The family connection in Miami appears to still be strong.
Multiple reports suggest that the Dolphins requested to interview Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula as they search for their next head coach.
Shula is the grandson of legendary Dolphins coach Don Shula, who won two Super Bowls with the Dolphins in 1973 — the NFL’s only perfect season — and 1974, while appearing in three others.
The younger Shula is expected to be seriously considered for the job and some are predicting that he is hired.
Prediction market Kalshi has projected Shula and Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as the clear favorites to be the Dolphins’ next coach.
Shula. 39 has led a solid defensive unit for the Rams that ranked No. 4 overall in FTN’s DVOA, behind only the Vikings, Texans and Seahawks.
He has helped develop a young group of non-premium draft picks, including Kobie Turner, Byron Young, Jared Verse and others, into a top group in the NFL.
Earlier this season, Shula expressed interest in becoming a head coach.
“I think that’s the goal of any coach that wants to be in the league, you want to take yourself to the highest profession,” Shula said in November.
“That doesn’t mean you’re going to walk away for any single opportunity.”
The Dolphins are one of the nine jobs available after Mike Tomlin quit as Steelers coach on Tuesday.
The Dolphins have a bit of a mess on their hands roster-wise, owing big money to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who appears to want a change of scenery.
Miami semi-surprisingly fired coach Mike McDaniel after consecutive disappointing years.
Shula has been requested for interviews with the Giants, Titans, Ravens, Cardinals and Raiders, but it appears that his best chance this hiring cycle is with the Dolphins.
Los Angeles heads to Chicago this weekend for the Divisional Round.
