Recent Forum Topics › Forums › The Rams Huddle › McVay, Phillips, + new assistant coaches…vids & transcripts, 2/10 & 2/15
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February 10, 2017 at 6:18 pm #65179
znModeratorNote: this one cuts off the start of the interview. The next one has that missing material.
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February 10, 2017 at 6:44 pm #65183znModeratorNote: this one starts sooner than the previous one and contains some missing material as a result. But then it starts to reduplicate what’s already there in the first one.
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Sean McVay confident in Rams’ new coaching staff hires
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay discusses the team’s new coaching staff.
February 10, 2017 at 6:45 pm #65184znModeratorWade Phillips on Sean McVay: I think he’s going to handle everything really well
NFL Nework’s Omar Ruiz catches up with Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips who shares his thoughts on working with Sean McVay and what he expects the defense to look like.
February 10, 2017 at 8:18 pm #65185znModeratorLos Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay – February 10, 2017
(Opening remarks)
“Alright, hopefully that worked out for you guys and got a chance to get to know a lot of our assistant coaches. A group that we’re really excited about. I think you can feel their energy, their enthusiasm, a lot of the same things we’re looking for and the kind of the environment and atmosphere that we want to be able to create and set that culture. It’s going to start with us and that coaching staff. Looking forward to that.”
(On why he thinks the coaching staff was able to come together so fast and coaches mentioning fundamentals and teaching)
“Yeah, that’s exactly what we’re looking for. I think it came together so quickly because, (I was) very fortunate to have the right people in place. One of the things that’s tricky about the NFL is, are guys going to be available with their contract situations and things like that. You look at a (defensive coordinator) Coach (Wade) Phillips, to get a guy of his caliber, where his contract was running up, we feel very fortunate about that. It kind of worked out where timing ended up being, really, in our favor. We were able to put together a great group of guys on offense and defense. Then, being able to come here and keep the continuity with (special teams coordinator) Coach (John) Fassel – he actually just hired an assistant today that we’ll release, we’re very excited about him. And that represents the final product of our coaching staff. It’s exactly what we’re looking for, those teachers like you mentioned.”
(On RB Todd Gurley talking to him about retaining running backs coach Skip Peete)
“It was one of those situations when you go into these interviews where you have your projected staff in place. Skip was a guy that I heard a lot of really good things about, I had never had the chance to work with him before, but he had worked with a couple of people that I’ve worked with that I hold their opinion in high regard. He was a guy I was interested to sit down with and wanted to really get a chance to talk some football, learn what he’s about. And that morning, before I was getting ready to go sit down with him, I got a call from a North Carolina area code, didn’t know what it was. I got a text saying, ‘This is Todd,’ which, I had spoken to after I got hired. In the meantime, (General Manager) Les (Snead) is beeping in, I’m thinking, ‘Oh no, I hope this isn’t the first bad call I’m getting as a head coach.’ It was one of those deals where I got a chance to talk to Todd and he kind of explained some of the reasons why he felt so strongly about Coach Peete. When you’ve got a key player like that, I think you want to be able to try to demonstrate that you’re going to listen to your players, their opinion matters. And somebody of his caliber and the type of guy that he is, very important to us. And that definitely played a factor in why we were able to retain Coach Peete. He also earned the opportunity because of what he has done as a great coach, as well.”
(On what Gurley said about why he felt so strongly about Skip Peete)
“He felt like, from a technique, fundamentals, understanding the position, allowing him to see the big picture, how does he fit with regards to protections. I know, last year, he was used a lot more in protections on some of those third-down situations where you’re responsible for blitz pickups and things of that nature. And I think that’s what allowed him to, kind of, expand his game and continue to try to be that every down back that I know he’s striving to be. It was just a lot of the things you’re looking for with your coaching staff and what they’re trying to represent. I feel like Todd saw a lot of those things and that was why he wanted to get a chance to continue to work with him.”
(On if getting each player better matters more than what defensive scheme they are playing)
“Absolutely. When you really talk about what makes a great coach, I think, ultimately, everybody has different levels of ability, and it’s our job to help them reach that highest potential. And that’s why Coach Phillips is a great coach, he’s got that perspective. I think you heard us talk about it already, where we want to fit our schemes to our player’s strengths. That’s why getting a chance to sit in there today with our defensive staff as they’re watching all the tape from last year – I’ve had a chance to do that on both offense and defense so far. That’s why you can’t wait for the offseason program to get going so you can evaluate these guys on the grass, get a chance to see how they learn, how they retain information in the meeting room. That’s going to be a big part of it. But certainly, tailoring your schemes to the players’ strengths, helping them reach that highest potential, that’s the number one priority. Then, figuring out those schemes is more game plan specific – how do we attack certain coverages on offense, how does the defense defend certain looks and personnel groupings that an offense might present. Those are things, but the first priority is let’s help develop our players with the fundamentals, the techniques that we’ll emphasize throughout the course of the offseason and continuing throughout the regular season. And that’s a big priority for us, absolutely.”
(On if he moves to the draft and free agency after he gets done with current player evaluations)
“It’s a great question. (I’m) sitting there with Les yesterday and those are some things that we really discussed at great length. The first priority is, let’s get a chance to really evaluate our own – who do we have in the building, are these players guys that we feel like we can win a division with, compete for a conference championship and then, ultimately, compete for a Lombardi (Trophy). That’s our first priority. And then, really, you want to have a big-picture perspective on free agency and the draft. You try to kind of go in sequential order with how those things occur. But it is important to understand, where are the free agents, how does that affect our needs or, can we address those needs in free agency or the draft. It’s kind of a combination, but the first priority is going to be to evaluate our own. And then you have to take into account some of the cap casualties, things that like, that will occur. It’s an ongoing process, but certainly right now, the number one priority is evaluating the players that we have in the building right now.”
(On some of the qualities that made him think QB Coach Greg Olson was the right man for the job)
“I got a chance to work with Coach Olson my first year in Tampa. He’s a great communicator. I really had a lot of respect for him, because when I finished playing at Miami (Ohio), he was one of the coaches who kind of took me under his wing, helped kind of guide me, and really always appreciated and watching him from afar how he communicated with his guys. He was always taking times during those periods that might not have been focused on offense, but if it’s special teams, defensive periods, he was always making sure those guys were working. He’s a guy that we’ve kept in touch throughout the course of our coaching careers. He was a guy, when he became available, wanted to get him to be a part of this staff. You look at with (Offensive Coordinator) Coach (Matt) LaFleur that we’re going to be able to have as our offensive coordinator. He’s a guy that we were able to develop a really close relationship with in Washington. Detail oriented, good communicator, been around some of the most productive offenses over the last couple of years. You look at what Atlanta was able to do. A lot of the things that we do philosophically will be very similar. Because, being able to work under (49ers Head Coach) Kyle (Shanahan) for a couple of years in Washington definitely shaped some of my core beliefs, and what we want to do offensively here. Being able to have a guy that’s been in that system, looking at the production they had was very enticing to try to get him to be a part of this. I think you really look at it, it’s very important for us to all be on the same page.”
“That’s why when you get Matt here Monday, we’ll all be on the same rhythm as far as what we’re communicating to (QB) Jared (Goff), what the expectations are. I certainly don’t know, because I’ve never experienced it, but you talk to people that have been in the role that I’m getting ready to take on, and you know you want to be involved in the offense, but there’s going to be times where you’re going to be pulled in different directions. That’s why it’s very important to have Matt and Greg in place where if you’re not able to be a part of the offensive meetings, or whatever is going on, you trust that their leadership will continue to have that same messaging, so that our quarterbacks know exactly what the expectations are. I don’t think you can have enough good coaches in the building. We’re going to create an environment where it’s about all of us working together. I mentioned this the other day, Coach Phillips said to his defensive staff, ‘You guys aren’t working for me, you’re working with me,’ and I love that. That’s what we’re trying to do. We’re all working together with each other, figuring out how to help those players, and especially Jared is going to be a big part of what we’re trying to do moving forward.”
(On why he thinks RB Todd Gurley had such a subpar season)
“I think each play’s its own entity, especially in the run game. When you really look at it, it takes all 11. It takes running against the right looks. It takes the tight end setting the edge. I think each play, you kind of look at and you say, ‘Ok, could Todd have maybe read it out better, or could a guy have maybe got a combination block up to the second level better. Each play has its own reason for why it might not have worked out. But what you do see in Todd, is a special player. He’s got great gifts as far as just a talented runner with natural instincts, ability when he gets to the second level to make people miss kind of seamlessly. We’re looking to get him to be that player consistently week in and week out. From what I’ve seen so far, really excited about the opportunity to work with him. We feel confident that he’ll get going and be special back for a long time in this league.”
(On if he has given much thought to Greg Robinson and where he fits in)
“Yeah, you know that’s something that we’re constantly evaluating right now. And Greg is a big part of that evaluation process. Obviously, when you look at some of the things he’s able to do, you see the athleticism. In space, when he’s pulling around and using some of those parameter schemes that they did offensively last year. He’s a guy that we’re excited to get around. That’s why you’re frustrated that you have to wait so long to get these guys in the building, see them on the grass, how you’re going to evaluate their ability to kind of retain some of the things we’ll ask them to do, what Coach Kromer will do, technique, fundamental-wise, which is imperative for that group up front. And Greg is a guy that we’re constantly evaluating and he’s a big part of what we’re going to try to do moving forward right now.
(On his thoughts on competing directly with 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan)
“I told him, I said, ‘I can’t tell you how happy I am for you, but I can’t believe I’ve got to see you twice a year now.’ He’s a great coach. You look at what they were able to do offensively last year, I think it’ll be hard-pressed to find a team that led the league in scoring, most touchdowns and fewest turnovers it’s incredible. So, I got a chance to see them play up front in the NFC Championship game and I was so impressed with just their overall operation, with how efficient they were, how quick they got in and out of the huddle. Kyle is a guy who’s had a tremendous influence on some of the things I believe in offensively. He’s a great coach and wish him nothing but the best for 14 games, except for those two next year.”
(On the coaching landscape in the NFC West)
“I think when you look at what (Seahawks Head) Coach (Pete) Carroll and (Cardinals Head) Coach Arians have accomplished throughout the course of their careers, their résumés speak for itself. There’s great coaches around this league, but those are two guys in particular that I have a whole lot of respect for. Great defensive leader in Coach Carroll and then what he’s able to bring to Seattle – that culture that we talk about, you know, he’s the epitome of kind of being able to bring a culture, put it in place, and you see it show up on their tape. And then, Coach Arians, great offensive mind – turning those guys into consistent winners, year in and year out. Great respect for them – it’s a very competitive division and those are the two teams that have really done a nice job over the last couple of years and that’s what we’re striving to do and striving to become moving forward.”
(On if there have been any big surprises for him in his first month on the job)
“I don’t think it’s surprises, I think you’re just surprised by the reality of, when you sit down to do something at six in the morning and then it’s 8:30 at night and here I am ready to do that thing that I was set out to do at six in the morning. You get pulled in a bunch of different directions, but that’s why it’s important to have those great people around you that you know when you’re doing those other tasks that you can trust things are being done the right way. It’s definitely been a whirlwind, haven’t had a chance to slow down, but it’s been great, I’ve really enjoyed it so far. Continuing to get to know the people all around this building just reiterates why I’m so fortunate and feel blessed to be here.”
(On what needs to be addressed at the receiver position in the offseason)
“I think any time that you look at the receiver position and really guys that handle ball in general, you can’t have enough playmakers – guys that make great things happen with the ball in their hands. And when you look at the receiver position, you look at some of the things that Tavon Austin does with the ball, both in the run-game and when he’s able to catch it as a receiver. He’s a guy that you want to move all over the formation. Just getting a chance to watch his touch tape, when he’s targeted in the pass-game last year. Again, yesterday, you see a lot of encouraging things and you see where he can take that growth and that next to become a true, complete receiver. You can’t have enough playmakers. Certainly, that’s something that we’re always looking to upgrade. That receiver position is very important, a lot of yards and offensive production goes through that room. We want to try to find a way to get the best players on the field. Whether it be through the running backs, tight ends or receivers, throwing the football is going to be a big part of what we want to do and what’s going to allow us to be successful offensively.”
(On what percentage of his offense in Washington came from Kyle Shanahan)
“It’s hard to specifically say a percentage. But it is one of those situations where you look at getting a chance to work under Coach Gruden, the influence that he had on me and then working with Mike (Shanahan) and Kyle. It was certainly a product and a factor in shaping what we became in the last couple of years in Washington. That’s why you’re excited about what our Rams offense is going to become, because you have guys like (offensive coordinator) Matt LaFleur coming in, you’ve got (quarterbacks coach) Greg Olson, (offensive line coach) Aaron Kromer, guys that have a lot of success at different stops. That’s what’s going to combine the Rams offense for us moving forward. We’re all a product of our experiences. Certainly Kyle and Coach Shanahan’s offense has had a big influence on what I believe and how I think you want to attack a defense. But it’s going to be something that’s going to be an ongoing process, figuring out our players first and then how we fit that scheme to their skillsets.”
February 10, 2017 at 8:18 pm #65186znModeratorAssistant Coach Introductions
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Rams Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips – – February 10, 2017
(On if the 3-4 defense is superior to the 4-3)
“It’s better. I’ve been in a little bit of a 4-3, I played 4-3 in college. When you have a 4-3, you have four linemen, those are the four guys that are rushing. When you have a 3-4, you have three linemen and somebody else is coming from somewhere, because it’s going to be a four-man rush most of the time. It gives an advantage of them not knowing, protection-wise. I think it helps you, pass defense-wise. If you look at our pass defenses over the years, you look at our sacks over the years; they’ve all been top of the league. And I think that’s the key of beating people is stopping the passing game in this league. That’s why I’ve stuck with the 3-4. And I added some of the 4-3 stuff and the Bears stuff that I did with (former Bears defensive coordinator) Buddy Ryan, kind of implemented it into our 3-4 thinking. The concepts are there, but we just line up a little differently.”
(On his first conversation with Head Coach Sean McVay)
“First he had talked to me and said, ‘If I get a job, would you come with me?’ I said, ‘Sure, I’d consider it.’ All of a sudden he called me and said, ‘Hey, I got the Rams job, could you come? I said, ‘Well, okay, let’s talk about it.’ So we worked it out, it was great.”
(On what was so appealing about this job)
“I always liked the Rams. I’ve been in the league, this is my 40th year. I can remember Jack Youngblood and all those guys. In fact, when I first started, we were in the same division – I was with the Saints and we played them in the same division. It was always a neat franchise, so I enjoyed that about it and now that they’ve come back. I love being out here because my daughter is out here. We hadn’t been with her in a while, so we’re excited about that.”
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Rams Special Teams Coordinator John Fassel –– February 10, 2017
(On what it means to be back with the Rams organization)
“I’m very fortunate, really. I’m super happy to be back. Coach McVay invited me back, it took about half a second to say yes, because this is where I wanted to be. To be here with the new staff, it kind of feels like you’re joining a new team, even though I’ve been here now in my sixth year. It’s a fun, fresh start. Very grateful to be back, and looking forward to seeing what we can do.”
(On the conversation with Head Coach Sean McVay asking him to stay with the team)
“I talked to him on the phone before he came down and got introduced at his press conference. He said he’s heard things about me that have been pretty good and he wanted to talk to me the day he got introduced as the head coach. So, I came up here from down south. We had about a five minute conversation, while he was getting pulled and tugged everywhere else and he said, ‘I want you to stay here and be a Ram,’ and I said, ‘Thank you, I do too.’ That was about the extent of it. Real quick conversation and I was very happy.”
(On his initial impressions of McVay)
“The impression is, you don’t even think about the age. You see a guy who’s energetic. You see a guy who’s mature. You see a guy, so far, that’s taking charge of staff meetings and whole team meetings, and really put together a great staff. I’m super excited to work with him. I think he’s going to be great for the team.”
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Rams Assistant Head Coach/Linebackers Joe Barry –– February 10, 2017
(On being in Thousand Oaks and being part of the Rams)
“I think it’s special. I think Coach McVay is a talented guy, if you guys haven’t figured that out already. So, to have a chance to work with him, to have a chance to work with Wade Phillips, I pinch myself. I really do. To be back in Southern California with the Los Angeles Rams, it doesn’t get any better than that. I’m very excited.”
(On Coach McVay as head coach at age 31)
“We worked together for the last two years. He was the offensive coordinator, I was the defensive coordinator. So we got to be very close and worked hand-in-hand. It didn’t shock me at all. I knew as soon as he went on these interviews, he was going to get a head coaching job because I know what type of guy he is, how passionate he is, how smart he is. So no, it did not shock me one bit.”
(On why he chose to work with the Los Angeles Rams)
“Well, Sean, really. Bottom line. I had an opportunity to go to a few other places, but to be with Sean, to come back to Los Angeles. I think this is an exciting time to be part of Los Angeles Rams football. To go back to playing at the Coliseum for a couple years before we move into the stadium, it’s very, very exciting. I’m glad to be on board and I can’t wait to get started.”
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Rams Safeties Coach Ejiro Evero – February 10, 2017
(On if you have met any of the players yet)
“Yeah, we’ve met half of them.”
(On if the players have been around the facility)
“Yeah, some guys are here rehabbing or working out. We’ve met a couple of our guys.”
(On if most of his time is spent on evaluating the roster and figuring out what he wants to do)
“Yeah, exactly. We’re watching the tape on the guys, and learning who we like, and all of that. We like a lot of them. Also, getting to learn (Defensive Coordinator) Wade’s (Phillips) scheme. The great thing about Wade is that, OK, this is the scheme that we’re going to run, but he’s going to let us put our little flavor on it. We’re all getting into the same rhythm with that. So, that’s been good.”
(On what it’s like working under Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips)
“A lot of teams in the NFL are similar. Wade has a history. People have what they’re going to specialize in. But, the best thing about him is that he’s got all this wealth and knowledge. He’s been in the NFL for so long. He’s like an encyclopedia of defensive football. But, at the same time though, he’s like, he wants us to coach, and he wants us to put our flavor on it as well. And so, that’s what is exciting to us.”
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Rams Defensive Line Coach Bill Johnson – – February 10, 2017
(On if the 4-3 defense or the 3-4 defense is more difficult)
“You’re going to get three wide receiver sets 60 to 65 percent of the time, the other percentage of the time, you’re going to get ’22 personnel’ – two tight ends, two backs. Everybody plays the same thing to that. We’re going to be playing a lot of the same things that will look close to what people have seen. The one thing, we’ve done this before with (defensive coordinator) Wade (Phillips), I’ve done this, he came to Atlanta, I was already in Atlanta, we were a four-man front, they had good football players, we had Brady Smith we had Pat Kerney – we had really good football players. There was angst there about 4-3 or 3-4. But, really and truly, to me, it’s techniques. They’re going to be playing the very same techniques. And I, sort of, had the same thing in Atlanta – this is a four-man front, how are we going to fir these players. What the exercise did for me and the experience of doing this, I learned that you can be more multiple and you can attack protections better. I learned a lot of football with Wade that first time. And I think the advantage is, we’ll be able to take our players and match them up in different positions that give us even better match-ups. The one thing about a 4-3 defense is I can almost tell you, getting off the bus, (No.) 99 is going to be here, (No.) 94 is going to be there, (No.) 97 is going to be here. And I think you’ll see a little bit more multiplicity.”
(On if he thought he would be with the Rams this year after playing them last year as a member of the New Orleans Saints)
“I don’t know about that, but I’m excited to be here. I obviously enjoyed my years in New Orleans. I had a chance to win a world championship, wont a lot of games. (Saints Head Coach) Sean Payton is a great guy. I’ll tell you, I’m excited – being in this league, it’s good to get a fresh start. After nine years in New Orleans and being able to come here with a young, up-and-coming head coach and Wade Phillips, I’m excited about it and looking forward to the opportunity to turn this thing around.”
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Rams Offensive Line Coach Aaron Kromer – – February 10, 2017
(On what he’s seen from the offensive line on tape from a technique and a scheme standpoint)
“I see youth. Anytime you’re in a situation with a line that has everybody under three years, it takes time to develop. I look forward to molding the group. (Assistant Offensive Line Coach) Andy (Dickerson) and I, and my son (Offensive Quality Control coach) Zak (Kromer) just working with this group, and working with (Head Coach) Sean’s (McVay) offense, and understanding how we fit in the offense, and what he wants us to get done. I think it’s an exciting group because they’re young. They still want to learn. Not that everybody doesn’t, but they want to know how do you want to do it, and they’re going to do it that way. When you get in those situations, I think it’s favorable for a coach.”
(On the development of LT Greg Robinson)
“There’s always high expectations for guys, and it’s hard for anybody in those situations. I think I can still do more work with him, as far as watching tape and that. But, I hate to judge a guy before I talk to him, work with him, decide, ‘Hey, you’re good at this, or you’d be better if you did this technique. Or you’d be better thinking this simple thought so you didn’t have confusion. Why are you thinking about all of these other things?’ I look forward to working with the whole group. Hopefully, I can help them become better. That’s my goal. I’m a teacher. I want them to pass the test, and my goal is to get them from whatever level they’re at now, to try to get an ‘A’ in the class.”
(On if there’s a philosophy he has, whether it be zone read, blocking scheme)
I think the most important thing is individual technique, and then from there, what fits our personnel. Sean has a great vision of what he wants this offense to look like, and how the plays will be run, and how fast we’ll go, and how we’ll function as an offense. Then we’ve just got to fit our players in, and adjust that vision to our guys. What do they do best? And when we find that out, I think we’ll emphasize one thing more than the next.”
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Rams Quarterbacks Coach Greg Olson – – February 10, 2017
(On what he’s seen from his evaluation of QB Jared Goff thus far and Goff’s potential in the NFL)
“Great. The ceiling is really high with this player in my mind. Unbelievable arm talent, he’s had that since high school. From being up in the Bay Area, I’ve kind of known about him. When he went to Cal, I had the chance to follow him there early on in his career at Cal. I’ve always felt like this guy’s got tremendous arm talent and that’s a start in my opinion. You look to evaluate this position, it’s what type of arm talent does that player have. Certainly, a very intelligent player when you look at his test scores and what he was able to do a student. I just think there are a lot of intangibles there as well. You’ve all heard about him growing up from high school, through college and in the NFL, tremendous work ethic. There’s a lot of things there that I think are good. He had a chance last year, didn’t get a chance to get a lot of the reps in training camp and I think that sometimes is not a great situation. To be thrown into playing after nine games into the season, I think without having that base work, which he will get this spring and this summer – I think that there certainly should be a huge jump from year one to year two.”
(On working with high draft picks with big expectations put upon them and what he’s learned from those experiences that can help him now working with Goff)
“Every player is different. In that whole evaluation phase there’s a difference in pro football and college football. A lot of times with college football is to identify the player and sign that player based on your evaluation. It doesn’t always happen that way in the NFL. With these young players, again, the quicker they can get in and get assimilated into an offensive scheme and have a chance to get with their coordinator, to get with their head coach, and really learn the offense – the better chance he’ll have for success. Certainly, it wasn’t an ideal situation, the fact that he’s going on his second coordinator and second head coach in his second year in the league. But his potential is very high and I know he’s excited right now in talking with him about the change. We’re just really excited about our staff. But, again every player is different.”
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Rams Running Backs Coach Skip Peete – – February 10, 2017
(On what it meant to have RB Todd Gurley call Head Coach Sean McVay on his behalf and his relationship with Gurley)
“I really appreciate him doing that. I felt we had a good working relationship. A lot of conversations and spent a lot of time together. He wasn’t involved in any special teams so, typically during special team meetings, you would meet with you position coach. We had the opportunity to cover a lot of different things. Getting prepared for the game plan and I’m a big component of asking them to be involved in the meeting. It isn’t just about me talking and (the players) not having any voice – I think the communication between the player and the coach is big.”
(On last year’s offense and whether Gurley’s running style didn’t fit within the offense last season)
“I think a lot of things contributed to that. Those times that I talked about during special teams meetings, he and I had those kind of conversations. It was – like I always tell him and anyone – is that in order to have a successful running game, it’s a combination of everyone. It’s not just, ‘well the line didn’t block good,’ it wasn’t like ‘the runner didn’t run good – it’s a combination of both. I think everybody has to be cohesive and be on the same page.”
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Rams Cornerbacks Coach Aubrey Pleasant – – February 10, 2017
(On Coach McVay as head coach at age 31)
“All age is how many times you’ve been around the sun. Your experiences, your respect, your discipline and how you are a leader of men is ultimately how you’re going to be valued in this league. We believe we have it and we believe we’re following the right person.”
(On being hired to the Los Angeles Rams)
“Sean and I met each other four years ago when I had just come to Washington and I was on offense. I interviewed twice for this opportunity. This wasn’t a, ‘Hey, come get this.’ This was a, ‘Hey, I believe in you. I know what you’re going to bring to the table. I’m trying to get some experience on the staff, mixed with a little bit of youth; show everybody what I think you have.’”
Wide Receivers Coach Eric Yarber – – February 10, 2017
(On the personnel group at wide receiver)
“Watching footage on some of these guys, you have a wide variety of receivers. You’ve got guys that can play the slot, that can be option runners, you’ve got guys that can take the top off, you’ve got guys with size. I’m excited about working with this group and taking them to the next level.”
(On the wide receiver position in football)
“Every great athlete or great receiver—they want the ball. That’s part of the business. They want the ball, they think that with the ball in their hand, they can make plays and I want guys like that.”
February 11, 2017 at 2:23 pm #65211znModeratorJoe Barry Meets the Media
Assistant head coach/linebackers coach Joe Barry talks about his excitement level in coaching linebacker Alec Ogletree.
http://www.therams.com/videos/videos/Joe-Barry-Meets-the-Media/f07b7b9e-1db6-4cf4-b9e2-0e34ce8b61d8
February 11, 2017 at 2:24 pm #65212znModeratorAssistant head coach/linebackers coach Joe Barry talks about his excitement level in coaching linebacker Alec Ogletree.
This is really top top praise. Give it a listen.
February 11, 2017 at 4:22 pm #65215
InvaderRamModeratorforgot he coached derrick brooks.
i think ogletree has matured a lot since he came into the league. i know i’ve said this before, but my guess is ogletree has more potential than any inside linebacker phillips had with denver. excited to see what happens there especially with barry coaching him.
February 12, 2017 at 1:35 am #65225znModeratorWade Phillips Meets the Media
Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips talks about switching the Rams to a 3-4 defense and being an attacking defense.
February 12, 2017 at 10:42 am #65235InvaderRamModeratorWade Phillips Meets the Media
Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips talks about switching the Rams to a 3-4 defense and being an attacking defense.
nice listen. i’m just loving this hire.
it’ll be a much simpler defense. less thinking. more just attacking which i think will benefit their current personnel.
i’m thinking with the right additions a top 5 ranking is well within reach.
February 16, 2017 at 8:22 pm #65328znModeratorBarry Glad to be Back in L.A., Working With Rams’ LBs
Myles Simmons
New Rams assistant head coach/linebackers coach Joe Barry is no stranger to Southern California. Barry spent his formative years in Los Angeles, playing linebacker at USC in the early 90s, then returning to USC as the program’s linebackers coach in 2010.
Barry’s history should make for a special reunion when he walks into the Coliseum as a Rams coach for the first time.
“I played at SC and I coached at SC, so to now go back and be able to coach for two years with the Rams, I can’t wait,” Barry said last Friday. “Little shoutout to the Trojans — the last time I was actually in that stadium, we beat UCLA 50-0. So I’m excited to be back in there.”
Barry comes over from Washington, where he spent the last two seasons as the club’s defensive coordinator. He said he had a few choices of jobs this offseason, but picked the Rams in large part because of his strong relationship with head coach Sean McVay.
“We worked together the last two years — he was the offensive coordinator, I was the defensive coordinator — so we got to be very close, worked hand in hand,” Barry said, adding he wasn’t surprised McVay received a head coaching job despite his age. “ I knew as soon as he went on these interviews, he was going to get a head job, just because I know what type of guy he is, I know how passionate he is, how smart he is. So, no, it did not shock me one bit.”
Barry also cited working with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips as a factor that brought him to L.A.
“To have a chance to work with [McVay], to have a chance to work with Wade Phillips — I pinch myself, I really do,” Barry said. “And to be back in Southern California with the Los Angeles Rams, it doesn’t get any better than that.”
While coaches are still early in their evaluation process, Barry said he’s been impressed with the Rams’ defensive effort from last season.
“Defensively, I know I’m very excited watching these guys. Going back and having watched 16 games, these guys play hard. They love football. You can tell they’re totally into it,” Barry said. “And for a starting point, that’s great. Now, we’ve got to implement coach Phillips’ system. But that’s what OTAs are for, that’s what minicamp is for, that’s what training camp is for.”
With the Rams switching from a 4-3 base defense to a 3-4, there will be some clear adjustments from a linebackers standpoint. Despite Los Angeles’ heavy reliance on nickel packages in 2016 — often leaving Alec Ogletree and Mark Barron as the Rams’ only linebackers on the field — Phillips said he’s not concerned about the relative inexperience in the rest of the room.
“I’ve been in this situation before. We’ve always come up with something. I don’t foresee a problem,” Phillips said. “We have some linebackers, some of them haven’t played much, but they look like they’re good players.”
Of the linebackers currently on the Rams’ roster, Barry said he’s been particularly impressed with Ogletree and Barron.
“Obviously, NFL coaches watch all the film every single week so you get to follow these guys’ careers,” Barry said. “And when Sean brought me on here, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I get 52 and 26?’ So they’re great guys, obviously great players. But everything that I’m hearing, they’re great leaders, they love the game, they love to prepare, they love to practice.”
Given the stipulations of the latest collective bargaining agreement, coaches cannot do much but have friendly conversations with players until the offseason program begins. But from the few times Barry has talked with Ogletree, he’s sensed the middle linebacker’s desire to be great.
“I coached Derrick Brooks in Tampa Bay for eight years — and that was something that Derek was just — it fueled him, it fired him to be the very best every single day he walked in the building,” Barry said. “Alec and I have already had that conversation. And the great thing is, he wants that. He wants to be the best linebacker.
“He doesn’t just want to be a good linebacker in this league, he wants to be elite. He wants to be the best,” Barry continued. “So when a player has that passion and that desire, that’s fun to coach.”
Between Barry and Phillips, the Rams have plenty of coaching experience to build their defense heading into 2017. And Barry is as eager as anyone to get the process going.
“I’m so excited to be here,” Barry said. “So excited to be with Sean. So excited to be with coach Phillips. And I can’t wait to get back in the Coliseum — I can’t wait for our players to get back in the building in April. I’m chomping at the bit.”
February 16, 2017 at 8:23 pm #65330znModeratorThe Staff: Joe Barry
Get to know new Rams assistant head coach/linebackers coach Joe Barry as he sits down for an exclusive one on one interview with Rams reporter Dani Klupenger.
http://www.therams.com/videos/videos/The_Staff_Joe_Barry/d4bb3679-7af5-4a3e-a05e-babc7c827487
February 16, 2017 at 8:24 pm #65331znModeratorThe Staff: Joe Barry
Get to know new Rams assistant head coach/linebackers coach Joe Barry as he sits down for an exclusive one on one interview with Rams reporter Dani Klupenger.
http://www.therams.com/videos/videos/The_Staff_Joe_Barry/d4bb3679-7af5-4a3e-a05e-babc7c827487
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