I think in 2026 when he starts getting HC attention we will bemoan his loss. I feel he's going to be a good DC. I love how he's worked under different DCs and knows what he likes and what he didn't like. I see him as being well-rounded with a high ceiling. Will he make his share of rookie DC mistakes? Probably but he strikes me as the kind of coach that understands the process of learning. I don't see him as being doggedly devoted to one thing or another. Too many DCs know only one approach. From the noise coming from Miami that is why they were looking for a new DC.
Good DCs know how to be flexible in their approach. John Pagano was one of the most underrated DCs I've ever watched. He would come out in the 3rd quarter and shut down the opposing offense with adjustments he would make. He understood how to play complimentary football in conjunction with the offense.
If Shula can be that kind of DC, who can keep this team in games stealing possessions here and there I will be more than happy. When the offense has put the opposition on the ropes, I would love a DC that knows how to slam the door shut and lock the game down. This offense as McVay has begun to transition it to being, can be damn good and deserves a defense equally as good.
IMO by the end of next season, teams won't want to play the Rams offensively or defensively. Time for another Super Bowl win and by the time the next Super Bowl is again played in SoFi (LXI) it will be time for the Rams to be the first team to win the Lombardi twice on their home field. With luck it will be their third Lombardi in the McVay era.