Nate Scheelhaase didn’t become an NFL head coach this offseason. But he will be an offensive coordinator in the league for the first time in 2026.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Friday morning the Los Angeles Rams have named Scheelhaase their offensive coordinator. That will be a promotion from the pass game coordinator role he held in 2025.
“Scheelhaase interviewed for five head coaching jobs during this hiring cycle,” wrote Schefter on X.
“But now, the NFL’s final OC opening has been filled in a uniquely LA way.”
Scheelhaase interviewed for five head coaching jobs during this hiring cycle.
But now, the NFL’s
The Pittsburgh Steelers were one of the five teams that interviewed Scheelhaase. That was a virtual interview before the Steelers were permitted to meet with Scheelhaase in person.
The Steelers hired Mike McCarthy as head coach before the Rams lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC championship game.
Scheelhaase will be entering his third season with the Rams on Sean McVay’s staff. This is the second consecutive offseason he has received a promotion.
Rams Name Nate Scheelhaase to Offensive Coordinator: Report
Besides McCarthy, the Steelers only met with two other head coaching candidates in person. Neither one was Scheelhaase.
As previously mentioned, the Steelers hired McCarthy before Scheelhaase was permitted to met for in-person interviews. So, the organization either fell in love with McCarthy or didn’t seriously consider Scheelhaase after his virtual interview.
It could have also been the combination of both.
Nevertheless, Scheelhaase was a popular name among fans and pundits early in the Steelers head coaching search. His connection to McVay and his youth made him an attractive candidate on paper.
That seemed to be confirmed with half the teams in the league possessing head coach openings this offseason seeking to speak with him.
Scheelhaase a Future NFL Head Coach?
The closest Scheelhaase got to becoming a head coach this offseason was with the Cleveland Browns. Ultimately, though, that job went to an assistant with a lot more experience, Todd Monken.
There’s no denying that Scheelhaase is a rising offensive mind. But most pundits considered it too early to hire the 35-year-old as a head coach.
Scheelhaase began his coaching career at the college level in 2015. He’s only spent two years in the NFL.
After a year or two as an NFL offensive coordinator, though, Scheelhaase could be ready.
That’s what makes his Rams promotion so intriguing. It’s the next logical step, and maybe the last one, the assistant needed to take to eventually become a head coach.
With Scheelhaase receiving serious head coach consideration even without NFL OC experience, he’s on track to get a lot of calls for interviews next offseason. That is, as long as the Rams offense plays well again in 2026.
Scheelhaase has one year of college offensive coordinator experience. He held that position, along with quarterbacks coach, at Iowa State in 2023.
That was his last college job before joining McVay’s staff in 2024.
An Iowa native, Scheelhaase played quarterback at Illinois from 2009-13. He still holds the record for career total offensive yards in the program’s history.
Scheelhaase’s first coaching role was at Illinois two years after his playing career concluded.
Former Steelers Head Coaching Candidate Gets Promotion: Report