Turf Show Times
Chris Shula could be the Dolphins next head coach..
Each offseason, the Los Angeles Rams experience coaching turnover. This is in large part due to the Sean McVay effect. Ever since 2017 teams across the National Football League have desperately sought to find the “next Sean McVay” to lead their football team. McVay’s prowess led to a surge in NFL teams hiring offense-minded coaches, often times going to the Rams to find brilliant minds. Since 2017, LA has lost: Shane Waldron (offensive coordinator), Greg Olson (offensive coordinator), Wes Phillips (offensive coordinator), Thomas Brown (offensive coordinator), Zac Robinson (offensive coordinator), Zac Taylor, Matt LaFleur, and Kevin O’Connell to opposing teams. That’s just the offensive side of the ball. On defense, the Rams have seen Joe Barry (defensive coordinator), Ejiro Evero (defensive coordinator), Brandon Staley, and Raheem Morris depart for opportunities elsewhere as well.
Sean McVay has long supported coaches taking opportunities when they present themselves. He was the beneficiary of such moves himself when he was a young, budding coach in Washington and Tampa Bay. He credits those around him for giving him the chance to prepare himself to become a head coach.
Heading into the 2025 season, there are four names that I believe organizations will be keeping an eye on and likely interviewing come January 2026.
Mike LaFleur joined McVay’s staff before the 2023 season after two seasons with the New York Jets. LaFleur might be overlooked by most because the New York Jets floundering in 2021 and 2022, however his resume is gaining a resurgence in Los Angeles...
In his first season [2023] in Los Angeles, the Rams had a top-ranked offense. The unit finished the season seventh in yards per game (359.3) and yards per play (5.6), 11th in rushing yards per game (120.3), 12th in yards per rush (4.3), 10th in passing yards per game (239.0), and eighth in first downs per game (20.6), third down conversion rate (42%), and points scored per game (23.76). The offense also finished fourth in fourth down conversion rate (61.9%) and red zone efficiency (63.6%). The Rams had the best yards per game ranking since 2019.
Before working with the Rams and Jets, LaFleur worked under Kyle Shanahan with the San Francisco 49ers (2017-2020 / passing game coordinator), Atlanta Falcons (2015-2016 / wide receivers & tight ends), and Cleveland Browns (2014 / offensive coaching intern).
If the Rams offense can land in the top 5 or even top 10 this season, LaFleur could be poached by the offensive-needy organization.
Scheelhaase is young and upcoming coach in the NFL. McVay hired him off of the Iowa State Cyclones staff. Scheelhaase has spent time as an offensive coordinator; working with quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. He is responsible for...
