Every offseason, it seems like the Los Angeles Rams coaching staff gets raided by other teams across the NFL. While head coach Sean McVay has earned a reputation for developing some of the top up-and-coming coaches in the league, that positive moniker is a double-edged sword of sorts, as it forces him to rebuild his coaching staff more than he would like to.
That has happened once again this offseason, with the biggest departure from McVay’s staff seeing him lose his offensive coordinator, Mike LaFleur, to the Arizona Cardinals head coach opening. Another guy who generated quite a bit of interest as a head coach this offseason was pass-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, and while he didn’t end up landing one of these jobs, he recently secured a big promotion with the Rams.
Rams Promote Nate Scheelhaase to Offensive Coordinator
Scheelhaase interviewed for five head coaching jobs during this hiring cycle.
But now, the NFL’s
Scheelhaase is the latest in a long line of coaches who have been developed on McVay’s staff. After playing quarterback for the Illinois Fighting Illini in college, Scheelhaase quickly transitioned into coaching after failing to carve out a path for himself in the NFL as a player. Scheelhaase spent the first three seasons of his coaching career with his alma mater, working in a variety of different roles.
In 2018, Scheelhaase latched on with the Iowa State Cyclones, initially beginning as the team’s running backs coach. By the time 2023 rolled around, Scheelhaase was the Cyclones’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, and his work with Iowa State caught the attention of McVay, who recruited him to join his staff in 2024.
Since then, Scheelhaase has experienced a fast rise with Los Angeles. After working as an offensive assistant and passing game specialist in his first season with McVay, Scheelhaase became the pass-game coordinator, with his efforts helping Matthew Stafford win the 2025 MVP Award. Now, Scheelhaase will take on an even bigger role with the Rams, as he was promoted to offensive coordinator on Friday morning in the wake of LaFleur’s departure.
“Sources: the Los Angeles Rams are promoting pass-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator, and making QB coach Dave Ragone the co-offensive coordinator/QB coach,” Adam Schefter of ESPN reported in a post on X. “Scheelhaase interviewed for five head coaching jobs during this hiring cycle. But now, the NFL’s final OC opening has been filled in a uniquely LA way.”
Rams Turn Attention to Free Agency
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on before a game against the New Orleans Saints.
Scheelhaase won’t exactly have full control of the offense, as quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone will be the team’s co-offensive coordinator, but this is still a big move for him. At just 35 years old, Scheelhaase appears to be well on his way to becoming a head coach in the NFL, especially if L.A.’s offense can turn in another dominant campaign in 2026.
With this move, the last offensive coordinator opening across the league has been filled, and for the most part, McVay’s staff has been retooled. The team will now begin to turn its attention to free agency, where it has some serious work to do in order to keep this roster in tip-top shape. The core pieces of the offense are already in place, though, and with Scheelhaase leading the way now, big things should be expected from this group when it returns to action.
Rams Make Major Nate Scheelhaase Decision After Head Coach Interviews