Preview: Rams coaching staff could lose coaches this offseason?

Rams coaching staff could lose coaches this offseason, a real possibility that already has ripple effects inside the organization. Sean McVay faces a busy winter because top assistants draw growing league interest. For starters, Chris Shula built an elite defense with limited draft capital, and scouts notice his work. Meanwhile Mike LaFleur runs the league’s top yardage offense, so head coach openings will watch him.

Additionally Nate Scheelhaase and Aubrey Pleasant occupy high-upside roles, and their resumes invite consideration. Teams like Jacksonville and Tampa Bay recently sought Rams staffers, and those ties matter. As a result, the Rams must weigh promotions, retention, and potential staff turnover carefully this winter. Because the unit balance matters, internal moves could reshape positional coaching and the broader scheme.

This piece analyzes which assistants face the highest odds of departing, and why. We will examine defensive metrics, coordinator prospects, and market fit for each candidate.

Rams coaching staff could lose coaches this offseason: Defensive Staff Focus

The Rams defense sits seventh in EPA per play this season, and it has been a top-10 unit for roughly two years. However, the unit ranks dead last in defensive cash spending, which makes the coaching staff’s work stand out. Because coaches like Chris Shula have maximized depth, rival teams now circle. For context, the Rams developed Kobie Turner, Kam Kinchens, Byron Young, and Omar Speights without first-round picks. Additionally, Jared Verse won Defensive Rookie of the Year, which underlines coaching impact. These facts push Shula into candidate conversations across the league, and teams will call.

Chris Shula blends roles coaching linebackers, outside linebackers, and defensive backs, and he is widely seen as Sean McVay’s right-hand man. If Shula departs, he might take assistants with him, and therefore retention becomes harder. Aubrey Pleasant, who coaches the secondary, is the logical internal promotion if Shula leaves. Yet promoting Pleasant would open another slot, and the team must decide whether to promote from within or hire outside help.

A Shula exit would ripple through positional development and scheme continuity. For example, play-caller handoffs and game-plan cohesion could shift, and younger players might need new position coaches. As a result, front-office decisions about promotions and contracts will matter. Fans and analysts will watch roster and scheme moves closely, especially related to broader franchise choices like roster turnover and salary allocation. See more on roster context here: roster context. Also read how NFC West shifts might affect the Rams: NFC West shifts. For fan outlooks check: fan outlooks. National defensive context is available at Pro Football Reference and NFL Stats.

Offensive Coaching Changes and Implications for Rams coaching staff this offseason

Mike LaFleur heads an offense that finished No. 1 in total yards this season. As a result, he will draw head coach interviews. LaFleur’s play designs and play-calling elevated the Rams’ attack, and teams will note that record. LaFleur’s track record makes him a likely target, but league perception remains mixed. Quote: “LaFleur will likely get head coaching interviews, but it’s unclear how the league views him.”

Nate Scheelhaase represents high upside because NFL circles prize his scheme versatility. He interviewed for offensive coordinator roles with Jacksonville and Tampa Bay, and that interest continues. Therefore, Scheelhaase is the one to watch if coordinators depart. If the Rams keep him, he could step up to offensive coordinator. If they lose him, the staff would lose a natural successor and internal continuity.

Dave Ragone offers a veteran path. He served as the Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator from 2021 to 2023, and he has ties to Matt Nagy. As a result, Ragone could be promoted to offensive coordinator if LaFleur leaves. Meanwhile Zak Kromer anchors offensive line development, and he could move into a senior O line role during any internal reshuffle.

Possible domino effects include scheme adjustments and player reassignments. For example, a LaFleur exit could force new concepts in the passing game, and young pass-catchers might adapt slowly. Conversely, promoting Scheelhaase or Ragone would preserve continuity, and it would limit outside disruption.

For coaching histories and context, see LaFleur’s coaching record at LaFleur’s Coaching Record and NFL coaching news at NFL Coaching News.

CONCLUSION

The 2026 offseason could strip key assistants from Sean McVay’s staff. This analysis explains why departures feel likely while remaining speculative. Because the Rams built a top-10 defense with minimal defensive cash, coaches such as Chris Shula command attention. Mike LaFleur’s No. 1 offense likewise draws head coach interest, and Nate Scheelhaase has proven league appeal. If Shula leaves he could take assistants with him, and that raises retention risk. As a result, the Rams face choices: promote from inside or recruit outside. Promoting Aubrey Pleasant would preserve continuity, but outside hires can reshape scheme quickly. Therefore front-office strategy on contracts and succession will matter for player development and play-calling. We will watch interviews, promotions, and staff movement closely this winter.

For ongoing coverage and expert analysis visit Rams News LLC. Follow their Twitter/X handle @ZachGatsby.

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