Liam Coen “Inspired” Rams Sean McVay, Who Aims to Boost Offense in 2025
The Los Angeles Rams are a team that’s known for its high-powered offense and strategic innovation, especially under head coach Sean McVay. Since taking the helm in 2017, McVay revolutionized the Rams’ offense, leading them to a Super Bowl appearance in 2019 and capturing the coveted Lombardi Trophy in 2022. However, the 2023 season revealed that the Rams’ offense had taken a step backward, as the team struggled to find consistency following a slew of injuries and roster changes. Now, as the Rams prepare for the 2025 season, the focus is squarely on improving their offensive production, and a key figure in that process is offensive coordinator Liam Coen, whose arrival has been described as a source of inspiration for McVay.
The Evolution of Sean McVay’s Offensive Philosophy
When Sean McVay first arrived in Los Angeles, he inherited a team that was underperforming offensively. With his reputation as an offensive mastermind, McVay quickly turned the Rams into one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL. His ability to scheme creative, high-scoring offenses with a focus on play-action and explosive passing concepts helped the Rams set numerous offensive records during his early years.
However, the offensive production waned in 2023, with injuries to key players like quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp, as well as an inconsistent offensive line, leading to a lack of continuity. McVay, while still considered one of the brightest offensive minds in the league, recognized that the Rams’ offense needed a spark—a new approach to rejuvenate the offense and keep it competitive in a rapidly evolving NFL.
This is where Liam Coen comes into the picture.
Liam Coen’s Impact on McVay and the Rams’ Offense
Liam Coen, a familiar face to McVay and the Rams, was brought in as the offensive coordinator with a clear mandate: to help elevate the offense back to its previous heights. Coen had worked with McVay during his first tenure in Los Angeles, serving as the assistant wide receivers coach in 2018. Later, Coen took on roles as an offensive coordinator at the collegiate level, including a successful stint at the University of Kentucky, where he helped develop one of the most potent offenses in the SEC.
Coen’s offensive philosophy has always been a balance of creative play designs, emphasis on the run game, and a willingness to attack defenses both vertically and horizontally. His ability to mesh these philosophies with McVay’s established system has been a critical part of what makes him such a great fit for the Rams.
“Liam has a natural ability to inspire those around him,” McVay explained when asked about Coen’s return. “When we brought him back to the organization, we knew he would bring a fresh perspective. The combination of his creativity and his experience in the NFL and college ranks gives us exactly what we need to take our offense to the next level.”
McVay also praised Coen’s ability to simplify complex offensive concepts and communicate them effectively to players. This ability is crucial in an offense like the Rams’ that relies heavily on timing and precision. Having a coordinator who can distill complex ideas into simple, executable plays allows McVay to focus on the bigger picture and manage the team as a whole, while Coen takes the reins in the offensive meetings and play-calling responsibilities.
Coen’s Influence on the Rams’ Roster in 2025
As the Rams gear up for the 2025 season, it’s clear that Coen’s presence has already begun to influence roster decisions. McVay and the front office have made strategic moves to improve the offense, adding pieces that fit into Coen’s vision while complementing McVay’s established system.
- Quarterback Position: Matthew Stafford’s Role in the 2025 Offense
Matthew Stafford, the Rams’ veteran quarterback, will play a pivotal role in the team’s offensive resurgence. Stafford’s arm strength and ability to make all the necessary throws in McVay’s system are key assets, but Coen’s influence has been noticeable in how Stafford approaches the offense in 2025. Under Coen’s guidance, Stafford is expected to have more freedom at the line of scrimmage and in pre-snap reads, giving him a better opportunity to capitalize on mismatches and maximize the offense’s potential.
With Stafford’s experience, Coen has worked to simplify the playbook while still maintaining the vertical attack that McVay favors. Stafford has expressed confidence in his relationship with Coen, citing how the offensive coordinator’s presence has invigorated his passion for the game.
“Liam brings an energy that is contagious,” Stafford said. “He makes sure that I’m comfortable with the offense, and at the same time, he challenges me to step outside of my comfort zone. That’s what makes him such a great coach. He’s helped me understand the offense at a deeper level.”
With Stafford leading the way, the Rams expect to have a more dynamic offense in 2025, with a better ability to attack defenses with a blend of the quick-hitting passing game and the deep vertical shots downfield.
- Wide Receivers: Cooper Kupp and the Supporting Cast
Cooper Kupp, the Rams’ All-Pro wide receiver, has been the foundation of the offense since his breakout season in 2021. However, Kupp’s injuries in 2023 hampered the Rams’ passing game, and there were times when the offense seemed to lack the spark that made it so potent in previous seasons.
Coen’s return to the team is expected to give Kupp more opportunities to work in different formations, allowing him to exploit his full skill set. Coen’s ability to use motion, misdirection, and play-action to create separation for receivers will be a valuable tool for getting the most out of Kupp and the other receivers on the roster.
Additionally, the Rams have focused on adding depth to the wide receiver corps, signing free-agent talents and using the draft to secure young, explosive options. These additions are likely to benefit from Coen’s system, as the new offensive coordinator is expected to tailor his game plans around getting the ball into the hands of playmakers, whether it’s through the air or on the ground.
- The Running Back Room: A Balanced Attack
One of the key elements of Coen’s philosophy is his emphasis on a balanced offense. In 2023, the Rams struggled with consistency in the run game, particularly with injuries to their running backs. However, Coen’s return signals an increased focus on the running back position, as he is expected to implement more creative run schemes that allow the Rams to control the clock and open up passing lanes.
The Rams will continue to feature Cam Akers, who has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency. With Coen’s tutelage, Akers will have a chance to thrive in a more structured run game, where zone-blocking and misdirection will be key principles. The Rams also plan to add more depth to the running back room through the draft or free agency, providing them with multiple options and allowing Coen to employ a running-back-by-committee approach.
- Offensive Line: Protecting Stafford and Establishing the Run
The offensive line has been a persistent issue for the Rams in recent years, and in 2025, McVay and Coen will need to ensure that the offensive line plays at a higher level in order for the offense to thrive. While the line has been a source of frustration in the past, the Rams are expected to make some changes and improve depth along the front. Coen’s arrival will bring an increased focus on offensive line technique and creating a more cohesive unit that can open up running lanes while also giving Stafford ample time in the pocket.
The importance of the offensive line cannot be overstated in the Rams’ offensive system, and Coen’s approach will undoubtedly include more emphasis on establishing a consistent, balanced attack.
Looking Ahead: Rams’ Offensive Potential in 2025
As the 2025 season draws near, the Rams’ offensive unit appears poised for a significant rebound. Under the leadership of Sean McVay and the guidance of Liam Coen, the offense has the potential to return to its high-flying form, capable of challenging for NFC supremacy once again. Stafford, Kupp, and the rest of the offensive talent have all the tools they need to execute McVay and Coen’s vision.
With Coen’s creative mind and McVay’s leadership, the Rams’ offense should be more diverse, balanced, and capable of executing in clutch moments. Whether it’s through Stafford’s arm, Kupp’s route-running, or an improved run game, the Rams are primed for a fresh offensive identity in 2025—one that takes inspiration from Coen’s innovations and McVay’s longstanding reputation for offensive brilliance.
“We’ve got the pieces to be great again,” McVay said in a recent interview. “Liam has brought a new energy to our offense, and I’m excited about where we can go with this group. It’s going to be an exciting year for Rams fans.”
For Rams fans, 2025 promises to be a season of revitalization and excitement as McVay and Coen work together to reignite the offense and lead the team back to prominence.
