Rams coaching staff poaching (2026 offseason): HC jobs?
Rams coaching staff poaching (2026 offseason): Which Rams assistants could land head coaching jobs?
Rams coaching staff poaching (2026 offseason) looms as a major storyline for teams and fans. Several assistants on Sean McVay’s staff have built strong résumés, and therefore they will attract head coach interviews.
Defensive coordinator Chris Shula has overseen a top-10 defense by EPA per play, and as a result he will almost certainly draw interview interest. Mike LaFleur helped the Rams finish No. 1 in total offensive yards this season, so he stands out among offensive coordinator candidates.
Moreover, position coaches such as Zak Kromer and Nate Scheelhaase offer specialist appeal after developing standout linemen and quarterbacks respectively. Teams that need immediate offensive structure or defensive overhaul will look at this group closely.
Because the Buccaneers and other franchises seek fresh ideas, connections to coaches like Dave Ragone could matter. This analysis will speculate on likely poaching targets, examine fit for potential landing spots, and assess how losing staffers would affect Los Angeles.
In short, the 2026 cycle could reshape several coaching staffs across the league.
Rams coaching staff poaching (2026 offseason): Chris Shula and defensive leadership
Los Angeles built a defense that ranks seventh in EPA per play this season. As a result, defensive coaches on Sean McVay’s staff have higher visibility. Chris Shula has coached linebackers, outside linebackers, and defensive backs. Therefore he combines positional breadth with play‑calling experience. Shula has been described as McVay’s right-hand man. In fact, many observers say, “Shula will almost certainly get plenty of interviews to be a head coach this offseason.” Moreover, others ask, “Appeal of Rams D-Coordinator Chris Shula?”
Shula’s unit has been top-10 for the better part of two years. However, the Rams spend the least on defense in cash. Because of that, Shula’s performance looks even more impressive. His ability to develop lower-cost players boosts his résumé. As a result, he checks many boxes teams want when hiring a head coach.
Key contributors to the defense and their roles
- Kobie Turner — disruptive edge player who pressures quarterbacks and sets the tone
- Kam Kinchens — versatile defensive back who improves coverage and run support
- Byron Young — consistent front-seven presence who aids both pass rush and run defense
- Omar Speights — tackling and linebacker play that stabilizes second-level run fits
- Jared Verse — first-round pick and Defensive Rookie of the Year who adds elite pass-rush upside
In short, Shula’s track record and the defense’s EPA ranking should translate into multiple head coach interviews. Therefore expect interest from teams that value defensive structure and player development.
Rams coaching staff poaching (2026 offseason): Offensive candidates to watch
Mike LaFleur has been the longest-tenured offensive coordinator under Sean McVay. As a result, he helped the Rams rank No. 1 in total yards this season. Therefore he presents a natural candidate for head coach or high-level offensive openings. Nate Scheelhaase has interview experience. Last offseason he interviewed with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Moreover, the Buccaneers fired Josh Grizzard and could revisit Scheelhaase. Zak Kromer runs one of the league’s best offensive line rooms. He developed Alaric Jackson, Warren McClendon, Steve Avila, and Kevin Dotson. Because of that, he draws interest for offensive line coach roles and coordinator jobs. Dave Ragone remains underrated by some. He served as Atlanta’s offensive coordinator from 2021 to 2023, and he retains NFL relationships. Therefore Ragone could surface when teams seek experienced play-callers.
Key facts about each coach
- Mike LaFleur — Longest-tenured OC under McVay; helped Rams finish No. 1 in total yards; strong play-calling pedigree and quarterback development.
- Nate Scheelhaase — Interviewed for OC jobs with Jacksonville and Tampa Bay; could get a second look with the Buccaneers; known for passing-game scheming and QB coaching.
- Zak Kromer — Elite offensive line developer; helped run game and pass protection rank high; potential candidate for O-line lead roles elsewhere.
- Dave Ragone — Former Falcons OC (2021-2023); connected to Matt Nagy and other decision-makers; may be an underrated head coach or OC candidate.
In short, expect multiple offensive assistants to draw interviews. Teams that value instant offensive structure will look to McVay’s staff this offseason.
| Coach Name | Role | Key achievements | Team impact | Head coaching prospects | HC interview likelihood |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Shula | Defensive coordinator | Led defense to top-10 EPA per play; developed linebackers and defensive backs; play-calling experience | Improved scheme and maximized low-cost contributors | Strong candidate due to defensive leadership and player development | Very high — multiple interviews expected |
| Mike LaFleur | Offensive coordinator | Longest-tenured OC under McVay; offense finished No. 1 in total yards; quarterback development | Elite play calling and offensive continuity | Solid candidate for OC or HC roles with proven play-calling pedigree | High — likely to draw major interviews |
| Nate Scheelhaase | Passing game and QB coach | Passing-game schemer with prior OC interviews | Boosts quarterback play and passing concepts | Schematic specialist with OC potential | Moderate — could attract secondary interviews |
| Zak Kromer | Offensive line coach | Developed starters and improved run game and protection | Strengthened O-line depth and technique | Strong O-line coach and coordinator candidate | Low to moderate — more likely for OL roles than HC |
| Dave Ragone | Senior offensive assistant | Former Falcons OC with play-calling relationships | Brings OC experience and staff continuity | Underrated OC candidate and experienced play-caller | Moderate — possible OC interviews, less likely for HC |
CONCLUSION
Rams coaching staff poaching (2026 offseason) will reshape several NFL staffs. This analysis shows multiple assistants from Sean McVay’s group have clear paths to bigger roles. Chris Shula stands out for defensive leadership and consistent top-10 results in EPA per play. Mike LaFleur also merits attention after helping the offense finish first in total yards. Therefore teams that need immediate structure will call these candidates for interviews.
Because the Rams developed impactful position coaches, their staff provides depth beyond coordinators. Zak Kromer improved one of the NFL’s best offensive lines. Nate Scheelhaase already drew interviews and could earn another look. Moreover Dave Ragone brings prior OC experience and useful league relationships.
This piece appears courtesy of Rams News LLC. For more analysis visit ramsnews.com and follow updates on @ZachGatsby. As a result readers can track hires, interviews, and follow up stories.
We close with appreciation for Sean McVay. He cultivates coaching talent and therefore boosts the Rams’ broader influence. Expect ongoing coverage as the offseason unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who are the top Rams coaching candidates in the Rams coaching staff poaching (2026 offseason)?
The leading names are Chris Shula, Mike LaFleur, Nate Scheelhaase, Zak Kromer, and Dave Ragone. Shula and LaFleur head the list because of coordinator roles and strong unit performance.
What impact could coach poaching have on the Los Angeles Rams?
Poaching could disrupt continuity and force quick staff replacements. However, Sean McVay has depth and a track record of developing coaches, so the team can adapt.
Which teams are most likely to pursue Rams assistants?
Expect interest from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, and other clubs needing offensive structure or defensive upgrades. Teams that pay quarterbacks top dollar will weigh Shula heavily.
What is the likely timeline and outcome for interviews and hires?
Interviews begin in the weeks after the season and continue through late winter. Therefore many hires finalize before the draft and free agency cycles.
How does Sean McVay’s coaching tree affect the poaching landscape?
McVay’s tree increases demand because his staffs produce ready-made coordinators and head coach candidates. As a result, Rams assistants attract attention and interviews across the league.