NFC West Notes: Tensions, Departures, and a Familiar Face in a New Uniform
There’s no shortage of offseason intrigue in the NFC West right now, with coaching shakeups, quiet departures, and some simmering tension between division rivals. Let’s dive into what’s happening around the 49ers, Rams, and Seahawks.
49ers: Quiet Exit for a Key Defensive Voice
There’s a bit of mystery brewing in San Francisco. Daniel Bullocks, the 49ers’ defensive backs coach, is no longer listed on the team’s official coaching roster. That’s notable, especially considering there’s been no formal announcement or reported move involving Bullocks.
This kind of quiet departure raises eyebrows, particularly for a coach who’s been part of a unit that helped anchor one of the league’s most consistently strong defenses. Whether this is a sign of a larger staff shakeup or simply a transition behind the scenes, it’s a storyline to keep an eye on as the 49ers recalibrate heading into next season.
Rams: Coaching Changes and a Fractured Farewell
The Rams are making moves - and not just on the roster. Interim special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica is out, along with assistants Mike Harris and Matthew Harper. These changes suggest Sean McVay and the front office are looking to reset parts of the coaching staff after a rollercoaster season.
But the bigger story might be what’s happening off the field - and in the past.
Cooper Kupp’s exit from Los Angeles wasn’t just a business decision. According to Kupp himself, it was personal.
“When it ended with the Rams, we weren’t in a good place,” he said. That’s a strong statement from a player who was once the face of the franchise and a Super Bowl MVP.
And he’s not alone in feeling cast aside. Linebacker Ernest Jones IV, who also spent time with the Rams before being traded to the Titans in 2024, echoed a similar sentiment.
“They were done with him,” Jones said of Kupp. “They said that about a lot of us.”
Jones, now with the Seahawks, was one of the voices encouraging Kupp to make the move north. He reached out personally, telling Kupp he believed Seattle had the makings of a Super Bowl contender - and that Kupp could be a key piece in making that happen.
“Not only do we want you, but we want you because you’ll be a beneficial part and help us win this championship,” Jones told him. Kupp listened.
And now he’s in Seattle, chasing another ring.
But what really soured things in L.A.? According to reports, the Rams didn’t offer Kupp a chance to restructure his contract before releasing him.
Instead, he says he was urged to retire. Some sources even claim the Rams may have dissuaded other teams from signing him for anything more than the veteran minimum, citing his age and injury history.
The tension reportedly started when Kupp felt like an afterthought in the offense following the emergence of rookie sensation Puka Nacua. He also believed the team wasn’t transparent about whether they explored trading him before the 2024 deadline.
To make matters worse, when the release finally came, Kupp said he didn’t even receive a call from the Rams' top brass to thank him for his years of service. He did eventually speak with head coach Sean McVay, and by all accounts, their relationship remains strong. But the damage with the organization as a whole appears to be done.
Seahawks-Rams: Rivalry Gets Personal
If you thought the Kupp-Rams split was just a behind-the-scenes story, think again. It spilled over onto the field - and even into the stadium elevator.
During the Week 16 matchup between the Seahawks and Rams, tensions boiled over at halftime. After Kupp fumbled in the red zone during the second quarter, a Rams offensive coach reportedly asked, “Who fumbled?”
before smirking when told it was Kupp. That reaction didn’t sit well with Seahawks outside linebackers coach Chris Partridge, who confronted Rams assistant Drew Wilkins.
The exchange turned heated, with Partridge needing to be restrained by fellow coaches.
It’s the kind of moment that underscores just how personal this rivalry has become - and how much Kupp’s departure has left lingering emotions on both sidelines.
Looking Ahead
The NFC West isn’t short on storylines heading into the offseason. The 49ers are quietly tweaking their staff.
The Rams are reshaping their coaching corps while dealing with the fallout of a fractured relationship with one of their all-time greats. And the Seahawks?
They might just be building something special - with a little help from a former rival.
One thing’s for sure: When these teams meet next season, it won’t just be about X’s and O’s. There’s real history now. And that’s what makes this division must-watch football.