The Los Angeles Rams wasted no time in making some serious changes to their coaching staff this offseason. The team fell vastly short of expectations by missing the playoffs with a 9-7 record following their Super Bowl run a year ago.
As a result, head coach Sean McVay has ushered in some major turnover to his staff before the team gets ready to settle into their new home at SoFi Stadium in the 2020 NFL season.
The recent hirings have made it clear that McVay went with a rather youthful approach when it came to assembling all the new pieces. While there has been some concern regarding the inexperience on his staff, it seems he is still quite optimistic about the changes.
McVay pointed out that while each of them brings their own style to the table, they all share a common trait as likable coaches, via Rich Hammond of the Athletic:
“They each bring a unique skill set,” McVay said Wednesday at a news conference at team headquarters, “but one thing that is consistent with each one of these guys is, they’re great teachers and they’re great human beings, and they inspire players. They know how to connect.”
McVay has established himself as a bit of a player’s coach since bursting onto the scene prior to the 2017 campaign. Not only could he relate to his team since he was in the same age group, but his football IQ had set him apart from the majority of other coaches around the league.
McVay is now hoping that he has put together a staff that is capable of bringing the same type of energy while not sacrificing any drop-off in expectations. The onus will ultimately fall on the new additions to prove they are up to the task.
The Rams opted to open back up the offensive coordinator position with the arrival of Kevin O’Connell following a stint with McVay’s old team in the Washington Redskins. Although McVay will continue to call plays, O’Connell will carry plenty of weight when it comes to trying to get this once-explosive offense back on track.
Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley has some big shoes to fill following the departure of Wade Phillips. Staley has already indicated that Los Angeles will maintain Phillips’ 3-4 approach, however, he will be making some adjustments in the overall scheme.
In an effort to quell the youth movement this offseason, the Rams went ahead and sought out one of the most experienced special teams coordinators in the league with John Bonamego. The veteran should have plenty of talent to work with regardless of kicker Greg Zuerlein’s future with punter Johnny Hekker and long snapper Jake McQuaid still in the mix.
