The Los Angeles Rams overachieved during the 2023 NFL season as they went 10-7 and made the 2023 NFL Playoffs as the No. 6 seed in the NFC.
The Rams played the most anticipated game of Wild Card weekend against the Detroit Lions and it lived up to the hype as the the two teams were evenly matched. Los Angeles had a chance late to steal the game and advance, but Detroit held on in the final moments to earn their first playoff win in decades.
While it’s disappointing to see Los Angeles bow out of the postseason earlier, the season should still be considered a success. Despite having one of the youngest rosters in the league, head coach Sean McVay and his staff were able to develop them throughout the regular season.
However, it didn’t take McVay very long to see one of the more critical people on his staff leave as Eric Henderson accepted an offer with USC:
Right time, right pLAce.
Welcome @Coach_Henny! ✌️ pic.twitter.com/xmbn0HBlAa
— USC Football ✌️ (@uscfb) January 15, 2024
Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley issued a statement when Henderson’s hiring was announced:
“I’m excited to welcome the final member of our defensive staff, Eric Henderson,” said Riley. “A Super Bowl Champion coach who has been recognized nationally for being the top in his field, Eric will bring immeasurable knowledge and experience to our program. We have put together a defensive staff that is second to none. We’re ready to get to work.”
Henderson spent five seasons as the Rams’ defensive line coach, but he also was named their run game coordinator the past three years. At USC, he receives a chance to coordinate their defense with defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn.
Under Henderson, Los Angeles had one of the most productive defensive line units in the league. In 2023, the Rams were in the top-10 in rushing yards allowed and had four different players record at least six sacks.
Losing Henderson is a blow for McVay, Aaron Donald and the organization, though the Rams have proven to have an eye for finding coaching talent.
Rams helped Sean McVay find his way again
After a dismal 2022 season where the team finished 5-12, McVay looked like he was finally on his way out. McVay had flirted with walking away from coaching previously, but it felt like it was a real possibility last year.
However, McVay re-upped with Los Angeles and after their playoff loss he said that the young roster helped him find his way again.
