Should Dave Ragone Rams offensive coordinator candidate 2026?

Dave Ragone: Rams Offensive Coordinator Candidate for 2026

The Los Angeles Rams are set to see a major shift in their coaching staff as the search for a new offensive coordinator heats up for the 2026 season. With Mike LaFleur stepping into the head coach role at the Arizona Cardinals, a vacancy has opened up, and one name that has emerged prominently is Dave Ragone. Regarded as a top candidate for the Rams offensive coordinator position, Ragone’s candidacy stems from his rich history with head coach Sean McVay and his extensive coaching resume.

Dave Ragone has been instrumental behind the scenes, nearly crafting a narrative of success when he served as the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive coordinator from 2021 to 2023. During his tenure, Ragone aided in enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities, making him an appealing option for the Rams. As McVay weighs decisions regarding the future of the Rams’ offensive strategies, questions loom about whether Nate Scheelhaase should be promoted from within the organization or if Ragone’s experience makes him the ideal choice. This decision holds significant implications for the team’s future, making it a critical point of analysis as the offseason progresses.

Dave Ragone Rams offensive coordinator candidate 2026 background and experience

Dave Ragone brings a long and varied NFL resume that makes him a clear contender for the Rams offensive coordinator role in 2026. He first crossed paths with Sean McVay in Washington in 2015, when Ragone worked on quality control while McVay served as offensive coordinator. Because that early connection built trust, it helped shape Ragone’s offensive outlook and opened doors later in his career. Ragone then moved through position coaching stops before earning the Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator job from 2021 through 2023. During his time with the Falcons, he ran a multi personnel and pass efficient scheme, and the team ranked near the top in several passing metrics, which underlines his ability to design effective passing concepts. For more background on Ragone’s candidacy, see this article.

After Atlanta, Ragone joined the Rams as quarterback coach in 2023. He worked closely with Matthew Stafford, helping stabilize the offense and improve efficiency. As a result, players credit him for clear communication and game planning that translate to the field. Ragone also learned under Arthur Smith during his Atlanta years, which gave him experience coordinating an offense across run and pass principles. For context on staff movement this offseason, read this article.

Ragone’s coordination style blends schematic diversity with situational simplicity. He favors 13 personnel passing concepts at times, and he adapts to available talent. Moreover, his experience in different systems gives Sean McVay flexibility if Ragone takes the job. For a preview of coaching changes that could affect the Rams, consult this article. External sources for his career and team stats include this Wikipedia page and the Falcons 2023 team page.

Dave Ragone Rams offensive coordinator candidate 2026 versus Nate Scheelhaase: an analytical comparison

Sean McVay faces a pivotal choice for the 2026 Rams offensive coordinator job after Mike LaFleur left to become the Arizona Cardinals head coach. On one hand, Nate Scheelhaase offers continuity and a deep knowledge of the Rams’ current playbook. On the other hand, Dave Ragone brings proven coordinating experience and a varied scheme background. Because both coaches present clear upsides, the decision will shape the Rams’ offense and 2026 season outlook.

Experience separates the candidates at first glance. Scheelhaase has climbed the Rams’ staff and understands personnel usage intimately. However, Ragone has NFL coordinating experience and a resume that includes Washington in 2015 and the Atlanta Falcons from 2021 to 2023. Ragone then joined the Rams as quarterback coach in 2023. As a result, he has both inside knowledge and external coordinator chops. For more on Ragone’s candidacy, see this link.

Scheelhaase’s strengths are alignment and trust with Sean McVay. He can run McVay’s core concepts with minimal friction. This continuity matters because the Rams value schematic familiarity around Matthew Stafford and the run game. Ragone’s strengths are balance and efficiency. The Falcons ran 8.3 percent of offensive plays in 13 personnel in 2023, showing Ragone’s willingness to use multi tight end sets situationally. Moreover, Atlanta produced 0.28 EPA per pass that season, tied for sixth best in the league. Source: this source.

When looking at the Rams’ own work, Ragone influenced a passing efficiency out of 13 personnel that reached about 0.50 EPA per pass recently, which ranked fifth. Therefore, he can boost situational passing and play-action effectiveness. He also learned under Arthur Smith, which gave him a fuller run pass balance and play calling nuance.

Scheme and stylistic contrast matters. Scheelhaase likely preserves a McVay-led tempo, aggressive pre snap motion, and creative personnel packages. Ragone would lean more toward simplified situational concepts, and yet he adapts formations to talent. Because of that flexibility, Ragone can tailor plans around Stetson Bennett, Kyren Williams, or a renewed Bijan Robinson type usage should personnel shift in 2026.

Leadership and in-game adjustments separate coordinators in close games. Scheelhaase has rapport with position coaches and younger players, while Ragone offers proven sideline decision making at the coordinator level. McVay noted trust in Ragone, saying, “I’ve got a lot of faith in Dave. That’s the good thing about having Dave down on the field rather than the press box.” That endorsement matters because it signals support for Ragone’s autonomy.

Looking ahead to the 2026 Rams season, continuity could reduce transitional growing pains. However, the team also needs fresh ideas to respond to league defensive trends. If McVay wants immediate offseason impact and a tested play caller, Ragone stands out. Conversely, if he prizes internal development and cultural continuity, Scheelhaase is a viable internal promotion.

For background on staff movement and the wider offseason context, see this background link and this offseason context link.

Dave Ragone Rams Offensive Coordinator Candidate 2026 Comparison Table

Sean McVay’s choice between Dave Ragone and Nate Scheelhaase will shape the Rams’ offense for 2026 and beyond. Ragone brings tested coordinating experience and situational passing efficiency. Scheelhaase offers structural continuity and deep familiarity with McVay’s concepts. Therefore, the decision balances immediate play calling chops against cultural and schematic stability.

Because Ragone has led an NFL offense and worked with Matthew Stafford, he can offer proven adjustments and broader play design. However, Scheelhaase minimizes transition risk and preserves the system that players already know. As a result, a Ragone hire would likely add fresh tactical elements. Conversely, promoting Scheelhaase would favor continuity and smoother in-season execution.

For Rams fans weighing these options, this analysis highlights the tradeoffs clearly. It emphasizes personnel fit, 13 personnel usage, and EPA impact as decisive factors. For continued coverage and expert updates, follow Rams News LLC at Rams News LLC and on Twitter at @ZachGatsby. These channels will track Sean McVay’s final decision and the implications for the 2026 Rams season. Meanwhile, the choice will remain one of the most consequential coaching moves of the offseason.

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