The Los Angeles Rams are rehashing their team after a disappointing 2019 season saw them miss the playoffs. One of the changes made was in the coaching staff as they added Denver Broncos OLB coach Brandon Staley as the replacement for Wade Phillips.
NFL.com correspondent Ian Rapoport was one of the first who reported the hiring after deciding to part ways with the former Dallas Cowboys head coach. Rapaport shared his surprise at the hiring, given the quality of DC candidates available in the market.
The #Rams are hiring Brandon Staley, formerly the #Broncos outside linebackers coach, as their new defensive coordinator, source said. A surprise hire and the first branch of the Vic Fangio defensive tree.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 11, 2020
The separation from Phillips was understandable. The Rams defense fell sharply after having one of the best defenses in the league the year prior. Their lackluster defense saw them miss out on the playoffs a year after making the Super Bowl. It was easy to see that a coaching change was needed to be done.
However, fans would have never guessed that one of Vic Fangio's proteges would be getting the recommendation. There are plenty of outstanding candidates with experience in the DC position that could fulfill the job well.
The hire was likely made based on the performance of the run defense against opponents. The Rams have the sixth-best record when it comes to rushing touchdowns at nine. Meanwhile, the Rams were 25th in the league with 15 ceded rushing TDs.
Having Staley as DC will help shore up the holes in the rushing defense. Moreover, keeping the rest of the defensive coaching staff would mean that the pass defense will likely stay the same. If they manage to improve their rushing game, their 13th-ranked offense should easily bounce back to the top-ten positions.
Speculation could only take us so far, though. It will take until September for Rams fans to figure out if he is the right man for the job.
Follow Us
Subscribe