He covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, focusing on the Dolphins, Chargers, and Buccanneers. More about Christopher Sheppard