McVay had many reasons for hiring Chris. The two have a long history together, having played together at Miami (OH), and McVay brought on his former teammate as an assistant linebackers coach when he got the Rams’ top job in 2017. Since then, Chris has coached all three levels of the defense, progressing to outside linebackers coach, then linebackers coach, defensive backs coach, defensive pass game coordinator and pass rush coordinator.
But apart from his extensive experience with the Rams’ defense, Chris embraces collaboration with not only coaches, but players as well. McVay prizes that attribute.
“My defensive philosophy is it’s about the players,” Chris said in February.
“It’s hard not to love Chris Shula,” McVay said. “He’s that guy that, you know, everybody feels like he’s their best friend because he’s so present when he’s with you. He’s so authentic, he’s so refreshingly secure in who he is, and he’s been prepared for this opportunity.”
That welcoming nature was always present due to his family, but grew while he worked under former Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. His joy and love for his daily process was infectious, and Chris tries to approach every day with that same passion.
“Since I started coaching, I feel like I haven’t worked a day in my life,” Chris said.
Morris’ film skills also rubbed off on him. The knowledge he possessed about not just the defense, but opposing offenses, emphasized the importance of preparation.
Previous defensive coordinators Wade Phillips and Brandon Staley were also significant influences for Chris. Of Phillips, he said “the genius was in the simplicity.” His coaches and players had autonomy, but constant communication meant everyone was always on the same page come gameday. Meanwhile, Staley was more of an innovator. He loved to learn and always knew the latest trends across the league.
Chris worked closely with all three of his predecessors, and has taken parts of their philosophies with him now that he’s in their chair.
“Never be too hard-headed to change your opinion and surround yourself with really smart people,” is something that Chris said his father and grandfather both practiced, and he’s done just that with all the coaches and players he’s come across.
“Guys that have earned their stripes, you wouldn’t be very smart if you didn’t take advantage of their knowledge and get their opinions on things,” David…
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