The Rams responded publicly with a succinct message of gratitude, wishing LaFleur “Best of luck” as he moves on. LaFleur’s resume includes prior play-calling duties with the New York Jets in 2021 and 2022, and his three seasons in Los Angeles positioned him as a natural successor to McVay’s offensive ecosystem.
That departure could clear a path for the Rams to promote Nathan Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator, a scenario floated by industry observers after the news circulated. Albert Breer of SI hinted that Scheelhaase’s ascent could be the preferred route to preserve continuity and minimize the disruption that often accompanies a high-profile OC transition.
If Scheelhaase is promoted, the Rams will likely need to widen his title and responsibilities to discourage pursuit from other clubs, especially as McVay remains the play-caller and general manager Les Snead continues to shape the roster. The dynamic underscores how the Rams’ success has bred a run of internal promotion opportunities, while also creating new pressure points whenever a key lieutenant departs.
The move also highlights broader staff dynamics for Los Angeles, which recently added Bubba Ventrone as special teams coordinator. It remains to be seen how other candidates—such as defensive coordinator coach Chris Shula—will navigate the evolving landscape, particularly given reports of a difficult interview with the Pittsburgh Steelers this cycle. Still, another strong season with McVay and the Rams could keep Shula in the mix for future opportunities.
In the end, the Cardinals’ decision to hire LaFleur sends a clear message: even successful NFL staffs are subject to turnover, and the teams that navigate those changes most effectively—like the Rams under McVay—will lean on internal promotion and continuity to stay competitive. As Los Angeles moves forward, the question becomes how quickly Scheelhaase can step into a larger role and how the Rams will balance preserving McVay’s play-calling with broader leadership in the coaching staff.
