The coaching staff overhaul for the Los Angeles Rams is already underway as they’ve made their first big move by bringing in Mike LaFleur as their new offensive coordinator.
LaFleur was most recently with the New York Jets where he served as their OC for the past two seasons before the two sides ultimately decided to part ways. LaFleur was the favorite all along for Sean McVay’s new offensive coordinator, and the two will be tasked with revamping an offense that severely underwhelmed during the 2022 season.
What makes LaFleur such an interesting addition is his familiarity with the San Francisco 49ers run game as he has had plenty of experience working with that franchise. LaFleur installed similar concepts with the Jets to much success before they lost stud rookie running back Breece Hall for the season.
In order for a good rushing attack to flourish, the Rams also need a good offensive line coach and they are looking to fill that void with a familiar face in John Benton, via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
Former #Jets OL coach John Benton is expected to interview for the same job on the #Rams staff, source said. He worked with new OC Mike LaFleur at NYJ, so plenty of familiarity.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 6, 2023
Benton actually has experience with the Rams organization, serving as their offensive line coach between 2003 to 2005. Most recently he was with LaFleur in New York as their o-line coach as well as their run game coordinator. The similarities with LaFleur don’t stop there as he was also with him in San Francisco in the same role.
It seems as though McVay would like to mimic his NFC West rivals when it comes to his running game concepts, though it might have to do more with the poor play of the offensive line this past year. Injuries were the primary reason the unit struggled so much, but bringing in someone new to lead the offensive line room should ultimately do more good in the short term.
As of now, there aren’t any other reported candidates whom Los Angeles will be interviewing for the role but Benton is certainly a name to keep an eye on considering his experience around the league. The passing game should remain mostly the same with Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp back healthy, but it’ll be interesting to see how the run game evolves next season.
