The Los Angeles Rams have officially locked in their coaching lineup for the 2026 season, with Sean McVay at the helm. Here's a closer look at the new faces and some familiar ones taking on different roles.
New Additions to the Rams' Coaching Staff:
- Assistant Head Coach: Kliff Kingsbury joins the Rams, bringing a wealth of experience from both college and NFL sidelines. Kingsbury's journey has been anything but ordinary, with stints at Texas Tech, USC, and a head coaching role with the Arizona Cardinals. His offensive mind is sure to add a fresh dynamic to the Rams' strategy.
- Assistant Offensive Line Coach: Brian Allen steps into a crucial role, focusing on the trenches where games are often won or lost.
- Assistant Wide Receivers Coach: Robert Woods, a name Rams fans know well, returns to the team, this time contributing his insights off the field.
- Defensive Assistant: Robert Wright joins the defensive brain trust, ready to bolster the Rams' efforts on that side of the ball.
- Assistant Defensive Backs Coach: Michael Hunter will be working closely with the secondary, aiming to sharpen the Rams' defensive edge.
- Senior Offensive Assistant: Brian Johnson adds his expertise to the offensive playbook, bringing new ideas and strategies.
- Special Teams Coordinator: Bubba Ventrone takes charge of special teams, an area that often proves pivotal in tight contests.
- Assistant Special Teams Coach: Kyle Hoke will support Ventrone, ensuring the special teams unit is firing on all cylinders.
Promotions Within the Rams' Ranks:
- Nate Scheelhaase moves up to Offensive Coordinator, previously serving as the Pass Game Coordinator. His promotion suggests a vote of confidence in his vision for the Rams' aerial attack.
- Rob Calabrese transitions to Wide Receivers Coach from his role as an Offensive Assistant. His familiarity with the team could translate into seamless communication and execution.
- Jimmy Lake steps up as the Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach, building on his experience as a Senior Defensive Assistant. Lake's promotion signals a strategic emphasis on tightening the Rams' pass defense.
Notably absent from this list is Aubrey Pleasant, the former Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Pass Game Coordinator. Despite interviewing for several defensive coordinator positions this offseason, he hasn't secured a new role yet.
Kingsbury's journey is particularly intriguing. After a rollercoaster ride at Texas Tech, where he led the team to three bowl games, he ventured into the NFL with the Cardinals. His return to the college ranks and subsequent move back to the NFL with the Commanders reflects a career full of twists and turns.
With these strategic hires and promotions, the Rams seem poised to tackle the upcoming season with renewed energy and focus. Each coach brings a unique perspective, and together, they form a staff ready to make waves in 2026.