The Los Angeles Rams continue to usher in some significant changes to their coaching staff with the departure of special teams coordinator John Fassel.
The Rams have already parted ways with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and running back coach Skip Peete following a disappointing 9-7 finish in the 2019 NFL season. Fassel can now be added to that list after the Dallas Cowboys wasted no time in making him a part of their revamped coaching staff.
To no surprise, coach “Bones” has since received an outpouring of love and support from fans and former players on social media. After all, his contributions have helped this team lead quite the turnaround at a pivotal time in franchise history.
McVay expressed his gratitude for the job Fassel did with the Rams and wished him well in Dallas, via the team’s official Twitter:
“Bones” Fassel has been an integral part of our special teams operations since before I joined the Rams in 2017. His knowledge and understanding of critical game situations and his special teams play calling have helped us rank among the best in the league in those areas. Our best wishes are with John and the Fassel family.”
Fassel had established himself as one of the best special teams coaches in the league during his time with the Rams. His departure leaves yet another notable void on the coaching staff for this team to fill in the offseason.
Fassel can be credited with turning the Rams’ special teams unit into one of the most productive groups in the league even prior to McVay’s arrival. He was tasked with developing the trio of punter Johnny Hekker, kicker Greg Zuerlein, and long snapper Jake McQuaide in 2012 and it is safe to say that the move panned out after accumulating seven Pro Bowls and seven All-Pro honors combined.
Aside from his duties on special teams, Fassel’s experience also served as a stabilizing factor for Los Angeles after filling in as the interim head coach following the firing of Jeff Fisher in 2016. His presence paid huge dividends when it came to finishing out the year on a high note and successfully transitioning to McVay’s system.
All the changes have made it clear that the Rams are looking to bring in some fresh blood after opting not to bring back veterans like Phillips and Fassel. Regardless, there is no question that their replacements will have some big shoes to fill if they hope to justify the decision to part ways with such well-respected coaches.
