The ideal LA Rams defensive coordinator candidate list keeps on growing

The LA Rams showed some gritty competitiveness in 2023 in turning a 3-6 start into a 10-7 record that warranted a sixth-seed berth in the 2024 NFL PLayoffs. While the finale fell short of the ultimate goal of winning Super Bowl LVIII, the Rams certainly shocked NFL insiders, analysts, pundits, and oddsmakers by exceeding expectations.

Sill, it was not enough to keep the LA Rams coaching staff off the radar of other teams, both collegiate and professional, in terms of a one-stop shop for immediate football coaching expertise and an infusion of positivity into a newly formed coaching staff. The LA Rams have already lost DL Coach Eric Henderson, QB Coach Zac Robinson, and DC Raheem Morris.

I don't think that there is any argument that the LA Rams organization in 2023 drank from an NFL Fountain of Youth, both figuratively and literally. Figuratively in the sense that the entire organization seemed to be exhausted after a disappointing 2022 season. But the team had a sense of molting that 2022 disappointment, and showing up in 2023 with a new energy, a youthful, fearless perspective that seemed to grow from a few players to eventually infect the entire team.

I give much of the credit for that new energy to LA Rams GM Les Snead, who knew something had to change for the team, and especially for Rams HC Sean McVay. By resetting the entire team, Snead knew that football competitiveness and passion for the game would take over, and it did. The Rams were not only one of the hottest NFL teams to finish out the 2023 NFL season, they were also one of the most entertaining teams to play.

For now, the team must regroup and restock the coaching staff. Anticipating Raheem Morris's opportunity as head coach, we had prepared a list of five intriguing DC prospects. While some of them may be in consideration, we have learned of several new candidates that did not appear on our original list. Additionally, some new DC candidates with ties to the LA Rams have become available, such as former Green Bay Packers DC Joe Barry.

And so, it's time to revisit the list of DC candidates who either are or may be interviewing for the vacated role with the LA Rams now or the immediate future. Who are they and what do they bring to the table? Let's discuss:

Rams list of DC candidates continues to grow

1. Packers DC Joe Barry
2. Commanders HC Ron Rivera
3. Cowboys DL Coach Aden Durde
4. Ravens DB Coach Dennard Wilson
5. Reunion with former Rams DC Brandon Staley
6. Is this former Rams coach in their sights?