The Los Angeles Rams are facing the reality of needing to replace another one of Sean McVay’s top assistants after the Arizona Cardinals hired Mike LaFleur as their new head coach.
LaFleur had been the Rams offensive coordinator for the last three years and helped lead the No. 1 offense in the league this past season. Although McVay handles play-calling duties, LaFleur also had a big role in the Rams’ offensive success.
McVay learned of the Cardinals’ hiring of LaFleur while on vacation and hinted that the Rams’ next offensive coordinator could be someone who is already on his coaching staff, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
“I did think that this was something that could occur, so we’ve got great candidates in-house,” McVay said. “Based on the rules and I think what is the appropriate thing, are you going to do an extensive search to really just dive into what’s going to be the best way to bring in new people that help us continue to build and grow towards where we want to go?”
“It never fails,” McVay said with a smile. “Every time me and my wife go on vacation, somebody’s usually getting a head job and then I’m spending too much time on my phone.”
Based on McVay’s comments, it would appear that passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase is the favorite to succeed LaFleur as offensive coordinator. Scheelhaase interviewed for multiple head coach positions this offseason so it would make sense for the Rams to promote him.
Another assistant the Rams could look to promote is quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone, who served as the Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator from 2021-2023.
L.A. could also bring in external candidates to interview, but they may want to stay in-house to keep as much continuity as possible.
Rams sign Sean McVay & Les Snead to contract extensions
The Rams recently announced that general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay were signed to multi-year contract extensions.
The Snead and McVay partnership has been an extremely successful one over the last decade, and that will now continue for years to come.
“As we enter their 10th season together, it is only fitting to reflect on the tremendous success Sean and Les have brought to this franchise, and the indelible impact they have made on Los Angeles and the NFL,” Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke said in a statement. “They continue to embody the standard of this franchise to compete for championships, consistently delivering a product that our fans and city can be proud of. Their collaboration embodies the We Then Me ethos we seek in our players, coaches and staff, and we are thrilled they will be leading the Los Angeles Rams for years to come.”
