The number of open head coaching jobs that Rams assistants have interview for is dwindling by the day.
The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly plan to hire Mike McCarthy to be their next head coach, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. McCarthy previously coached the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers.
Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula was reportedly the “leader” for his job, according to CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala. But the Steelers wouldn’t have been able to talk to Shula again until after the NFC championship game on Sunday. So rather than wait, it seems like Pittsburgh wanted to get started as soon as possible with McCarthy at the helm.
Shula had interviewed with a lot of teams during the head coach hiring cycle, but now it seems as though he may end up returning to Sean McVay’s staff in 2026. The Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens all hired new head coaches recently after Shula interviewed with them. That leaves just the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders as the only available openings Shula interviewed for this winter.
The other Rams assistants currently in contention for other jobs are passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. Scheelhaase is reportedly a finalist for the Cleveland Browns’ head coaching job, while ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Cardinals are “looking” at LaFleur for their head coach position. Both interviewed with the Raiders, too.
The other wild-card team is the Buffalo Bills, although there haven’t been any reports of the Rams assistants interviewing there.
In the meantime, L.A. will prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC championship game on Sunday. If any head coaching openings remain following the game, the three Rams assistants could continue their candidacy.
