The Los Angeles Rams announced on Monday that they have parted ways with running backs coach Skip Peete. He is not the only coach that won’t be returning in 2020 as defensive coordinator Wade Phillips was also told that his contract will not be renewed.
Peete was the running backs coach of the Rams for the last four seasons, so Sean McVay retained him from Jeff Fisher‘s staff when he took over prior to the 2017 season.
McVay released the following statement discussing the impact Peete has made on the organization’s running backs, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
“When I came to the Rams in 2017, our running backs had a unanimous vote of confidence for Skip Peete to lead our running back corps,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said in a statement. “Since then, he has helped our running backs to make great strides in the last three years, and his more than 20 years of coaching experience was imperative in our offensive growth. Thank you to Coach Peete, his wife Rebeca, and their family and I wish them continued success.”
Peete was instrumental in the development of Todd Gurley, helping him become an All-Pro running back over the course of his career.
Gurley had a down season in 2019 though, which may have played a role in Peete being let go. The Rams will now have to find replacements for both him and Phillips as well as any other coaching positions that may open throughout the course of the offseason.
After a 9-7 season in which they failed to make the postseason, it is not surprising to see the Rams making some changes to their coaching staff. Ultimately, it will fall on McVay and the players to get this team back into playoff contention in 2020 though.
