Chris Shula, the LA Rams new defensive coordinator, was confronted with a major development just weeks after being tapped to steward the team’s defense:

Aaron Donald retired.

Donald is one of the greatest defensive players of all time.

Shula worked for years with Donald as a positional coach. Now, he faces the daunting challenge of adapting to keep the defense as strong as possible after the loss of Donald.

The Promotion of Chris Shula to Defensive Coordinator

On February 2, 2024, the Rams named Shula the team’s defensive coordinator. Shula succeeds Raheem Morris in that role. Morris is now the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

Per Rams Wire:

“Shula has been with the Rams since 2017 and has worked his way up the chain after starting out as the team’s assistant linebackers coach.”

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport tweeted out news of Shula’s promotion.

Shula and Sean McVay Were College Teammates at Miami of Ohio

Shula and Rams head coach Sean McVay have a longstanding relationship.

As observed in Rams Wire:

“Shula and McVay go way back. Before they ever became coaches in the NFL, they were college teammates at Miami (Ohio). McVay played wide receiver and Shula was a middle linebacker for the Redhawks, with their paths crossing from 2004-2007.”

Shula played linebacker at Miami University from 2004 – 2008. As a senior, he was the team’s fourth-leading tackler, with 68. He also forced two fumbles, made 1½ tackles for loss, and recovered a fumble. On his career, he amassed a total of 144 sacks.