The Los Angeles Rams coaching staff could look vastly different in 2023 as they search the ranks for new faces and talents to surround Sean McVay with.
Offensive coordinator was a large piece to the puzzle but that was eventually filled by Mike LaFleur, who was the favorite for the position after he and the New York Jets agreed to part ways. His counterpart on the defensive side was an open question as well because Raheem Morris had been interviewing for head coaching positions.
Morris interviewed with teams like the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts, the latter of which he interviewed multiple times with. While Morris was thought of highlight in Indianapolis and was a finalist for their head coaching vacancy, it seems they are moving in a different direction, via Adam Schefter of ESPN:
The Indianapolis Colts have targeted Eagles’ offensive coordinator Shane Steichen to be their next head coach after informing other remaining candidates this morning that they are moving in a different direction, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/VgUa5YFXfa
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 12, 2023
It’s no surprise to see the Colts hire Steichen as he is coming off a Super Bowl appearance with the Philadelphia Eagles and has ties to the franchise. Steichen joined Nick Sirianni in Philadelphia after the two were with Indianapolis while working under previous head coach Frank Reich. A rising star in the NFL, Steichen will be in charge of turning around a Colts team that is desperate to return to relevance following several years of inconsistency.
While it’s disappointing for Morris to get passed up for yet another head coaching opportunity, he at least has a great fallback option in the Rams. Should Morris continue to serve as defensive coordinator in Los Angeles, he’ll be looking at some new assistants to help with the defense.
For the Rams, getting Morris back provides continuity to a defensive unit that was solid throughout the 2022 season but struggled down the stretch due to injuries to key players. Since Morris became defensive coordinator, the Rams had boasted one of the best groups in the league and there’s no reason why that can’t continue into the 2023 campaign.
It felt like this year was finally the time for Morris to get his shot as a head coach considering the success he’s seen the past couple seasons. Morris will be a popular candidate during the next hiring cycle, so hopefully he gets the opportunity he deserves.
