The Los Angeles Rams have ushered in some significant changes to Sean McVay’s coaching staff as they get set to start a new era at SoFi Stadium in the 2020 NFL season.
The Rams are coming off a disappointing 2019 season after missing the playoffs with a 9-7 record following their Super Bowl run the year before. As a result, they made headlines when they opted to part ways with several notable members of their staff such as defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and special teams coordinator John Fassel.
Los Angeles has since announced their official replacements in defensive coordinator Brandon Staley and special teams coordinator John Bonamego. Meanwhile, the role of offensive coordinator will officially be going to Kevin O’Connell.
Bonamengo has some big shoes to fill as the successor to Fassel, who had become quite a fan favorite since the relocation. Fortunately, the 17-year coaching veteran is more than qualified after coming off a successful second stint with the Detroit Lions.
Bonamengo’s punting unit finished as the second-best group in the league after allowing just 4.5 yards per return and zero touchdowns. As a result, he was voted on as the NFC North special teams coach of the year in a poll by The Athletic.
McVay had spent this past season without an official offensive coordinator after opting to instead split run and pass duties between two coaches. Although the Rams had plenty of confidence in his ability to lead the offense, it clearly did not pan out after this group experienced a huge drop-off this season.
O’Connell will now be tasked with helping McVay get the offense back on track. The former NFL quarterback has spent the last three seasons with the Washington Redskins and was promoted to offensive coordinator in the 2019 campaign.
The Rams’ decision to replace the legendary Phillips with a relatively unknown name like Staley certainly took many by surprise. His resume is rather green compared to his predecessor and while this team may be coming off an underwhelming season, expectations remain as high as ever moving forward.
Staley made his bones as a member of Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio’s staff last season. The former linebackers coach has plenty of experience working with All-Pro pass rushers like Von Miller in Denver and Khalil Mack with the Chicago Bears. It seems he has already managed to make quite the impression on his two biggest stars in defensive tackle Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey after reaching out to them following his hiring.
