Rams shock fans by planting Bobby Trees into their 2026 coaching staff

The Los Angeles Rams are, by every measure, a very successful team. But time has depleted the team of anyone who understood the experience of winning Super Bowl LVI first-hand. While there are some residual players from that monumental season, trades, retirements, or simply other NFL teams have syphoned off players and coaches.

And it was just four short years ago.

Former Rams wide receiver Robert Woods recently announced his retirement from the NFL. And the news prompted a heartfelt message from his protege, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp. But there is more to the story. The team recently shared the names of its coaching staff.

Lo and behold, Robert Woods has been added to the coaching staff as an assistant wide receiver coach.

The move makes so much sense that the only question that remains is why the team didn't do this sooner. After all, Robert Woods, also affectionately known as Bobby Trees, was the prototypical wide receiver for head coach Sean McVay's offense. And the same qualities that made him a perfect fit as a player make him the ideal coach to young wide receivers. How so?

Robert Woods is the ideal assistant wide receiver coach for the Rams

Robert Woods was not blessed with elite athleticism. So everything he accomplished in the NFL was through hard work, training, and a masterful bit of attention to his craft

(1) Precision route running

The LA Rams burst onto the NFL scene in 2017 by throwing defenses for a loop. The team ensured that wide receivers were numerous and were where they needed to be when the quarterback passed the football. Previously, offenses merely dabbled in passing to wide receivers.

But McVay's offense relied on a passing game as its bread-and-butter. And Robert Woods ensured its success.

(2) Ensuring optimal yards after the catch

Of course, catching passes is what every NFL wide receiver does. But what sets Robert Woods apart is his willingness to tack on yards after the catch. Those yards do not come easily. Rather, it takes a willingness to bowl over defensive backs after the catch to dominate that statistic.

(3) Strategically setting up defensive backs

How can a wide receiver who is not particularly tall, fast, or powerful win the battle of creating separation against defensive backs? Woods learned to set them up. He might fake an inside move once, but then use that inside track to get open the next time.

(4) Willingness to do it all

Robert Woods was willing to block like a tight end. And he became the pace car to every wide receiver who followed in his footsteps. He didn't necessarily overpower larger defenders. He caught them by surprise and off-balance. Those unexpected blocks allowed the offense to put up yards and points.

The LA Rams cannot go back in time. However, the Horns can borrow the experience of a rather storied past to teach young players the right way to play in the NFL. And Robert Woods has the type of authority and respect to get that done in 2026.

As always, thanks for reading.