Can the LA Rams overcome this many defections?

Somehow, the LA Rams have become a significant source of front office and coaching talent in the NFL and NCAA football industries. How did this happen? Well, the Rams are a big market football team, they have had a string of good seasons, and the team boasted the top-ranked NFL defense. So the Rams are rich in the following areas that other teams covet: Player development, defensive strategy, roster building, creating a positive culture, and integrating technological advances into the day to day operations of running a football team.

The LA Rams have already lost the following front office personnel: Former LA Rams’ Director of College Scouting Brad Holmes has taken on the role of General Manger for the Detroit Lions. He has recruited former LA Rams’ Director of Player Personnel Ray Agnew to join him as assistant General Manager of the Lions.

Former LA Rams assistant quarterbacks coach Liam Coen has agreed to become the University of Kentucky’s Offensive coordinator. Coen has been sought for the role before, and was offered the opportunity to serve as the offensive coordinator for Boston College in 2018, but he declined and remained with the Rams.

Quarterback controversy

With the increased scrutiny of the Rams quarterback position, Coen may be taking a new position now to skirt the drama that has descended upon the Rams quarterbacking future.  The public comments by head coach Sean McVay suggests that much of his focus this offseason will be on the quarterback position. Whether that means a renewed effort to help starting quarterback Jared Goff, or to move in a new direction, remains to be seen.

Of course, the LA Rams also lost defensive coordinator Brandon Staley and linebackers coach Joe Barry to the LA Chargers.  That will hurt the Rams efforts this offseason to restock the defense, and particularly the depleted linebacker depth on the roster.  The LA Rams project to lose four linebackers to free agency this offseason, with only  six remaining.

Of course, that is one of the contributing factors to believe that the Rams may switch to a 4-3 defense this season. But that is still subject to confirmation, particularly in light of the fact that the Rams will need to hire at least one critical positional coach.