The Los Angeles Rams are beginning an offensive transition after losing their coordinator to a head coaching job. Head coach Sean McVay hinted this week that the search for Mike LaFleur’s replacement will start inside the building.
Sean McVay Points to Internal Candidates After Mike LaFleur Departure
McVay said there are “in-house candidates” to consider for the offensive coordinator position, according to Associated Press Rams reporter Greg Beacham. The comment provided the first indication of how the Rams intend to address the vacancy created when LaFleur was hired as the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach over the weekend.
Sean McVay says there are “in-house candidates” to consider to replace OC Mike LaFleur. Hmm wonder who that could be.
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) February 2, 2026
LaFleur served as McVay’s coordinator for three seasons and helped oversee one of the NFC’s best offenses. The Rams ranked first in PFSN’s NFL Offense Impact Metric this season. LaFleur’s exit marks the fifth time since 2017 that McVay has appointed a new coordinator. McVay has always been the Rams’ play caller and is expected to remain so despite the looming new hire.
Among the assistants currently on staff, pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase carries the most recent experience in the Rams’ system. Scheelhaase has worked with McVay for two seasons. He was promoted to pass game coordinator in 2025Â after previously coaching tight ends.
Scheelhaase interviewed for multiple head coaching jobs this offseason and also met with the Buccaneers and Jaguars for their offensive coordinator openings. Under NFL rules, the Rams would be unable to block Scheelhaase from interviewing for coordinator positions elsewhere because he is not currently an OC. Corresponding lateral moves can be blocked by retaining clubs.
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McVay has previously filled coordinator vacancies with coaches already familiar with his terminology and systems. Kevin O’Connell, Liam Coen, and LaFleur all came from within McVay’s offensive structure before taking the coordinator role in Los Angeles.
The Rams’ offense in 2025 surged once again. Los Angeles reached the NFC Championship game, losing to the Seahawks for a third time this season. Quarterback Matthew Stafford started all 17 games despite entering the year with a back injury. The passing attack centered on star receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
LaFleur arrives in Arizona after three seasons as the Rams’ offensive coordinator, becoming the fourth assistant under McVay to land a head coaching job. The 38-year-old previously served as the 49ers’ passing game coordinator from 2017-20, working alongside Kyle Shanahan and Mike McDaniel.
The hire creates two sets of brothers as NFL head coaches, joining Matt LaFleur and the Harbaughs. Arizona seeks new leadership and direction after a 3-14 season that included eight one-score losses.
