Since Sean McVay took over as head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, the organization is used to getting coaches poached by other teams.
In recent years, former Rams assistants Matt LaFleur, Zac Taylor, Brandon Staley, Kevin O’Connell, Raheem Morris and Liam Coen have all gone on to land head coaching opportunities.
This offseason was more of the same as offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, passing game coordintor Nate Scheelhaase and defensive coordinator Chris Shula all interviewed for multiple head coaching gigs.
Scheelhaase and Shula did not land new jobs, but it appears LaFleur did as he is being hired as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
The #AZCardinals plan to hire #Rams OC Mike LaFleur as their new head coach, per me and @TomPelissero.
A bright young offensive mind whose brother is also the coach of the #Packers, Lafleur stood out early in the process. After due diligence, AZ makes the move. pic.twitter.com/HF9z79zJmE
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 1, 2026
The #Rams now lose their OC — another branch of Sean McVay’s tree. McVay wil do a wide-ranging search for an OC and will look at in-house candidates, as well. Nate Scheelhaase figures to be one of them. https://t.co/nao2ENd5gz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 1, 2026
LaFleur has been the Rams’ offensive coordinator for the last three seasons and the team boasted the No. 1 offense in the league in 2025. McVay handles play-calling duties, but LaFleur also played a big role in the Rams’ offensive success as well.
He now faces a tough task ahead of him trying to bring the Cardinals back to relevance. They are coming off a rough 3-14 season and have a lot of question marks surrounding their roster, most notably at the quarterback position. That’s not to mention that they play in the best division in football as LaFleur will need to go up against McVay and the Rams, Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers and Mike MacDonald and the Seattle Seahawks for years to come.
Nate Scheelhaase to stay with Rams
With LaFleur gone, the Rams now have an opening at offensive coordinator. They will likely interview a number of candidates for the job, but the most logical selection is Scheelhaase, who will be remaining with the organization for at least one more year after not landing a head coaching opportunity this offseason.
If the Rams don’t promote Scheelhaase then they risk losing him to another offensive coordinator opportunity, perhaps even with LaFleur on the Cardinals.
