The Los Angeles Rams experienced quite the turnaround with the arrival Sean McVay as the new head coach back in 2017.
Unfortunately, this success has inadvertently resulted in some major turnover to his staff through the years. This was once again evidenced by the departure of defensive coordinator Brandon Staley during the offseason.
While McVay’s coaching tree has branched out rather quickly, the Rams have largely stayed in-house with their personnel changes. However, it appears they have now brought in some outside help.
According to NFL Network Insider Adam Schefter, L.A. has hired former NFL analyst Andy Benoit as a new assistant to McVay’s staff:
Andy Benoit – who has worked for Sports Illustrated, the New York Times and CBS Sports – has been hired as the assistant to Rams’ head coach Sean McVay/Special Projects. Benoit now will be a regular sounding board and researcher for McVay.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 25, 2021
Benoit most recently served as an analyst and writer for Sports Illustrated’s the MMQB. He even interviewed McVay following the Rams’ loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII.
It is evident that there is a sense of familiarity between McVay and Benoit off the field. This has seemingly resulted in an intriguing new addition to the staff leading up to the 2021 NFL season.
The emphasis on Benoit’s role on “Special Projects” as a researcher for the Rams suggests that McVay may be looking to delve more into the advanced statistics of the game. Given his reputation as one of the most innovative offensive minds in the NFL, it makes sense that he would find a way to gather more information.
After all, expectations are higher than ever in L.A. following the blockbuster acquisition of quarterback Matthew Stafford this offseason. McVay has since done what he can to put together an offense that is tailor-made for his skill set as a bona fide gunslinger.
As long as the Rams continue to win, departures from McVay’s coaching staff will be inevitable. Only time will tell if this move is something other teams look to replicate.
