Chris Shula has been elevated by the Los Angeles Rams to

1,000 Oaks, California – Chris Shula has been promoted to defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams.

Shula, 37, takes over as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons after Raheem Morris was hired.

Shula, who has most recently finished with his seventh season as a member of the Rams coaching staff and his ninth season as a coach in the NFL overall, assumes the position of defensive coordinator following his 2023 appointment as linebackers coach and pass rush coordinator. With a team-high 145 total tackles this past season, linebacker Ernest Jones broke James Laurinitis’ single-season franchise record. Jones had a career year.

In 2017, Shula joined Rams head coach Sean McVay’s staff as an assistant linebackers coach. He remained in that position for two years before coaching L.A.’s outside linebackers in 2019 and 2020. In 2021, he went back to coaching linebackers; however, in 2022, he became the defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator.

Under Shula’s direction, Jones emerged as a valuable rookie in 2021, leading the team in tackles with 58, one sack, two interceptions, four pass breakups, and six quarterback pressures. Shula oversaw a Rams secondary in 2022 while coaching the defensive backs; Los Angeles finished with 16 interceptions overall, tied for ninth most in the NFL.

Before I joined

Right now, where are they? Chris Chamberlain, a former Rams linebacker

It was destined to happen.

Chris Chamberlain stated in his bio at the University of Toledo that his favorite NFL team is the St. Louis Rams. After choosing the linebacker in the seventh round of the 2008 Draft, they grew even more so.

Despite having an incredible senior season that saw him set a school record with 165 tackles, rank third in the NCAA with 101 solo tackles, and be nominated to the first team of the All-Conference USA, Chamberlain was nonetheless humbled to be selected by the Rams.

“It was really kind of surreal to think that I was going to get a chance to fulfill a dream and have an opportunity to make an NFL roster,” he stated. That was basically all I wanted during the whole procedure. Just a possibility. Therefore, whatever

occurred, I wouldn’t look back and I would have been at least given a chance.

“But that was confirmed once they drafted me. Simply put, I was thrilled about the chance to play against some of the world’s top players.”

During rookie minicamp, Chamberlain, one of the two linebackers selected by the Rams that year, attempted to establish himself with the coaches and continued to do so once the veterans reported.

It’s a quite captivating dynamic. You are all in competition with one another for a certain number of jobs, even though you are comrades,” Chamberlain stated. “Once you make the squad and start the season, those guys really step up to take on a more mentoring role.” However, in the beginning, when there are about 100 players, you are trying to be a good teammate and also to position yourself to be added to the roster.”

Chamberlain earned that place with a good preseason showing, particularly on special teams. And by carrying on with that the next year under the leadership of new head coach nuoloSteve Spag, he eventually made the transition to starting in 2010.

“Young players who aren’t immediately stars and starters might win a roster position and hang around by playing on special teams. You have to be able to accomplish multiple things when you only have 53 people on the roster, according to Chamberlain.

“Therefore, while I kept trying to gain a spot in the starting lineup, special teams gave me the opportunity to join the squad and contribute. Upon its eventual occurrence, it was one of those instances where I kind ofnever truly turned around. I think I performed pretty well and was productive once I was outside.

The odd thing was that I continued to be a member of every special team. Coach Spags once said to me, “We’ll rest you on defense if you need a break.” You must be deployed in specialized teams. I was still covering kicks and punts, even though it would have been ideal to just play defense and start each possession from scratch. Making yourself valuable is part of what it means to be in the league. having the ability to do a variety of tasks and learn new positions

For Chamberlain, 2011 was a year of firsts. It was his fourth season. both within and without the field. especially when the Rams played division foe Seattle in Week 11.

“That week, my oldest son was born on Tuesday, which was our day off and which was super convenient and nice of him to do that,” said Chamberlan. “And I had my first-ever interception in the game against the Seahawks (off of Tarvaris Jackson). I was given a game ball with the words “First NFL Interception” on it. Initial Game as a Father. That’s my favorite recollection of that, therefore.”

Even though the Rams, to put it mildly, had a difficult time winning just 12 of 64 games during Chamberlain’s four seasons with the team, he still has a number of happy memories from that time. Including the following

“We were 0-6 (in 2011) and the Saints came to town and they were 5-2,” Chamberlain stated. “Our records were essentially in opposition to one another, and we defeated them by, I believe, roughly 10 points[31–21].” We performed incredibly well on the field and won the game with a hands team onside kick. That was enjoyable, then.

“We played the Seahawks that season (2010), which is another memorable event that stands out (in the season finale).” We were in the Sunday night primetime game together, both of us seven or eight. In essence, the division was won by the victor.

and made it to the postseason. It therefore resembled a playoff game. extremely loud. lost the match (16–6), however it was a really close and intense match. Playing essentially for a chance to go to the playoffs was enjoyable and there was a fantastic atmosphere. It was the closest I ever got to playing in a game that had the feel of a playoff.

“And I’m just proud of what I was able to accomplish to get a chance in the NFL and be able to put together a decent career when, basically, there were no expectations for me at any level.” I suppose it’s simply working hard, being disciplined, tough, durable, playing hard, coachable, and accountable—sort of the old school approach. All the antiquated ideas Ifeel that is what drove me and made it possible for me to succeed on all fronts. Thus, I believe that to be my greatest accomplishment. I believe I handled things correctly.”

After playing for New Orleans for five years, Chamberlain moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with his wife Amy, their three kids, Carter, Colt, and Aisly. He joined the Oklahoma City Fire Department, a different crew, a little more than five years ago.

“Over the past few years while I was still playing, my brother-in-law, who works as a firefighter, had been kind of putting the bug in my ear. “You really ought to check out the fire department when you’re done.” But I wasn’t really paying any attention to anything; I was just totally concentrated on football. Then you get hurt and don’t recover well, and presto—my career’s over,” Chamberlain remarked.

“I’m considering my options and want to return to school to complete my master’s degree. In addition, I was coaching at my former high school as I tried to decide what I wanted to pursue. I was aware that selling items from behind a desk was exactly what I didn’t want to do. Thus, the fire department’s appearance improved steadily over time.

“I wanted to accomplish something that would be impactful, important, and enjoyable for me. The fire department continued to check each of those boxes. I made the decision to go ahead. I obtained my EMT certification and was eventually employed by this fantastic department in Oklahoma City. I

Take pleasure in the challenge and the daily uncertainty of not knowing what to do when you go to work while yet assisting others. It’s a really demanding and fulfilling work.”

As a member of the OKC Fire Department District 606 – Station 20, Chamberlain has observed parallels between his current squad and the Rams, his previous team.

“Everybody has their role, their job, their position, so to speak,” he stated. Collaborating and functioning as a team is crucial. cooperation and dialogue. The discipline, the toughness, everything.

Thus, there are many similarities between the fire service and athletics. And I believe that’s why so many former athletes find it so appealing. It’s not an easy move, in my opinion.

However, there are undoubtedly many of the same advantages. Additionally, the fire service offers many of the same qualities you enjoyed about athletics. Thus, it has undoubtedly aided in the adjustment to a regular life.

“Whether it’s a medical issue, fire, or auto accident, people contact us during their worst moments. And going out to help individuals and assist them in solving their problems is incredibly fulfilling.”