Head coach Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams are preparing for the playoffs, where they will meet the Carolina Panthers in the NFC Wild Card. However, there could be a significant shakeup coming for the Rams.
Their strong season is the latest in a run of winning campaigns. It could lead to increased interest in several key figures in the organization.
One, assistant general manager John McKay, is already being pursued.
Rival Makes Move on Rams AGM John McKay
GettyLos Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead on the field before a game against the New York Jets
“The #Dolphins requested an interview with #Rams AGM John McKay for their General Manager role,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on January 5.
McKay just completed his 10th regular season with the Rams and his first as AGM.
“He spent the previous four seasons as the director of pro personnel and has also served as the assistant director of pro scouting,” the Rams note in his profile on their official website. “McKay helps manage the process for all player arrivals and departures. He also evaluates all 32 rosters prior to free agency, writes advance scouting reports for upcoming opponents and evaluates college players prior to the draft.
“McKay joined the Rams as a scouting assistant in 2016. During that season, he evaluated players and submitted reports. McKay also tracked player news during the year and entered the information into the scouting database among numerous other specifically assigned tasks.”
McKay’s background in talent evaluation is appealing for a team heading toward a rebuild with significant salary cap constraints looming.
The Rams lost multiple staffers last offseason and could face more of the same this spring.
Keeping McVay and general manager Les Snead are the most important aspects for the Rams. The duo has already helmed the team’s on-field retooling and could face a similar dilemma with their respective staffs.
Rams Could Lose Multiple Coaches
GettyLA Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula communicates instructions during OTAs.
McVay’s assistants on the Rams are once again expected to be hot candidates. Defensive coordinator Chris Shula is among the most popular speculative candidates. ESPN’s Dan Graziano noted that it is partly due to a shift in appeal back to defensive coaches.
Graziano also noted offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur is well-regarded and could draw interest this offseason.
Graziano said to “expect Shula to be a popular candidate in several places.”
“The Rams’ young defense has had an excellent season, and Sean McVay’s assistants always get plenty of attention (and often head coach jobs). Shula has been the Rams’ defensive coordinator for two years, and Los Angeles is fourth in defensive EPA (59.8) and has given up the third-fewest points per game (17.5) in 2025,” Graziano wrote in December.
“Don’t be shocked if the ties to McVay lead to interview requests for Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.”
CBS Sports’ Tyler Sullivan ranked LaFleur and Shula ninth and fourth, respectively.
“Since assuming the DC role in 2024, the Rams have the fifth-highest pressure rate in the NFL and sixth-highest sack rate (including playoffs),” Sullivan wrote in December. “He’s taken a young unit and helped put L.A. in the thick of the Super Bowl conversation this season.”
Shula is the grandson of the late Hall of Fame head coach Don Shula. His father, David Shula, also coached in the NFL.
As for LaFleur, his outlook is slightly more complicated.
Mike LaFleur Another HC Candidate
GettyLA Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur looks on before a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
LaFleur is a non-play-calling OC under one of the best in the business at that in McVay. Still, proximity breeds opportunity in the NFL. LaFleur also has experience as a play caller from his time with the New York Jets.
“He’s helped spearhead the most prolific offense in the NFL this season,” Sullivan wrote in the rankings. “LaFleur also branches from the Kyle Shanahan tree, working under him as the passing game coordinator in San Francisco from 2017 to 2020.”
Sullivan noted that LaFleur’s stint with the Jets was “lackluster” and could “hurt him.”
However, it was not enough to leave him out of consideration for the list of potential candidates. This could be a multi-tiered exodus for McVay and the Rams this offseason.
Rival Makes Move on Rams Contributor Before Playoffs Begin