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By Ricardo Sandoval
Contributing Sports Writer
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As the Los Angeles Rams gear up for their upcoming divisional round clash against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, several of their assistant coaches have become key figures in this year’s head-coaching carousel.
According to Albert Breer of The MMQB, multiple NFL teams have reached out to the Rams for permission to interview defensive coordinator Chris Shula, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, and offensive assistant and passing game specialist Nathan Scheelhaase.
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These three Rams assistant coaches have been pillars for the team and their success under head coach Sean McVay. Shula, in particular, has made a name for himself as he is in his second season as the defensive coordinator for the Rams.
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At first, many pegged the Rams' hiring of Shula as a nepotism hire due to his grandfather being legendary head coach Don Shula. However, Chris has carved out his own path and has a real chance to lead his own team in the 2026 season.
The Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens and the Miami Dolphins have requested interviews with Shula.
Shula expressed his desire to become a head coach one day, despite his love for McVay and the Rams organization.
“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 earlier this season. “That doesn’t mean you’re going to walk away for any single opportunity.
“I love it here, my family loves it here, we’ve been here 9-10 years, coaching with my best friends, we obviously have a great group of players and a great staff. So for the right opportunity we’ll see. But like I said, not really thinking too much about that.”
As for LaFleur, the younger brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, he is in his third season as LA's offensive coordinator. Mike has done wonders for the offense, leading the Rams to the No. 1 in points per game, No. 1 in yards per game, No. 2 in yards per play, and No. 1 in touchdowns per game.
LaFleur only has had two interview requests: the Cardinals and Raiders.
And as for Scheelhaase, arguably the least-known head-coaching candidate, he is a rising star in the coaching ranks. The Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens have requested interviews.
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The Rams and McVay are no strangers to losing assistants and coordinators. From Matt LaFleur, Raheem Morris, Kevin O’Connell, Brandon Staley and Zac Taylor, the Rams have lost their fair share of excellent coordinators turned head coaches.
McVay has had to navigate a maze to find the right coaches to fill each role, all while continuing to grow his coaching tree and keep his team at the top.
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