The Los Angeles Rams are in need of a new defensive coordinator as Raheem Morris was hired by the Atlanta Falcons to be their head coach.
As the Rams look for a replacement, they are said to be interested in a potential reunion with Brandon Staley, who previously served as the team’s defensive coordinator during the 2020 season.
Aside from Staley, the Rams have set up interviews with Aden Durde and Dennard Wilson for their defensive coordinator vacancy. It is also believed they would have interest in bringing back Ejiro Evero for the role if the Carolina Panthers allow him to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
According to Jonathan Jones of NFL on CBS, the Rams interviewed another intriguing candidate in former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera for their defensive coordinator opening:
The Rams interviewed former Panthers and Commanders head coach Ron Rivera for their vacant defensive coordinator position over the weekend, source tells @NFLonCBS.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) January 29, 2024
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.
Rivera has been a popular name this offseason as he previously interviewed for the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator job before they hired Vic Fangio.
The Dallas Cowboys have also been linked to Rivera for their defensive coordinator position in the event Dan Quinn lands a head coaching job.
Rams coaching staff loses Zac Robinson
The Rams lost another valuable member of their coaching staff as pass-game coordinator Zac Robinson was hired to be the Falcons’ new offensive coordinator under Morris.
During his time with the Rams, Robinson helped Jared Goff, Baker Mayfield and Matthew Stafford find varying degrees of success. He will now be tasked with doing the same for Taylor Heinicke and Desmond Ridder, unless the Falcons draft or bring in another veteran quarterback.
