The Los Angeles Rams have officially filled their offensive coordinator position, completing a search that followed the departure of Mike LaFleur, who recently accepted the head coaching role with the Arizona Cardinals. After considering both internal and external candidates, Rams head coach Sean McVay has chosen Nate Scheelhaase to lead the offense.
Scheelhaase, who served as the passing game coordinator under McVay and LaFleur last season, will take the reins as offensive coordinator. The Rams also announced the promotion of Dave Ragone, previously the quarterbacks coach, to co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. This internal promotion comes after Scheelhaase reportedly interviewed for five head coaching positions during the offseason, signaling his rising profile within the NFL.
At 35 years old, Scheelhaase brings a relatively young perspective to the role. His NFL coaching career began in 2024 as an offensive assistant and passing game specialist. Prior to joining the Rams, Scheelhaase honed his skills at the collegiate level, beginning with a role in football operations at the University of Illinois in 2015. He then served as an assistant and position coach for Illinois and later Iowa State, where he ascended to the position of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach until 2023.
NFL Sees Significant Turnover at Offensive Coordinator
Scheelhaase is one of 21 new offensive coordinators across the 32 NFL teams this offseason, highlighting a league-wide shift in offensive leadership. The Rams were the last team to finalize their coordinator hire. This marks the fifth time Sean McVay has changed offensive coordinators since becoming the Rams’ head coach in 2017.
Previous Rams offensive coordinators under McVay include Matt LaFleur (2017), Kevin O’Connell (2020-2021), Liam Coen (2023), and Mike LaFleur (2022-2025). Notably, all four have since gone on to become head coaches in the NFL. Coen had a brief stop as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024 before being named head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025.
The trend underscores McVay’s success in developing offensive coaching talent, with his former coordinators consistently landing head coaching opportunities. This pattern suggests a strong coaching system within the Rams organization, one that prioritizes innovation and leadership development.
The appointment of Scheelhaase signals a continuation of that approach. While lacking the extensive experience of some external candidates, Scheelhaase’s familiarity with McVay’s system and his recent success as passing game coordinator made him a logical choice. His understanding of the Rams’ offensive personnel and scheme should facilitate a smoother transition.
The Rams’ offense will be under scrutiny in the upcoming season as they glance to build on their recent performance. Scheelhaase will be tasked with maximizing the potential of the team’s offensive weapons and implementing a scheme that can consistently challenge opposing defenses. The success of this transition will be a key factor in the Rams’ overall competitiveness in the NFC West.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, are beginning a new era under head coach Mike LaFleur. LaFleur’s hiring in Arizona, announced on February 1, 2026, represents a significant shift for the organization, which is looking to rebuild and compete in a challenging division. LaFleur signed a five-year contract with Arizona.
The Rams will now turn their attention to the upcoming NFL Draft and free agency, with Scheelhaase playing a crucial role in evaluating potential additions to the offense. The team will be looking to address key needs and build a roster that can contend for a playoff berth in the 2026 season.
The next step for the Rams is to begin offseason workouts, where Scheelhaase will have the opportunity to implement his offensive system and build rapport with the players. The team’s first official practice is scheduled for April, providing a glimpse into the direction of the offense under its new leadership.
Fans can follow updates on the Rams’ offseason activities and training camp on the team’s official website and social media channels. The Rams are expected to release a detailed training camp schedule in the coming weeks.
