Rams Elevate Nate Scheelhaase to Offensive Coordinator Role

In a significant coaching staff overhaul, the Los Angeles Rams have promoted Nate Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator and named Dave Ragone as co-offensive coordinator.

Nate Scheelhaase has officially ascended to the role of offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, moving up from his previous post as the team’s passing game coordinator. This internal promotion, first reported by ESPN, places the former Illinois quarterback at the helm of the scoring unit. Simultaneously, the organization has designated Dave Ragone as the co-offensive coordinator, a title he will hold while maintaining his existing duties as the quarterbacks coach. These administrative adjustments represent a calculated shift in the hierarchy under head coach Sean McVay as the franchise prepares for the 2024-2025 campaign.

Scheelhaase joined the professional ranks following a successful stint at Iowa State, where he served as the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for the Cyclones. During his tenure in Ames, he was instrumental in developing an offense that averaged 26.2 points per game in 2023. His transition to the NFL saw him quickly gain trust within the Rams' facility, leading to his initial appointment as the passing game specialist before this latest elevation to the primary coordinator position. The 33-year-old coach now takes on the responsibility of orchestrating a unit that finished the previous season ranked in the top ten for total yards.

Dave Ragone brings a different layer of experience to this collaborative leadership structure, having previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons from 2021 through 2023. His dual role as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach ensures that the development of the signal-callers remains integrated with the broader tactical vision of the team. Ragone’s history includes significant time with the Chicago Bears and Tennessee Titans, providing a veteran perspective to balance Scheelhaase’s rapid rise through the coaching ranks. This partnership is designed to streamline game-planning processes and diversify the team's approach to situational football.

The restructuring comes at a time when the Rams are looking to build upon a playoff appearance and a productive offensive output. By dividing the coordinator responsibilities, the team creates a specialized environment where Scheelhaase can focus on overall strategy while Ragone manages the intricacies of the quarterback room. This model mirrors similar setups used across the league to manage the heavy workload associated with modern NFL offensive systems. The specific division of play-calling duties remains a point of internal logistics, though the titles confirm a shared authority over the offensive roster.

Statistically, the Rams' offense showed significant growth last year, and these coaching changes aim to sustain that momentum. The passing attack, which Scheelhaase previously supervised, accounted for over 4,000 yards through the air, a metric the team hopes to improve with his expanded oversight. With Ragone’s expertise in veteran quarterback management, the staff is positioned to maximize the remaining window of their current roster core. These moves were finalized this week as the team begins its offseason program and evaluates incoming talent through the draft and free agency cycles.