The Los Angeles Rams and head coach Sean McVay have developed a reputation for developing coaches and as a result have had to replace multiple members of the coaching staff every offseason.
This year is no different as McVay saw his defensive coordinator and one of his best friends Raheem Morris leave to become the Atlanta Falcons’ new head coach. Morris also took several of McVay’s assistants with him, leaving the Rams head coach to begin searches to fill several open spots.
Los Angeles’ special teams units have been the weakest part of the roster since McVay took over in 2017, though special teams coordinator Chase Blackburn remains in place. However, Blackburn saw assistant special teams coach Jeremy Springer leave to become the new special teams coordinator for the New England Patriots.
However, it looks like the Rams found a replacement for Springer as they’re expected to hire Kansas State’s Chili Davis, via Matt Zenitz of 247 Sports:
The Los Angeles #Rams are expected to hire Kansas State’s Chili Davis as an assistant special teams coach, sources tell @247sports.
Before Kansas State, Davis was special teams coordinator at Florida A&M and worked at places like University of Washington.… pic.twitter.com/TR3plHzgXa
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) February 12, 2024
Davis spent the 2023 season serving as Kansas State’s special team quality control coach. Prior to that, Davis was the special teams coordinator for Florida A&M in 2022 but also spent time with Washington and New Mexico State in similar roles.
McVay has been unafraid to pick coaches from the collegiate level and Davis appears to be the next candidate in line to make the jump to the pros. Davis has 10 years of experience as a coach, though this will be his first time coaching at the NFL level.
Davis has a tall task ahead of him as the Rams were one of the worst teams on special teams in 2023. From place kicking to punt return coverage, Los Angeles’ special teams unit continually put the team in poor situations that cost them games.
Drafting better personnel would go a long way in helping special teams, but Davis has an opportunity to contribute as a teacher as well. If Los Angeles can improve in that phase of the game, they could be a much bigger postseason threat next year.
Rams hiring John Streicher in new coordinator of football strategy role
Although there are still some spots left for the Rams to fill on McVay’s coaching staff, they’re also bringing in help in other capacities. Los Angeles is hiring John Streicher in a new role as coordinator of football strategy.
The position’s responsibilities are vague, though Streicher should be another useful asset within the organization.
