The Los Angeles Rams’ defense is in the midst of one of its best years in recent history. This group currently leads the NFL in fewest yards allowed per game (285.8) and ranks near or at the top in almost every other statistical category as well.
Having defensive tackle Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey serve as the pillars of this talented defense has clearly paid some major dividends.
Of course, defensive coordinator Brandon Staley has received plenty of praise for the job he is doing in his first year in the position. It appears all the rumors about him potentially being a head coach in the near future have not gone unnoticed.
Despite that, Staley is focused on making sure the 9-4 Rams finish the 2020 NFL season on a high note, per Kevin Modesti of the Southern California News Group:
“It’s humbling any time you’re considered in those conversations,” Staley said Wednesday during a videoconference with reporters. “Just excited to see where we can take it these last three games of the season. There’s so much work to do and that’s where our focus is.”
Rams head coach Sean McVay has no doubts that Staley is capable of stepping up when the time comes:
“Even though the Rams would get worse,” he said of a possible Staley departure, “that’s what it’s about. And if that’s something that he wants to do, and he gets an opportunity to compete for the job, there’s no doubt in my mind he’ll do a great job.”
There is certainly plenty of truth to McVay’s comments. Staley had some big shoes to fill taking over as coordinator for Wade Phillips and has managed to surpass even the highest of expectations so far.
McVay’s coaching tree has already started to take root ever since his reign began in Los Angeles back in 2017. Former assistants Matt LaFleur and Zac Taylor are now leading their own teams after receiving an offer following a couple of big years from the offense.
The Rams have another assistant that is set to be poached once the season concluded with assistant coach Liam Coen set to become offensive coordinator for the Kentucky Wildcats. This only adds further fuel to the potential fire that Staley could be the next one on the move.
For now, all parties are staying focused on the task at hand with L.A. having a chance to secure the NFC West in the coming weeks. While it may be easy to overlook the winless New York Jets in Week 15, it is not a game they can afford to drop at this point in the year.
