Is Chris Shula related to Don Shula? Many fans have raised this question, curious about how the young coach for the Los Angeles Rams is connected to one of the greatest NFL coaches of all time. While Chris Shula has made a name for himself in professional football, his deep-rooted connection to Don Shula, a legendary coach, continues to intrigue sports enthusiasts.
Here is everything you need to know about the connection between Chris Shula and Don Shula.
Are Chris Shula and Don Shula related?
Yes, Chris Shula and Don Shula are related.
Chris Shula is the grandson of Don Shula, a former football player and coach who passed away on May 4, 2020. His first head coaching stint was with the team Baltimore Colts. He was part of the team for seven seasons from 1963 to 1969 and it ended up achieving seven consecutive victories. However, the Colts failed to defeat the New York Jets at the Super Bowl Championship. Additionally, Shula was honored with the title of AP NFL Coach of the Year three times.
Further in 1970, Don Shula joined the Miami Dolphins. He remained in the team for 26 seasons where the team scored 5 AFC Championship victories and gained a total of 11 division titles. The team under Shula also had a successful run at the Super Bowl Championships. During his time with the Miami Dolphins, Shula managed to regain his AP NFL Coach of the Year.
Following an impressive run with the Dolphins, Don Shula decided to retire from his coaching career. He ended his coaching career on a remarkable note with a record of 328–156–6 regular season that made him one of the most successful coaches in the history of the NFL.
His son Dave Shula followed in his footsteps by serving as the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals from 1992 to 1996. Don Shula’s other son Mike Shula is also working as the offensive coordinator at the University of South Carolina.
Chris Shula has carried the family legacy into the modern era. He currently serves as a defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, one of the NFL’s prominent teams. Before joining the Rams, Chris worked with several teams, including the San Diego Chargers and Ball State University, gaining valuable experience along the way.
