Nathan Scheelhaase is starting to make serious noise in NFL coaching circles - and it’s a storyline worth watching, especially for fans of Illinois football.
A former four-year starting quarterback for the Illini, Scheelhaase has steadily climbed the coaching ladder since his playing days in Champaign. Now, he’s drawing head coaching interest from not one, not two, but four NFL teams. According to reports, Scheelhaase is set to interview with the Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns - all in one day.
That’s no small feat. In a league where head coaching searches often revolve around familiar names, Scheelhaase is breaking through - and doing it on merit.
Let’s rewind for a moment. Scheelhaase was a dual-threat quarterback at Illinois, racking up over 8,500 passing yards and 55 touchdowns through the air, along with more than 2,000 rushing yards and 19 scores on the ground. He was a steady presence under center, known for his leadership and playmaking ability - traits that have clearly translated to his coaching career.
After his playing days, he jumped right into coaching, starting on the Illinois staff in 2015 as a running backs coach. He then moved into an offensive analyst role for two seasons before heading to Iowa State, where his responsibilities steadily increased. At ISU, he coached running backs, then wide receivers, and eventually became the offensive coordinator - gaining experience in multiple facets of offensive design and game planning.
That versatility paid off. In 2024, Scheelhaase made the leap to the NFL, joining the Los Angeles Rams as an offensive assistant.
This past season, he served as the Rams’ pass game coordinator - a key role in one of the league’s most innovative offenses. And now, he’s on the radar for head coaching positions across the league.
Let’s be clear: Scheelhaase landing interviews with four franchises is a big deal, regardless of whether he walks away with a head coaching job this cycle. These meetings are about more than just a potential hire - they’re a chance for organizations to get to know a rising coach who’s building a strong reputation for his offensive acumen, leadership, and adaptability.
And for Scheelhaase, it’s a chance to plant the seed. Even if he doesn’t land a head coaching gig this time around, he’s now in the room with decision-makers. That exposure can lead to future opportunities - whether that’s as a head coach down the line or a high-profile offensive coordinator role in the near term.
Illinois has long produced NFL talent on the field, even during down years for the program. But the coaching pipeline hasn’t been quite as robust - until now.
Scheelhaase’s rise is a sign that’s changing. He’s showing that with the right mix of experience, innovation, and persistence, there’s a path from Big Ten quarterback to NFL head coaching candidate.
This is a name to remember. Nathan Scheelhaase is on the rise - and the rest of the league is starting to take notice.