Dolphins Predicted To Hire Grandson Of Hall Of Famer As Next Head Coach

The Miami Dolphins decided to move on from Mike McDaniel earlier this offseason, making them one of the teams looking to hire a new head coach.

According to insider Tom Pelissero, the Dolphins have requested to interview Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula. He is the grandson of legendary Dolphins head coach Don Shula. USA Today’s Jack McKessy predicted the Dolphins would end up hiring him.

“Outside of the obvious Shula connection, Chris has also emerged as a top coordinator-to-head-coach candidate because of the strong work he’s done with the Rams’ defense,” McKessey wrote on Tuesday. “In his first season with Los Angeles, Shula helped coach Jared Verse to the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year award. In his follow-up season, the Rams had a top-10 scoring defense.”

Don Shula won two Super Bowls with the Dolphins in the 1970s. His grandson won a Super Bowl with the Rams as the team’s linebackers coach. However, he has worked his way up and is garnering interest as a head coach after just one season as the defensive coordinator.

The Dolphins’ job comes with some question marks, however. The first big question will be who the quarterback is moving forward. Tua Tagovailoa’s future is in doubt, and whoever the new head coach is will have to work around that.

However, Shula is 39 years old and looking to make his mark on the league as a head coach. He has been tied to the hip of Sean McVay for years, and could be ready to lead his own team.

Although he is a defensive-minded coach in an era where offense is taking over, Shula is a strong candidate. Despite other seasoned options available, the Dolphins could benefit from a first-time hire who can build an elite defense.