Rams Overhaul Coaching Staff After Disappointing 2025 Season
The Los Angeles Rams concluded the 2025 NFL season with a clear understanding that their performance fell significantly short of expectations. Under the leadership of head coach Sean McVay, the offense struggled to find its characteristic sharpness and consistent rhythm throughout the year. This inconsistency was particularly glaring for a franchise known for its offensive innovation and execution.
While McVay avoided making immediate promises about dramatic roster changes, he strongly hinted that organizational adjustments were imminent. On February 23, 2026, those changes materialized through two significant coaching appointments that blend external expertise with internal familiarity.
Kliff Kingsbury Brings Offensive Expertise to Rams Staff
The Rams made a strategic move by hiring Kliff Kingsbury as assistant head coach. Kingsbury joins the organization after spending the previous two seasons as offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders. Prior to that, he served as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 2019 to 2022, leading them to a playoff appearance in 2021.
Kingsbury's offensive philosophy has consistently emphasized spacing, tempo, and quarterback comfort, with his teams often starting games with explosive offensive production. His experience against NFC West defenses during his Arizona tenure provides the Rams with valuable divisional insights that could prove crucial in upcoming matchups.
Importantly, Kingsbury's role with the Rams will not involve primary play-calling responsibilities, as McVay will maintain control over offensive play selection. Instead, Kingsbury will serve as a senior offensive voice who can challenge ideas during game planning sessions and help refine weekly strategic approaches.
Robert Woods Returns to Provide Leadership and Continuity
While Kingsbury brings an external perspective, Robert Woods' return provides internal continuity and leadership. Earlier this offseason, Woods signed a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as a Ram after completing a distinguished 12-year NFL career. He played under Sean McVay from 2017 to 2021 and was instrumental in helping the team reach Super Bowl LIII in 2018.
Woods' impact extended far beyond his receiving statistics. He excelled as a blocker in the running game, handled motion responsibilities with precision, and consistently performed in high-pressure situations. His understanding of McVay's offensive system and his credibility within the organization make him uniquely positioned to mentor younger players.
Woods will now serve as assistant wide receivers coach, working directly with a young receiving corps that needs steady guidance and professional development. His firsthand experience in the same offensive system gives him immediate credibility that cannot be artificially manufactured.
Complete Offensive Coaching Structure Takes Shape
The Rams have clearly defined their offensive coaching responsibilities for the upcoming season:
- Rob Calabrese will coach the wide receivers
- Ryan Wendell will handle the offensive line
- Scott Huff will work with the tight ends
- Ron Gould will lead the running backs
- Zak Kromer and Brian Allen will serve as assistant coaches on the offensive line
This coaching reshuffle also includes Nate Scheelhaase stepping into the offensive coordinator role following Mike LaFleur's departure from the organization. Within this context, the additions of Kingsbury and Woods appear to be substantive rather than superficial moves.
Strategic Moves Aim to Reignite Rams' Offensive Spark
The dual appointments of Kliff Kingsbury and Robert Woods represent a calculated effort by Sean McVay and the Rams organization to address the offensive shortcomings that plagued their 2025 campaign. Kingsbury provides tactical depth and fresh perspectives on offensive strategy, while Woods offers leadership qualities and institutional knowledge.
Together, these coaching additions could provide the genuine spark needed to revitalize an offense that failed to meet expectations last season. The Rams are clearly positioning themselves for a stronger performance in 2026 by blending innovative external thinking with proven internal understanding of their offensive system and culture.
