Jourdan Rodrigue, from https://theathletic.com/2337737/2021/01/21/rams-raheem-morris-defense-joe-decamillis/?source=emp_shared_article
under Bonamego, the Rams’ special teams unit ranked No. 30 this season in special teams DVOA and had veritable whack-a-mole consistency issues. They included Bonamego’s inclination toward rookie kicker Samuel Sloman, whom the team released in October, to the juggling of punt and kickoff returners, to issues with the coverage units even after they solidified their kicking with Matt Gay (who was identified and scouted by punter Johnny Hekker and long snapper Jake McQuaide).
McVay deferred last week when I asked directly about Bonamego’s future, remarking that the team was still in the evaluation process.
“When you look at what a unique year it’s been,” McVay said, “I mean, this has been so different than anything I’ve been a part of coaching wise, especially when you think about guys coming in the first year and some of the changes or the different things that (they) had to navigate through.”
DeCamillis, 55, first worked as an NFL special teams coordinator in 1988 with Denver, before moving on to the New York Giants, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Dallas and Chicago, followed by second stints in Denver and Jacksonville, where he spent the last four seasons. A source confirmed Thursday that Bonamego will shift into a senior advisory/assistant role.
Why not an outright release? It’s possible this has something to do with contract terms. Bonamego was hired last February, and assistant coaching deals often are for two-plus years. (If a coach is hired for a head coaching position, like Staley, the contract can be bought out.) Or, the Rams may feel it will be an advantage to have a veteran coach in a consulting role.
Like Morris, DeCamillis will face immediate personnel decisions.
The Rams must decide whether to bring back McQuaide, a pending free agent (which is likely), but they have their punter and kicker locked in. Another offseason key will be solidifying the kickoff and punt returner spots, whether that means developing Nsimba Webster (who had his share of inconsistent moments) or finding someone new in free agency or the draft. If the Rams turn to the draft, look for a return specialist who has top-end straight-line speed, a tool also missing from the Rams’ offense this season.
McVay said he would like to have that deep-threat element back in his offense, but because it’s so dependent on other factors — such as quarterback play/progression ability and pass protection — it’s not clear how often a player with such a skill set would be utilized. A logical option would be to add a No. 4 receiver with that kind of speed who, while his usage may vary within the offense, could prove his value in a return specialist role.
McVay also emphasized the return game in his comments about DeCamillis in the Rams’ press release, which also emphasized DeCamillis’ success in identifying kickoff and punt returners.
“Joe brings a track record of efficient special teams and player development,” McVay said in the statement. “What Joe has been able to do consistently with the punter and kicker positions speaks for itself, and his return teams have been excellent in gaining great field position and explosive runs.”
DeCamillis’ special teams units have ranked No. 24, No. 4, No. 6 and No. 18 in DVOA since 2017, when he began his most-recent tenure in Jacksonville.
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Agamemnon
