Head coaching vacancy update: Browns request to interview Rams' coordinator originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cleveland Browns are on the lookout for a new head coach for 2026 and beyond.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFollowing the conclusion of the 2025 regular season, the Browns decided to fire Kevin Stefanski after six years with the team.
Cleveland put in a request to interview Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported.
Who is Chris Shula?
Chris Shula, 39, has gained interest from multiple teams looking for a head coach, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, and others.
If he isn't hired by the Cleveland Browns, Chris Shula is a candidate who is likely to land a job in leading one of the nine NFL franchises looking for a head coach.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe is the fourth defensive-minded coach that the Browns have shown interest in, joining current Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde, and Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
Shula spent two seasons with the Chargers as their defensive quality control coach before joining the Los Angeles Rams in 2017.
Since getting hired by the Rams, he's climbed the ranks before landing the defensive coordinator job in 2024.
He's served as the assistant linebackers coach, outside linebackers coach, pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach, and pass rush coordinator/linebackers coach in Los Angeles.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementShula is the son of former Cincinnati Bengals head coach David Shula and the grandson of the winningest head coach in NFL history, Hall of Famer Don Shula.
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