Rams Defend Shula Against Reports of Failed Steelers Interview

The Los Angeles Rams have strongly refuted reports claiming defensive coordinator Chris Shula performed poorly during his head coaching interview with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Rams President Kevin Demoff took to social media to challenge assertions made by 937thefan’s Andrew Fillipponi, who reported that Shula “bombed” his virtual interview with the Steelers prior to the NFC Divisional Round.

“Report: Rams DC Chris Shula did not interview well for the Steelers HC job. In his virtual interview,” Fillipponi wrote. “Per sources. In fact, one person went as far as to say he ‘bombed’ the interview. Shula’s defense gave up 31 points to the Seahawks in the NFC championship game.”

Demoff directly disputed these claims after speaking with the Steelers organization. “In talking to the Steelers there is no truth to this, but maybe rather than trying to build up your name by tearing someone else down you should examine a process that has coaches having the biggest job interviews of their life crammed into an hour the day before a playoff game,” Demoff stated.

The controversy emerged during the Steelers’ recent head coaching search, which ultimately concluded with the hiring of former Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy. Shula, the son of former NFL head coach David Shula and grandson of legendary coach Don Shula, was among several candidates who received virtual interviews.

Despite Demoff’s forceful rebuttal, similar claims surfaced elsewhere in NFL media. Pat McAfee Show contributor Tone Diggs reported, “They did interview [Chris] Shula and [Nate] Scheelhaase and Klay Kubiak from the Niners virtually. I heard from some sources that those guys, their interviews were underwhelming, is what I was told.”

The dueling narratives highlight the often murky nature of NFL coaching searches, where information leaks can serve various agendas. Multiple NFL analysts have suggested the negative reports about Shula might represent an attempt to justify the Steelers’ ultimate decision to hire McCarthy, a Pittsburgh native who previously won a Super Bowl with Green Bay.

The situation raises questions about the NFL’s coaching interview process, particularly for candidates like Shula who are simultaneously preparing their current teams for playoff games. As Demoff pointed out, coaches are expected to make career-defining impressions in brief virtual meetings while managing significant game preparations.

Shula’s rise through coaching ranks has been steady since joining the Rams’ staff in 2017. He was promoted to defensive coordinator for the 2023 season after previously serving as linebackers coach and defensive backs coach. Under Shula’s leadership, the Rams defense showed improvement throughout the season despite facing significant injuries and personnel changes.

The incident underscores the high-stakes nature of NFL coaching interviews and the potential damage that can come from anonymous sources. For Shula, who has established himself as a rising coaching prospect, the situation could affect future opportunities if negative perceptions persist.

Industry insiders note that it’s highly unusual for reports of “bombed” interviews to surface publicly during coaching searches. The specificity of the criticism directed at Shula has led many to question the motives behind the leaks.

As the Rams prepare for the 2024 season, Demoff’s public defense of Shula suggests the organization remains firmly behind their defensive coordinator, viewing him as a valuable member of Sean McVay’s coaching staff and a legitimate future head coaching candidate.