Nate Scheelhaase, a Rams assistant, finishes his interview for an OC position.

In the fast-paced and competitive world of the NFL, assistant coaches are constantly climbing the ranks, seeking opportunities to prove their worth at the highest level. One such coach who is currently in the spotlight is Nate Scheelhaase, the Los Angeles Rams’ assistant coach who recently completed his interview for an offensive coordinator (OC) position. Scheelhaase, who has made significant strides in his coaching career, is now one step closer to taking on a major role in the NFL, one that could shape the future of the Rams’ offense and his own career trajectory.

Scheelhaase’s potential promotion comes at a time when the Rams are evaluating their offensive strategies, particularly in light of some recent struggles on that side of the ball. With head coach Sean McVay already highly regarded for his offensive acumen, the addition of a new offensive coordinator could serve to complement McVay’s style and inject new ideas into a system that, while effective, has faced challenges in recent seasons. Scheelhaase’s background and experience position him as a strong candidate for the job, and this interview marks a key moment in his journey to becoming a full-fledged NFL offensive coordinator.

Nate Scheelhaase: A Rising Star in the Coaching World

Nate Scheelhaase’s coaching career is still in its relatively early stages, but the former quarterback has already made a notable impression in the NFL. Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Scheelhaase’s football journey began in college, where he played quarterback for the University of Illinois. Scheelhaase became a standout player for the Fighting Illini, where he led the team to bowl games and developed a deep understanding of the quarterback position. His leadership on the field and knowledge of offensive schemes caught the attention of NFL scouts and eventually led him to coaching.

After his playing career, Scheelhaase made the transition to coaching, starting as a graduate assistant at the University of Illinois. His early experiences as a coach helped him refine his skills and deepen his understanding of offensive football. It was clear from the outset that Scheelhaase had a natural ability to teach and lead, qualities that are essential for a successful offensive coordinator.

In 2018, Scheelhaase took the leap to the NFL, joining the Los Angeles Rams as an offensive assistant under head coach Sean McVay. His first few seasons in the NFL allowed him to work alongside some of the best minds in the game, gaining invaluable experience and learning from McVay, whose reputation as one of the league’s most innovative offensive coaches has only grown over the years.

Scheelhaase’s role with the Rams primarily involved working with the quarterbacks, assisting McVay in designing plays and coaching up the team’s signal-callers. This experience gave him an opportunity to further develop his own philosophy on offensive football and gain a greater understanding of how to work within McVay’s system. Over the years, Scheelhaase has proven to be a sharp, up-and-coming coach with a wealth of potential.

The Need for an Offensive Coordinator

The Rams, under McVay’s leadership, have traditionally been known for their dynamic and high-scoring offense, with a focus on play-action passing, zone runs, and exploiting mismatches. However, the 2023 season was a reminder that even the most talented teams can face struggles, especially when there are injuries to key players or when schemes begin to show their limitations.

The Rams’ offensive struggles in recent seasons have made them more eager to find fresh ideas and new perspectives to reinvigorate their playcalling. While McVay is a brilliant offensive mind, the demands of being a head coach can stretch a coach thin. McVay has admitted in the past that his workload has increased, and as such, the Rams have been exploring the possibility of hiring an offensive coordinator to take some of the load off of him and add a new dimension to their offensive playbook.

Scheelhaase’s candidacy for the offensive coordinator role has gained significant attention because of his growing reputation as a capable coach and his strong relationship with McVay. Having already been a part of McVay’s staff for several seasons, Scheelhaase understands the Rams’ offense and has a deep understanding of McVay’s systems. His background as a former quarterback gives him unique insights into how to get the best out of the Rams’ signal-callers, whether it’s Matthew Stafford or another quarterback who may be in the mix moving forward.

With the Rams’ offense needing a bit of a reset, a fresh voice in the offensive coordinator role could be exactly what the team needs to remain competitive in a tough NFC West division. This makes Scheelhaase a logical and intriguing candidate, particularly given the potential for him to bring new ideas to the offense without straying too far from the system that has been successful for the Rams in the past.

The Interview Process: What We Know

Nate Scheelhaase’s interview for the offensive coordinator role was highly anticipated, and as expected, it was a key moment in his coaching career. Given the nature of the NFL coaching landscape, where decisions are often made quickly and with little public insight, details of the interview itself have remained somewhat limited. However, sources close to the Rams organization have indicated that Scheelhaase impressed in his interview, particularly with his ability to articulate his vision for the offense and his approach to working with the team’s quarterbacks.

Scheelhaase’s experience as a quarterback himself is something that stood out to the Rams during the interview process. His knowledge of the nuances of the quarterback position, combined with his understanding of offensive play design, allows him to offer a unique perspective on how to develop a more dynamic and effective offense. With Stafford potentially facing health concerns and other players on the roster vying for starting roles, Scheelhaase’s experience in managing quarterbacks will be critical as he works with the Rams’ signal-callers.

While the specifics of the interview have not been made public, it is believed that Scheelhaase’s understanding of McVay’s philosophy played a key role in the interview. As an assistant coach under McVay for several years, Scheelhaase is already well-versed in the intricacies of the Rams’ offensive system. However, he also demonstrated his ability to think outside the box, suggesting ways that the offense could evolve and take advantage of new trends in the NFL.

In addition, Scheelhaase’s ability to develop relationships with players was likely another selling point. The Rams’ offensive success hinges not just on schematic execution but also on the players’ trust and comfort with the coaching staff. Scheelhaase, known for his ability to communicate effectively, has earned the respect of many players, and his leadership qualities would likely serve him well in a more prominent role as offensive coordinator.

What Would Scheelhaase Bring to the Rams’ Offense?

If Scheelhaase were to be promoted to offensive coordinator, what could the Rams expect from him? First and foremost, they would get a coach who is well-versed in McVay’s system but also has the freedom to innovate. McVay’s offense has already proven to be effective at creating mismatches and generating big plays, but as with any system, it needs to be continually adjusted to stay ahead of defenses.

Scheelhaase’s understanding of offensive concepts, combined with his ability to adapt and adjust, would allow him to take McVay’s system to the next level. With a quarterback like Stafford, who is capable of making every throw on the field, Scheelhaase would be tasked with finding ways to optimize the passing game and make the most of Stafford’s unique skill set. His focus on balance—incorporating both the run and pass efficiently—would also be crucial for keeping opposing defenses guessing.

One area where Scheelhaase could bring fresh ideas is in terms of utilizing young talent. With the Rams’ ongoing roster transitions, including potential changes in their offensive line and wide receiver corps, Scheelhaase would likely play a pivotal role in integrating new players into the system. His background as a quarterback coach would also make him adept at tailoring offensive schemes to fit the strengths and weaknesses of each player, whether it’s a backup quarterback or an emerging star.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Scheelhaase?

While the interview process for the offensive coordinator position may have ended, the Rams’ decision is still up in the air. However, regardless of the outcome, Scheelhaase’s future in the NFL coaching ranks looks very promising. Whether or not he gets the OC job with the Rams, it’s clear that Scheelhaase has positioned himself as one of the top young coaching minds in the league.

For the Rams, the next step is crucial. With a changing roster and an offense that needs a spark, they’ll need someone who understands both the intricacies of their system and the evolving trends in modern football. Nate Scheelhaase could be that coach, and if given the opportunity, he could lead the Rams into a new era of offensive innovation and success.