Rams DC Chris Shula on Chris Long's Podcast

[Ground Chuck]

Good listen here. Lots of insight into his coaching journey, football families, and Ram players and coaches.

I think this dude is not a fluke, and will build on last year, learn from his mistakes, and be even better. He sure seems to be a clone of McVay, maybe a bit less the boy genius.



View: https://youtu.be/PNrQUxtzeU4

 

[Memento]

Shula is for sure gone after next year. Honestly, I’m shocked and pleasantly surprised that some team didn’t make him a head coach this year; he more than earned the opportunity.

Let’s enjoy him while we can - because I think he could easily be a successful head coach off of the McVay tree.

 

[PhillyRam]

Shula is for sure gone after next year. Honestly, I’m shocked and pleasantly surprised that some team didn’t make him a head coach this year; he more than earned the opportunity.

Let’s enjoy him while we can - because I think he could easily be a successful head coach off of the McVay tree.

The only thing is teams normally want the offensive genius, but his last name might help his cause. Maybe if Miami has a bad year they look to bring the Shula name back?

 

[Memento]

The only thing is teams normally want the offensive genius, but his last name might help his cause. Maybe if Miami has a bad year they look to bring the Shula name back?

If our defense has another great year, some team will take a chance on him. And yes, the surname will help his cause, but I think Chris Shula's merits stand on their own.

 

[Ground Chuck]

The only thing is teams normally want the offensive genius, but his last name might help his cause. Maybe if Miami has a bad year they look to bring the Shula name back?

Maybe, but the Peter Principal comes into play here.

McVay is a good example of a true executive leader and a natural leader of men. Shula may be that guy, but I sense, like Spags, Shula may be juuuust exactly placed where he is equipped.

We don't want him to turn out like Rat Boy Shanahan. (Zero blue font intended)

 

[So Ram]

I’ll just say a players coach.

 

[Ground Chuck]

I'm not saying Shula wouldn't be a great head coach someday, @So Ram , more that he might need a few more years of seasoning at this level.

 

[brucebruce]

Why not lock in these coordinators with longer team-option contracts? seems fair for first-time coordinators. they give the first-timer a shot and in return they get on a rookie contract.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

Why not lock in these coordinators with longer team-option contracts? seems fair for first-time coordinators. they give the first-timer a shot and in return they get on a rookie contract.

I think a promotion to head coach trumps a long term DC/OC contract. So does the money.

 

[Elmgrovegnome]

If our defense has another great year, some team will take a chance on him. And yes, the surname will help his cause, but I think Chris Shula's merits stand on their own.

That would have been like the dumb Staley hire. From Linebackers Coach, to DC, to Head Coach in around 13-14 months.

I understand that NFL teams deal with desperation to get better, but lack of experience should count against these coaches. McVay has every team thinking “Why not, McVay panned out for the Rams.”

On the other hand though, it is better than the old school system of the same retread coaches getting all of the head coach gigs.

 

[Corbin]

That was a good listen! Unfortunately I see Shula as a hot HC candidate if he continues his trajectory.

 

[Selassie I]

Word on the streets last year was that Shula had no business being given the DC position.

Now he's HC material.

Fascinating.

 

[Ground Chuck]

Word on the streets last year was that Shula had no business being given the DC position.

Now he's HC material.

Fascinating.

Exactly. You don't have to be labeled a "hater" for taking the measured approach with this kid's trajectory. It is the wise approach in all other industries. Just not in the "snuggle up to Sean McVay pupils" NFL these days.

 

[Allen2McVay]

Word on the streets last year was that Shula had no business being given the DC position.

Now he's HC material.

Fascinating.

Your post got me to thinking ... I will forgive you for that ... This Time

So I went-back and found two old threads from last off-season.
The first is on page 45 of Rams Talk, and it's titled "Defensive Coordinator Search"
The second is on page 40 of Rams Talk, and is titled "Chris Sula Promoted to DC"

Wit the benefit of hindsight, both are very entertaining reads.

 

[dang]

Word on the streets last year was that Shula had no business being given the DC position.

Now he's HC material.

Fascinating.

Gotta stay off them dead end streets.

 

[OldSchool]

Your post got me to thinking ... I will forgive you for that ... This Time

So I went-back and found two old threads from last off-season.
The first is on page 45 of Rams Talk, and it's titled "Defensive Coordinator Search"
The second is on page 40 of Rams Talk, and is titled "Chris Sula Promoted to DC"

Wit the benefit of hindsight, both are very entertaining reads.

How about the legendary thread where some were saying we need to fire him after 3 games? It was something about moving on from him but renamed?

 

[Ram65]

Enjoyed the talk. Shula and the Rams would be better off if he stays with the Rams for another 2-3 seasons.

 

[OldSchool]

Exactly. You don't have to be labeled a "hater" for taking the measured approach with this kid's trajectory. It is the wise approach in all other industries. Just not in the "snuggle up to Sean McVay pupils" NFL these days.

It's fine to not consume the McVay kool aid. It's really ignorant to want to fire a coach or cut a player a few games into their new job though.

 

[OldSchool]

Also Chris does a great podcast not just when he has Rams players and coaches.

 

[Ground Chuck]

It's fine to not consume the McVay kool aid. It's really ignorant to want to fire a coach or cut a player a few games into their new job though.

Agreed. Either way is pretty hyper-reactive. I want it now! A bit Veruka Salt, if you ask me.