Chris Shula was born on February 5, 1986, in Miami, Florida, into a family with a rich football heritage. He is the son of David Shula, a former NFL coach, and the grandson of the legendary Don Shula, the winningest head coach in NFL history. Growing up in such an environment, Chris was immersed in football from a young age, shaping his passion and understanding of the game.
Playing Career at Miami University
Shula attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before enrolling at Miami University in Ohio. From 2004 to 2008, he played as a linebacker for the Miami RedHawks, earning two varsity letters. Known for his intelligence on the field, he was considered one of the team’s most valuable players, capable of playing all three linebacker positions. During his senior year, he was the team’s fourth-leading tackler with 68 stops.
Transition into Coaching
After his playing career, Shula transitioned into coaching, beginning as an assistant linebackers coach at Ball State University in 2010. He then served as a graduate assistant at Indiana University from 2011 to 2013, followed by a stint as the defensive coordinator at John Carroll University in 2014. In 2015, he joined the NFL ranks as a defensive quality control coach for the San Diego Chargers.
Coaching Tenure with the Los Angeles Rams
In 2017, Shula joined the Los Angeles Rams as an assistant linebackers coach under head coach Sean McVay, a college teammate from Miami University. He was promoted to outside linebackers coach in 2019 and later served in various roles, including linebackers coach, pass game coordinator & defensive backs coach, and pass rush coordinator & linebackers coach. In 2024, Shula was promoted to defensive coordinator for the Rams.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chris Shula |
| Date of Birth | February 5, 1986 |
| Place of Birth | Miami, Florida |
| Height | 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) |
| Parents | Father: David Shula; Grandfather: Don Shula |
| Education | Miami University (Ohio) |
| Playing Position | Linebacker |
| Coaching Career | Ball State (2010), Indiana (2011–2013), John Carroll (2014), San Diego Chargers (2015–2016), Los Angeles Rams (2017–present) |
| Current Position | Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams |
| Net Worth (2025) | Approximately $1.1 million annually |
Physical Appearance
Standing at 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm), Chris Shula possesses an athletic build, a testament to his years as a collegiate linebacker. His presence on the sidelines reflects his deep understanding of the game and his commitment to maintaining the physicality associated with football.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Chris Shula’s net worth is primarily derived from his coaching career in the NFL. Serving as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, he earns an annual salary of approximately $1.1 million, placing him among the higher echelons of NFL defensive coordinators.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Chris Shula on LinkedIn |
Latest News
In recent developments, Chris Shula has been promoted to the position of defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, marking a significant milestone in his coaching career. This promotion reflects the organization’s confidence in his abilities to lead the defense in the upcoming season.
