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February 2, 2024 at 7:57 pm #149179
znModeratorThe #Rams are hiring Giff Smith as their defensive line coach/run game coordinator, per source.
A longtime respected assistant, Smith finished last season as the #Chargers’ interim coach. Several teams were trying to hire him, but Sean McVay convinced him to stay in L.A. pic.twitter.com/8RUFYsfUGv
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 2, 2024
February 2, 2024 at 8:00 pm #149180znModeratorHead coaches- Head coach – Sean McVay
Assistant head coach – Jimmy Lake
Offensive coaches
- Offensive coordinator – Mike LaFleur
Quarterbacks/pass game coordinator – Zac Robinson- Quarterbacks – Vacant
- Running backs – Ron Gould
- Wide receivers – Eric Yarber
- Tight ends – Nick Caley
- Offensive line – Ryan Wendell
- Assistant offensive line – Zak Kromer
- Pass game specialist – Jake Peetz
- Offensive assistant – KJ Black
- Offensive assistant – Nick Jones
Defensive coaches
Defensive coordinator – Raheem Morris- Defensive coordonator – Chris Shula
Defensive line/run game coordinator – Eric Henderson- Defensive line/run game coordinator — Giff Smith
- Assistant defensive line – Andrew Carter
Linebackers/pass rush coordinator – Chris Shula- Linebackers – Vacant
- Outside linebackers – Joe Coniglio
- Secondary – Chris Beake
- Defensive backs/pass game coordinator – Aubrey Pleasant
- Defensive assistant – Mike Harris
Special teams coaches
- Special teams coordinator – Chase Blackburn
Assistant special teams – Jeremy Springer- Assistant special teams – Chili Davis
- Coaching analyst – Tim Berbenich
Strength and conditioning
- Director of strength training and performance – Justin Lovett
- Assistant strength and conditioning – Fernando Noriega
- Assistant strength and conditioning – Dustin Woods
February 2, 2024 at 10:14 pm #149181znModeratorDefensive line/run game coordinator — Giff Smith
From the wiki.
As a coach: - Arkansas (1991–1993)
Graduate assistant - Georgia (1994–1995)
Graduate assistant - Georgia Southern (1996–1998)
Wide receivers coach - Tulane (1999–2003)
Defensive line coach - Georgia Tech (2004–2009)
Defensive line coach - Buffalo Bills (2010–2012)
Defensive line coach - Tennessee Titans (2014–2015)
Defensive line coach - San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers (2016–2021)
Defensive line coach - Los Angeles Chargers (2022–present)
Outside linebackers coach - Los Angeles Chargers (2023)
Interim head coach & outside linebackers coach
Me: Smith was associated with 3 consecutiuve top 10 defenses in SD from 2018-20 under defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. He knows the Staley system obviously, which is the system Chris Shula has been in as a coach since 2020 so no change is expected there. (Morris kept Staley’s system).
February 3, 2024 at 2:02 am #149182znModeratorfrom https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39199715/how-interim-coach-giff-smith-won-chargers-locker-room
Following one of the most embarrassing losses in team history, a 63-21 drubbing by the Las Vegas Raiders on “Thursday Night Football,” the Chargers fired coach Brandon Staley and general manager Tom Telesco. Smith, then the Chargers’ outside linebackers coach and longest-tenured coach on staff, was tapped to lead the team for the final three games of the season.
…
In two weeks, Smith’s approach has brought renewed energy to a Chargers team that appeared to be coasting into the offseason.
Multiple team sources described a culture where players felt alienated by Staley, who one team source said created a culture that felt like a “fraternity.”Smith has shifted the energy of this team and won players over, largely because of his commitment to holding every player accountable.
“He’ll obviously hold you accountable to what you got to do, but at the same time, he’s going to let you know that he also believes in you,” safety Alohi Gilman said. “Building confidence is, I think, as a coach is so underrated. I think that’s what his superpower is — that he’s able to build confidence in guys regardless of the circumstances, and that elevates players.”
…
“The key thing is he’s just real and he’s genuine,” Gilman said. “People who have that genuine connection, that’s leadership — that’s real — that people can actually connect to. And in a team setting, that’s how you build a culture. That’s how you win over a locker room of grown men. You need that. You need someone to also to hold you accountable, at the same time be like, ‘Hey bro, I got your back.'”
February 3, 2024 at 10:44 am #149183
wvParticipant“The key thing is he’s just real and he’s genuine,” Gilman said. “People who have that genuine connection, that’s leadership — that’s real — that people can actually connect to. And in a team setting, that’s how you build a culture. That’s how you win over a locker room of grown men. You need that. You need someone to also to hold you accountable, at the same time be like, ‘Hey bro, I got your back.‘”
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Well that is tricky, isnt it. ‘Hold you accountable’ while also ‘having your back’
w
v
February 3, 2024 at 11:26 am #149185znModeratorWell that is tricky, isnt it. ‘Hold you accountable’ while also ‘having your back’
“I know you can do better than that.”
“We all make mistakes. Learn from it and keep on improving your game so you can be who you’re destined to be.”
Some coaches work by tearing guys down. Like Parcells. But you can be fair and even handed with that. Parcells used to ride LT for example. Once when they were practicing during the week to play the Rams, Parcells reminded LT that Irv Pankey gave him problems. He said something along the lines of Pat Swilling can beat Pankey, why don’t I just get him in here instead.
There is no crying in pass defense.
If I had to guess I would say that was in 1989. The Rams beat the Giants 31-10 in the regular season, with NYG getting zero sacks in the process. They met again in the playoffs and famously the Rams won in overtime. I think the story about Parcells riding LT comes from practicing for the playoff game. The Saints sacked Everett 12 times in 2 games that season, with Swilling getting 3 in one game and 1 in another. As it turns out LT got 2 sacks in that playoff game, though of course they lost.
February 14, 2024 at 2:13 pm #149395znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigueThe Rams hired John Streicher in a new title, “coordinator of football strategy”, a source confirmed (@PaulKuharskyNFL first reported). I believe the role will have to do with game management but still taking shape. Streicher was the Titans’ director of football administration.February 15, 2024 at 8:34 am #149399
InvaderRamModeratori’m guessing that’s kind if an assistant head coach role? at least that’s what it sounded like when he was at tennessee. he was described as vrabel’s right hand man.
still need a qb coach/pass coordinator and lb coach. and an assistant st coach.
February 15, 2024 at 9:24 am #149400znModeratori’m guessing that’s kind if an assistant head coach role? at least that’s what it sounded like when he was at tennessee. he was described as vrabel’s right hand man. still need a qb coach/pass coordinator and lb coach. and an assistant st coach.
In his most recent role with Tennessee, Streicher assisted the team with in-game decisions, game management, and other various aspects of game strategy.
from https://titanswire.usatoday.com/2024/02/14/rams-hiring-john-streicher-titans/
The Tennessee Titans announced that they would be bringing back a total of 11 coaches from former head coach Mike Vrabel’s staff, but they won’t be retaining his former right-hand man.
According to Titans beat writer Paul Kuharsky, the Rams are hiring former Titans director of football administration, John Streicher, as their new coordinator of football strategy.
Streicher was hired in 2018 and first served as the assistant to the head coach for two years before moving to coordinator of football development for three seasons and then director of football administration in 2023.
Streicher got a taste of head-coaching duty during his stint with the Titans.
After Vrabel tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of a 2021 preseason game, forcing him to miss the contest, Streicher handled game decisions, managing playtime and communication with coaches for the contest.
As of this writing, the Titans have not named someone for the role Streicher is leaving behind.
February 15, 2024 at 9:29 am #149401znModeratorRams hiring Chili Davis as assistant special teams coach
“The Los Angeles Rams have lost several coaches this offseason, which is an annual tradition for Sean McVay’s staff. Among them was Jeremy Springer, the Rams’ assistant special teams coordinator. He left to become the Patriots’ special teams coordinator, opening up a spot in Chase Blackburn’s group in Los Angeles.
The Rams have filled the role of assistant special teams coach by hiring former Kansas State special teams quality control coach Chili Davis. The news was first reported by Matt Zenitz of 247Sports, and it’s been confirmed in Davis’ bio on Twitter where he wrote “Assistant ST @RamsNFL”.”
February 15, 2024 at 9:58 am #149402znModeratorHead coaches
- Head coach – Sean McVay
- Coordinator of Football Strategy — John Streicher
Assistant head coach – Jimmy Lake
Offensive coaches
- Offensive coordinator – Mike LaFleur
Quarterbacks/pass game coordinator – Zac Robinson- Quarterbacks – Vacant
- Running backs – Ron Gould
- Wide receivers – Eric Yarber
- Tight ends – Nick Caley
- Offensive line – Ryan Wendell
- Assistant offensive line – Zak Kromer
- Pass game specialist – Jake Peetz
Offensive assistant – KJ BlackOffensive assistant – Nick Jones
Defensive coaches
Defensive coordinator – Raheem Morris- Defensive coordonator – Chris Shula
Defensive line/run game coordinator – Eric Henderson- Defensive line/run game coordinator — Giff Smith
- Assistant defensive line – Andrew Carter
Linebackers/pass rush coordinator – Chris Shula- Linebackers – Vacant
- Outside linebackers – Joe Coniglio
- Secondary – Chris Beake
- Defensive backs/pass game coordinator – Aubrey Pleasant
- Defensive assistant – Mike Harris
Special teams coaches
- Special teams coordinator – Chase Blackburn
Assistant special teams – Jeremy Springer- Assistant special teams – Chili Davis
- Coaching analyst – Tim Berbenich
February 15, 2024 at 11:51 am #149404
ZooeyModeratorspecial teams quality control coach Chili Davis
“So…Brett. The main characteristic of a quality field goal is that the ball passes through the uprights.”
February 19, 2024 at 8:06 pm #149444znModeratorThread about Rams coaching changes – Jordan Rodrique chimes in… https://x.com/ramsbrothers/status/1759718548044185699?s=46&t=HWVy98OnVkQzKJrO607ZCw
Adam Schefter@AdamSchefter
Another addition to the LA staff: Rams also are hiring former Falcons offensive coordinator Dave Ragone as their Quarterbacks Coach.LA Rams are hiring Iowa State offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase as their Pass Game Specialist. The 33-year-old Scheelhaase, who played QB at Illinois, generated interest from NFL teams in recent years, and he now makes the move to the NFL to work under Sean McVay.
Rams Brothers@RamsBrothers
Rams’ staff has pretty much been filled out. They did it quickly, as they tend to do:• Dave Ragone (QB coach), replacing Zac Robinson
• Nate Scheelhaase (Pass Game Specialist), replacing Jake Peetz
• Giff Smith (Run game coordinator/defensive line coach), replacing Eric Henderson
• John Streicher (Coordinator of Football Strategy), replacing K.J. Black
• Chili Davis (Special Teams Assistant), replacing Jeremy Springer
*promoted Chris Shula to DC, replacing Raheem MorrisJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
John “Stretch” Streicher replacing Berbenich + I believe adding more to role… is taking over a somewhat mysterious and unpublicized role held by Berbenich last year and my sense so far is it – while still taking shape – will expand.Sean McVay has spoken highly of Dave Ragone a few times last couple of years – the two are friends. Mentioned him as the potential Zac Robinson replacement a few weeks ago here
…
Head coaches
- Head coach – Sean McVay
- Coordinator of Football Strategy — John Streicher
Assistant head coach – Jimmy LakeCoaching analyst – Tim Berbenich
Offensive coaches
- Offensive coordinator – Mike LaFleur
Quarterbacks/pass game coordinator – Zac Robinson- Quarterbacks — Dave Ragone
- Running backs – Ron Gould
- Wide receivers – Eric Yarber
- Tight ends – Nick Caley
- Offensive line – Ryan Wendell
- Assistant offensive line – Zak Kromer
Pass game specialist – Jake Peetz- Pass Game Specialist–Nate Scheelhaase
Offensive assistant – KJ BlackOffensive assistant – Nick Jones
Defensive coaches
Defensive coordinator – Raheem Morris- Defensive coordinator – Chris Shula
Defensive line/run game coordinator – Eric Henderson- Defensive line/run game coordinator — Giff Smith
- Assistant defensive line – Andrew Carter
Linebackers/pass rush coordinator – Chris Shula- Linebackers – Vacant
- Outside linebackers – Joe Coniglio
- Secondary – Chris Beake
- Defensive backs/pass game coordinator – Aubrey Pleasant
- Defensive assistant – Mike Harris
Special teams coaches
- Special teams coordinator – Chase Blackburn
Assistant special teams – Jeremy Springer- Assistant special teams – Chili Davis
…
Me: LB coach is still vacant or unannounced.
February 19, 2024 at 8:17 pm #149446znModeratorAdam Schefter@AdamSchefter Another addition to the LA staff: Rams also are hiring former Falcons offensive coordinator Dave Ragone as their Quarterbacks Coach.
…
From https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/2/19/24077801/rams-qb-coach-dave-ragone-matthew-stafford
Ragone was Arthur Smith’s right hand man on the offensive side of the ball. The Falcons’ offense performed well under Smith and Ragone despite poor quarterback play from the likes of Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinicke, and Marcus Mariota. Atlanta was particular effective in the ground game even before they used a top 10 selection on running back Bijan Robinson, and maximized production from Cordarrelle Patterson and Tyler Allgeier.
Ragone has been an assistant coach at the professional level since 2011 when he joined the Tennessee Titans as wide receivers coach. He was promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2013. After bouncing around for a few seasons, he joined the Chicago Bears under head coach John Fox again as the QB’s coach between 2016-2019. It was telling that Matt Nagy kept him around on his staff when Fox was fired after a single season. Ragone became the passing game coordinator in 2020 when the team selected Justin Fields in the first round. He joined the Falcons with Smith the following season after Nagy was fired mid-year.
LA’s new coach should not be a total stranger to the franchise, as he was part of the organization as a quarterback in 2006 after being drafted by the Houston Texas in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Ragone played in NFL Europe’s 2005 season and earned offensive MVP honors while leading the Berlin Thunder to a World Bowl championship. His NFL career ended after being waived by the St. Louis Rams prior to the 2006 season.
February 19, 2024 at 9:00 pm #149447znModeratorAdam Schefter@AdamSchefter
LA Rams are hiring Iowa State offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase as their Pass Game Specialist.Adam Schefter@AdamSchefterThe 33-year-old Scheelhaase, who played QB at Illinois, generated interest from NFL teams in recent years, and he now makes the move to the NFL to work under Sean McVay.February 19, 2024 at 9:39 pm #149448InvaderRamModeratorsaw this on reddit. apparently scheelhaase was working with mostly freshmen his first year as a coordinator.
In Scheelhaase’s only season as offensive coordinator, the Cyclones averaged 26.2 points per game — up from 20.2 in 2022 — and went 7-6 overall in 2023, 6-3 in the Big 12 Conference.
Somebody here also mentioned it was with a bunch of freshmen.
February 19, 2024 at 9:43 pm #149449znModeratorsaw this on reddit. apparently scheelhaase was working with mostly freshmen his first year as a coordinator.
In Scheelhaase’s only season as offensive coordinator, the Cyclones averaged 26.2 points per game — up from 20.2 in 2022 — and went 7-6 overall in 2023, 6-3 in the Big 12 Conference. Somebody here also mentioned it was with a bunch of freshmen.
from https://www.turfshowtimes.com/2024/2/19/24077782/rams-coaching-staff-nate-sheelhaase-sean-mcvay
Scheelhaase is an intriguing name. He’s just 33 years old and was most recently the offensive coordinator at Iowa State. Scheelhaase was the Cyclones’ receivers coach when now-NFC West rival QB Brock Purdy was in Ames. He spent two years as the offensive coordinator before being tapped by McVay and moving on to the professional level..Before joining the coaching ranks, Scheelhaase was a four-year starting quarterback at Illinois between 2010 and 2013. He holds the school’s record for most total offensive yards (10,364) as a dual threat threat signal caller. The former quarterback didn’t waste much time transitioning from the field to the administrative side of football, as he became the assistant direction of football operations for Illinois in May 2015. Just a few months later in August, Scheelhaase joined the coaching staff overseeing running backs. He joined Iowa State in 2018 in the same role before switching to receivers the following season.February 20, 2024 at 6:57 am #149451
nittany ramModeratorHead coaches- Head coach – Sean McVay
Assistant head coach – Jimmy Lake
Offensive coaches
- Offensive coordinator – Mike LaFleur
Quarterbacks/pass game coordinator – Zac Robinson- Quarterbacks – Vacant
- Running backs – Ron Gould
- Wide receivers – Eric Yarber
- Tight ends – Nick Caley
- Offensive line – Ryan Wendell
- Assistant offensive line – Zak Kromer
- Pass game specialist – Jake Peetz
- Offensive assistant – KJ Black
- Offensive assistant – Nick Jones
Defensive coaches
Defensive coordinator – Raheem Morris- Defensive coordonator – Chris Shula
Defensive line/run game coordinator – Eric Henderson- Defensive line/run game coordinator — Giff Smith
- Assistant defensive line – Andrew Carter
Linebackers/pass rush coordinator – Chris Shula- Linebackers – Vacant
- Outside linebackers – Joe Coniglio
- Secondary – Chris Beake
- Defensive backs/pass game coordinator – Aubrey Pleasant
- Defensive assistant – Mike Harris
Special teams coaches
- Special teams coordinator – Chase Blackburn
Assistant special teams – Jeremy Springer- Assistant special teams – Chili Davis
- Coaching analyst – Tim Berbenich
Strength and conditioning
- Director of strength training and performance – Justin Lovett
- Assistant strength and conditioning – Fernando Noriega
- Assistant strength and conditioning – Dustin Woods
Damn that’s a lot of coaching changes. Has there ever been a team that’s had to replace as many coaches as the Rams have every year?
That is as good of an indication of the respect the league has for McVay as anything.
I noticed the Rams created a new coaching position – Defensive Coordonator.
I suspect that that position is actually the same as Defensive Coordinator. The Rams are just trying to hide their coaches behind new and unfamiliar titles so they can’t be pilfered…
Other team’s general manager: “We need a new defensive coordinator. Let’s see who the Rams have. Wait a minute, according to their coaching roster, they don’t have a defensive coordinator. Damn. Guess we’ll have to look elsewhere…”
February 20, 2024 at 5:30 pm #149454znModeratorA helpful guide for all staff changes courtesy of Rams PR – pic.twitter.com/0kARpP0xAL
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) February 20, 2024
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Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
The Rams officially announced coaching staff additions:– Giff Smith to DL coach, finally formalized.
– Dave Ragone to QBs coach.
– Nate Scheelhaase to pass game specialist.
– Greg Williams to inside linebackers coach.
– Chili Davis to asst. special teams coach.
– John Streicher to game management coordinator…
converted to our previous list system:
…
Offensive coaches
- Offensive coordinator – Mike LaFleur
Quarterbacks/pass game coordinator – Zac Robinson- Quarterbacks — Dave Ragone
- Running backs – Ron Gould
- Wide receivers – Eric Yarber
- Tight ends – Nick Caley
- Offensive line – Ryan Wendell
- Assistant offensive line – Zak Kromer
Pass game specialist – Jake Peetz- Senior Offensive Assistant–Jerry Schuplinski
- Offensive Assistant– Rob Calabrese
Offensive assistant – KJ BlackOffensive assistant – Nick Jones
Defensive coaches
Defensive coordinator – Raheem Morris- Defensive coordinator – Chris Shula
Defensive line/run game coordinator – Eric Henderson- Defensive line/run game coordinator — Giff Smith
- Assistant defensive line – Andrew Carter
Linebackers/pass rush coordinator – Chris Shula- Inside Linebackers – Greg Williams
- Outside linebackers – Joe Coniglio
- Secondary – Chris Beake
- Defensive backs/pass game coordinator – Aubrey Pleasant
- Defensive assistant – Mike Harris
Special teams coaches
- Special teams coordinator – Chase Blackburn
Assistant special teams – Jeremy Springer- Assistant special teams – Chili Davis
February 20, 2024 at 5:55 pm #149455ZooeyModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue The Rams officially announced coaching staff additins:
Additins, huh?
Well, that will certainly have other teams’ management scrambling for their dictionaries. Score another creative diversion by our Los Angeles Rams.
In the mean time, the Rams will just be scouting out another epic rookie draft class.
February 20, 2024 at 7:21 pm #149457znModeratorAdditins, huh?
I noticed the Rams created a new coaching position – Defensive Coordonator.
I don’t know why you guys are being so padentic. I prefer the unpretenshus instinkts of the true football fan. Someone who just gets how a new coordonator is a valuable new additin. To them the whole idea would be perfektly cleer.
February 20, 2024 at 9:45 pm #149461znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigueRams TEs coach Nick Caley will add pass game coordinator duties to his role this year. I was told by a couple team and league people that he was an important retention by Sean McVay. Caley drew outside interest this offseason and McVay wants to keep developing him in-house.February 20, 2024 at 10:22 pm #149462InvaderRamModeratoranother hire. jerry schuplinski. senior offensive assistant.
February 20, 2024 at 10:23 pm #149463znModeratorFebruary 21, 2024 at 12:27 am #149464InvaderRamModeratorIan Rapoport@RapSheetmaybe he and caley can continue to develop davis allen. they’re gonna need him next season.
February 25, 2024 at 5:01 pm #149549znModeratorBlaine Grisak @bgrisakTSTthe Rams are adding former Eagles defensive coordinator, Sean Desai to their staff in a Senior Role.…The 40-year-old Desai was with the Bears from 2013-2021, serving as defensive coordinator in his final year with the team. He was let go after that season and hired by Carroll to be an associate head coach and have a role on defense under former Chicago colleague Clint Hurtt. The team lost Desai after the season when Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni made him the new defensive coordinator to replace Jonathan Gannon after he left for the Arizona Cardinals and when Philadelphia was unable to retain Fangio because they thought Gannon was staying, giving Fangio enough time to be hired by the Dolphins..Desai also spent two years overlapped with former Rams DC Brandon Staley when the two worked for Fangio in Chicago…Rams Fans United@RamsFansUnitedWorth noting, Eagles defense got a lot worse without Desai calling it……Jourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue
The Rams are hiring Sean Desai, a source said (@JFowlerESPN initially reported), in what was described to me as a multi-faceted role that will work with the offense/offensive coaches from a defensive perspective. Rams have quietly staffed a job like this for a couple years.I imagine he will still help out with the defense where needed/asked but this is similar in responsibility to what Lake did – pretty cool job, objectively speaking
February 25, 2024 at 5:21 pm #149550znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue The Rams are hiring Sean Desai, a source said (@JFowlerESPN initially reported), in what was described to me as a multi-faceted role that will work with the offense/offensive coaches from a defensive perspective. Rams have quietly staffed a job like this for a couple years.
Me: the last guy who did this was Jimmy Lake. Morris took Lake with him to Atlanta. Here’s how Lake described his job with the Rams, a job that it looks like Desai will now take over:
When he came to L.A. last offseason, Lake had been fired as head coach of the Washington Huskies a year earlier after a plethora of issues on and off the field. By all accounts, it was a low point in Lake’s long coaching career.
Enter the Rams and coach Sean McVay, who offered Lake a job as an assistant head coach for the 2023 season. Normally a defensive coach, Lake found himself working on offense for the first time ever.
The experience not only helped him grow as a coach but on a personal level as well. So much so that when Raheem Morris left to become head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Lake was his first choice as defensive coordinator.
During his introductory press conference with the Falcons on Wednesday, Lake was asked what he learned coaching alongside McVay in 2023. In response, Lake opened up about what the Rams coach meant to him in just that one season.
“Such a growth experience for me, and if you had to boil it down to one thing, it was his leadership through the ups and downs of the season, and the way Sean handled that. We had an extremely young team. His leadership through the OTAs, through the offseason program, his leadership through our three-game losing streak never wavered. He stayed the same.
“You lose three games going into the bye week. We could have easily went the other way, but then we ended up going 7-1 after the bye, and it was really because of Sean’s leadership and how he displayed that in front of the team. He never wavered.”
February 26, 2024 at 3:30 am #149555znModeratorJourdan Rodrigue@JourdanRodrigue The Rams are hiring Sean Desai, a source said (@JFowlerESPN initially reported), in what was described to me as a multi-faceted role that will work with the offense/offensive coaches from a defensive perspective. Rams have quietly staffed a job like this for a couple years.
It’s the Jimmy Lake spot. Lake of course went with Morris to Atlanta.
Desai has Fangio roots. Fangio was the DC in Chicago for 4 of the years Desai was a defensive coach there (2015-18). He overlapped with Staley there for 2 years. In fact Fangio replaced him as the DC in Philadelphia.
Whatever it is the Rams had Lake doing in 2023, it revived his career. Same could happen with Desai. He’s at least knowledgable of the Fangio system, which is what Shula inherits from Morris, who inherited it from Staley. I don’t know how close Shula will stick to that system, but Desai could be a resource, along with the other things he’ll be doing in his new role with the Rams.
Desai actually has a PhD, fwiw. From Temple. He was a coaching assistant for the Temple football team while being a grad student. In 2010 he chose coaching over entering academia. That year he turned down a full-time professorship at George Washington University to stay at Temple as a linebacker coach and special teams coordinator.
In lots of ways, he sounds a lot like Lake. Bright guy, varied background, hit a rough patch, Rams then hired him to be whatever it was Lake was with the Rams. Desai takes that role whatever it is.
March 2, 2024 at 9:10 am #149606znModerator -
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