The Los Angeles Rams entered the 2023 season with expectations of being a contender to land one of the top picks in the NFL Draft. It was widely considered a re-tooling season that would see losses and learning opportunities aplenty. But pass game specialist Jake Peetz — leaning on a few unexpected young stars — had different plans for how the Rams season would look.
Matthew Stafford stayed relatively healthy throughout the season, missing only one game, while Cooper Kupp and fifth-round rookie Puka Nacua put together remarkable seasons. The latter of the two became the all-time rookie record holder for yards and receptions in a first campaign. The offensive line, anchored by rookie second-rounder Steve Avila, was drastically improved from last season.
The result was a passing game that ranked 10th in yards per game and seventh in offensive defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA). It has also led to Peetz garnering some interest outside of the Rams, namely with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network:
Add #Rams pass game specialist Jake Peetz to the #Buccaneers’ OC interview list. He’ll chat with Tampa later this week and is a name to watch. https://t.co/eIxNnTBhsO
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 28, 2024
Peetz undoubtedly deserves to be on the short list for an offensive coordinator position after his work with the Rams this season. To accomplish what he did against the expectations and help to lift L.A.’s offense to a playoff-caliber one is no easy feat.
He helped make the most of a young and inexperienced roster by lifting the ceilings of Nacua and Avila, who finished the season as leaders and eventual All-Rookie team selections.
If he does ultimately get hired as the Buccaneers offensive coordinator, it would signal the fourth major departure from the coaching staff this offseason. Former defensive coordinator Raheem Morris was named the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and he brought assistant head coach Jimmy Lake and pass game coordinator Zac Robinson along with him.
Ron Rivera interviewed for Rams defensive coordinator position
According to recent reports, the Rams interviewed another intriguing candidate in former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera for their defensive coordinator opening.
Rivera coached the Commanders from 2020-2023 after a nine-year stint as the Panthers head coach from 2011-2019. Prior to that, Rivera was the San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator from 2008-2010 and Chicago Bears defensive coordinator from 2004-2006.
