The Los Angeles Rams have established themselves as a significant talent pool for head coaching positions under Sean McVay’s leadership, drawing the attention of multiple teams seeking to harness his successful coaching approach. Several former Rams staff members, including Liam Coen, Kevin O’Connell, Zac Taylor, and Matt LaFleur, have moved on to become head coaches, while former coaches Brandon Staley and Raheem Morris have also secured top jobs after their tenure in LA.
As the current offseason unfolds, several Rams assistant coaches are emerging as top candidates for the eight available head coaching positions across the league. Notably, defensive coordinator Chris Shula, offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, and pass game specialist Nate Scheelhaase are attracting significant interest, which is expected to lead to interviews for head coaching roles.
While the Rams are preparing for their crucial matchup against the Chicago Bears, it’s understandable that the prospect of job interviews could weigh on the minds of these coaches. Former Bears head coach Dave Wannstedt, who has experienced a similar situation, emphasizes the challenges posed by such distractions. He remarked on a radio show that the extensive preparation required for these interviews can disrupt the focus needed for the upcoming game. The intense schedule makes it difficult for coaches to balance game preparation with the demands of potential job interviews.
This trend has sparked conversations within the league, especially after Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson faced criticism last year for pursuing head coaching interviews while his team was preparing for a playoff game.
Despite potential distractions, I believe that the focus of the Rams’ coaching staff could ultimately lead to better performance on the field. On the other hand, Bears fans may find a silver lining in knowing that their assistant coaches are not being courted for other positions, allowing them to concentrate fully on achieving a win and progressing to the NFC Championship Game. The striving for excellence on both sides not only creates an exciting narrative as they approach their matchup but also highlights the dynamic nature of NFL coaching careers.