Mike LaFleur
Getty
Former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur
After three seasons as offensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams, Mike LaFleur will now face his former team twice a season, taking the head coaching job with the Arizona Cardinals.
The Rams conducted an offensive coordinator search but opted for an internal hire, promoting pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator (with quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone as co-offensive coordinator).
Rams senior staff writer Stu Jackson spoke with the new Cardinals head coach at the NFL Annual Meeting, asking about the recently promoted OC.
Mike LaFleur on New Rams Offensive Coordinator
Arizona Cardinals, Mike LaFleur
GettyMike LaFleur had positive words about his Nate Scheelhaase
Matthew Stafford has one of the best seasons of his career with Nate Scheelhaase as the team’s pass game coordinator, throwing for 4,707 yards and 46 pass touchdowns, both the highest in the league. The quarterbacks’ performance in the 2025 season landed him the Most Valuable Player award.
LA had the league’s best passing offense with Scheelhaase as the passing game coordinator, so it makes sense for the team to promote him to OC.
Stu Jackson spoke to LaFleur and asked about the Rams’ decision to make Nate Scheelhaase the next offensive coordinator.
“I’ve been on record there in L.A. a lot just talking about what I feel in Nate Scheelhaase, so that was a no-brainer,” LaFleur said, via the Rams. “Obviously, he’s prepped for that. He sat in with Sean and I in a handful of game planning (meetings) and stuff like that, so he kind of knows what that 3 a.m. wake up call looks like Wednesday through Friday.”
“But he’s a stud of a coach. He’s a better person. He’s a better connector than he is even a coach, and that’s strong, and he’s going to do a great job for them… His future is obviously really bright.”
The 2026 season will be Scheelhaase’s first as offensive coordinator, but his third with the team after initially joining as an offensive assistant and passing game specialist.
Sean McVay was excited about the promotion of Nate Scheelhaase, calling him a “stud” who’s involved in all parts of the game plan.
” I thought it was cool that he chose to say with us with some other opportunities he had,” McVay said, via NBC Sports. “That meant a lot to me. He is a rising star, without a doubt.”
Puka Nacua Fan of Nate Scheelhaase
Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua
GettyLos Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua
Nate Scheelhaase is one of the younger offensive coordinators in the league, and as Mike LaFleur pointed out, it can help when connecting to the players.
Wide receiver Puka Nacua called Scheelhaase a modern-age coach who understands how to communicate with the players.
“His ability to communicate what our job is on Wednesday through Sunday is something that I’d say has been a blessing in our room,” the wide receiver said, via the Rams.
With Nate Scheelhaase now the offensive coordinator, Los Angeles’ passing offense can take new heights despite being the best in the 2025 season.