Chris Shula Loses Another Job Opportunity
Chris Shula’s prospects for securing a head coaching position are diminishing as the NFL playoff season progresses. Initially viewed as a prime candidate for the role with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he recently lost that opportunity when Mike McCarthy was appointed instead.
Current Coaching Landscape
As of now, six out of ten head coach openings have been filled. The remaining vacancies include roles with the Buffalo Bills and three other teams that are facing significant challenges. Shula has also been considered for the Miami Dolphins, the team where his grandfather, Don Shula, made history. However, the Dolphins opted for Jeff Hafley as their new defensive coordinator.
Shula’s Interview Journey
Shula’s interview experience has been less than favorable. After speaking with both the Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens, he found that both teams chose to hire different coordinators without waiting for his availability post-divisional round.
- Pittsburgh Steelers hired Mike McCarthy over Shula.
- Miami Dolphins hired Jeff Hafley instead of Shula.
- Baltimore Ravens chose Jesse Minter as their defensive coordinator.
McCarthy, though often criticized, is a seasoned coach with a record of 174 wins, 112 losses, and 2 ties from his time with the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys. His experience in turning around struggling teams during his second seasons has made him a safe choice for the Steelers.
Remaining Opportunities for Shula
Shula has conducted interviews with the Las Vegas Raiders and Arizona Cardinals. However, these opportunities present a greater leap of faith for him. As he anticipates where his career may lead, the prospects are not encouraging.
Fans who appreciate Shula’s contributions as a defensive coordinator may be relieved that he has retained that position for now. Still, Shula likely feels less favorable about his coaching prospects compared to earlier in the season.
