The Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coaching search continues to draw attention around the league, and early reporting suggests one candidate has been on the organization’s radar well before Mike Tomlin officially stepped away. As Pittsburgh navigates a process it rarely undertakes, league insiders indicate the franchise has already identified a coach it views as a strong cultural and schematic fit.
Steelers Have Longstanding Interest in Rams DC Chris Shula
NFL insider Albert Breer said Monday on FS1’s “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” that Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula is a candidate the Steelers “really like” as they search for Tomlin’s replacement.
“I can tell you right now, the Steelers really like Chris Shula,” Breer said. “They’ve been tracking him for a while. Even before Mike Tomlin told them he was stepping away, the Steelers were keeping tabs on Shula.”
Shula became the second interview Pittsburgh requested after the opening became official, following Rams assistant Nate Scheelhaase. The speed of the request underscored that Shula is viewed internally as a serious option rather than a courtesy interview.
Shula’s profile aligns closely with Pittsburgh’s historical preferences at head coach. He is 39 years old, defensive-minded, and has not previously held a head coaching position. The Steelers have often favored younger coaches with strong defensive backgrounds and leadership potential, placing value on developmental upside and long-term stability rather than splashy hires.
There are also organizational ties that resonate within the franchise. Shula’s grandfather — Miami Dolphins legendary head coach Don Shula — worked with Chuck Noll; his father, Dave, had professional overlap with former general manager Kevin Colbert; and Shula previously worked with Steelers QB coach Tom Arth.
On the field, Shula has built productive Rams defenses without relying heavily on premium draft capital, an approach that mirrors Pittsburgh’s own defensive philosophy. His reputation as a collaborative coach who values player and staff input has also earned him positive reviews across the league.
READ MORE: Steelers Expected to Interview Super Bowl Champion HC in Search for Mike Tomlin’s Replacement
Offensively, Shula’s background under Sean McVay adds another layer to his appeal. While not an offensive coach by trade, his access to the McVay coaching tree could provide Pittsburgh with solutions on that side of the ball. Breer emphasized that strong interest does not mean a decision has been made.
“I don’t think that that’s any sort of song and dance,” Breer said. “I think it’s a real intention to go through a real process. But it doesn’t mean those guys are getting hired. They’re going to go through the full process.”
Timing could factor into the next steps. Shula remains with a Rams team still alive in the postseason, limiting in-person interviews until Los Angeles’ season ends. Breer noted that Pittsburgh is comfortable waiting, a stance consistent with comments from team president Art Rooney II that the search could take weeks.
As the Steelers move forward, Shula’s early traction reflects preparation rather than urgency. Whether that interest leads to a hire remains to be seen, but the organization’s actions suggest he has been firmly in their sights for some time.
