ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Los Angeles Rams might have targeted their next offensive coordinator in Atlanta Falcons QB Coach Matt LaFleur:
The Los Angeles Rams will request permission to speak with LaFleur after Super Bowl LI, as new head coach Sean McVay tries to reunite with the coach he once worked with on the Washington Redskins, according to sources.
LaFleur is interested in going from Atlanta to Los Angeles to reunite with McVay, who views LaFleur as a man capable of helping him implement his offense and teaching former No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff how to shine in the NFL game.
Atlanta could try to keep LaFleur, but it has expressed interest in a more experienced playcaller, someone such as former 49ers head coach Chip Kelly.
LaFleur cracked the NFL with the Houston Texans in 2008 and 2009 as their offensive quality control coach. He then spent four years as the QB coach with the Washington Football Team (during which time McVay was Washington’s assistant tight ends coach and then tight ends coach outright) before a one year gig as the QB coach for Notre Dame and these last two years overseeing quarterbacks with the Atlanta Falcons.
Given McVay’s experience on the offensive side of the ball and that he will be calling plays at least for his first year as head coach, the offensive coordinator position won’t be as big of a lift as it would be otherwise.
Nonetheless, it’s a clear indication that the offensive identity will be built around developing the career of young franchise QB Jared Goff.