When his father was the head coach of the Bengals, Chris Shula’s one-track mind was on playing football.
On the playground. At recess. In elementary school.
Yes, it’s a long time ago now that Dave Shula was calling the shots (1992-96) near the start of a two-decade run known as the “Bungles.” Even longer since Dave’s father, the Hall of Famer Don Shula, appeared in the last of his six Super Bowl berths (1984).
In fact, it’s all so long ago that a third generation — Dave’s son and Don’s grandson Chris Shula — is the linebackers coach for the Rams against the upstart Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.
“Growing up going to training camp, I’d stay with my dad in the dorms with the players,” Chris said. “I’d go to practice, be a ballboy, and it was always something I knew I wanted to be a part of. The fact that I’ve been here five years, I almost have to pinch myself. Coaching…