Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams dodged one pitfall only to fall into another, and it is the result of their own success this past season.
After it appeared that the only changes McVay would have to account for on his coaching staff were ones he made himself, with head coaching positions going fast and his highly touted assistants still in place.
That is, until one of them wasn’t, leaving the Rams to navigate the unfortunate fallout.
Rams Send Message to New Cardinals HC
GettyLos Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur looks on during a game against the Seattle Seahawks .
The Arizona Cardinals confirmed earlier suspicions on Sunday, deciding to hire someone from McVay and the Rams’ staff to be their next head coach.
“The Cardinals plan to hire Mike LaFleur as their head coach, sources tell me and @RapSheet,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported in a post on X on February 1. “LaFleur, 38, spent the past three seasons as Sean McVay’s OC with the Rams. Now, Matt LaFleur ’s younger brother gets his shot to run the show in Arizona.
The Rams posted “Thank you, Mike LaFleur! Best of luck!” on X in reaction to the news.
Matt LaFleur also worked under McVay as the Rams’ offensive coordinator in 2017 before moving on to the Tennessee Titans ’ OC role, where he had play-calling duties. Now, Mike LaFleur can call plays like McVay does with LA and his brother with the Green Bay Packers .
Mike LaFleur spent three seasons with the Rams under McVay, but has previous play-calling experience as the New York Jets ’ OC in 2021 and 2022.
Despite little fanfare about the possibility, LaFleur fit what Arizona has wanted all along.
“The Cardinals initially set out to hire an offensive-minded head coach,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on X on February 1. “During the interview process, they became open to hiring a candidate with a defensive background and leader of men type, before ultimately sticking with their original thinking and targeting Mike LaFleur.”
‘Runway’ Cleared for Rams Assistant
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay speaks with offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur during joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers .
McVay and the Rams will now look to replace what LaFleur brought, having already hired Bubba Ventrone as their new special teams coordinator.
There could already be a plan in place.
“The Mike LaFleur hire in Arizona also clears the runway for the Rams to promote Nathan Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator,” Spots Illustrated’s Albert Breer posted on X after news of the hire made the rounds on social media.
Scheelhaasse drew attention as a head coaching and an offensive coordinator candidate from other teams this offseason.
A promotion could keep Sheelhaase from leaving for potential opportunities next season.
The Rams might need to add another title to his role, though, lest they suffer a similar fate and see him exit for greater control. That has been common for McVay , who is the Rams’ play-caller and still has general manager Les Snead constructing the roster.
The Rams have proven capable of weathering most storms as long as that duo remains in place, through roster and coaching staff changes.
That will continue to be the case so long as McVay’s Rams are annual playoff contenders.
It did not work for defensive coordinator Chris Shula this cycle amid reports of a poor interview with the Pittsburgh Steelers . However, another strong season with McVay and the Rams could have Shula right back in the mix during the next hiring cycle.
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