The Sean McVay coaching tree is a rapidly growing list that’s led to Matt LaFleur, Kevin O’Connell, and Zac Taylor being hired as first-time head coaches in the last several years. The success of all three men has gained McVay a reputation as a coach developer and credence to the idea that offensive-minded coaches from McVay’s staff lead to near-instant success.
Offensive coordinators have the head coaching game locked down with recent hires across the league. Coordinators who reach the playoffs tend to get hired that offseason, as in the case of O’Connell and Taylor. Head coaches like Shane Steichen, Mike McDaniel, and Dave Canales have exemplified this trend, which has infected the league since McVay’s first year in Los Angeles.
The Rams are essentially one win away from making the postseason and securing McVay’s fourth NFC West title. While Mike LaFleur’s focus is on Arizona this week, his name may be the focus of other organizations in the next few months. Though not a name circling around the league at the moment, there’s always a late hire that people don’t expect and it could be LaFleur if the Rams make a deep run in the playoffs.
As of now, the Saints, Jets, and Bears have job openings. On Black Monday, it is expected that the Giants and Jaguars could join the list and the current head coaches of the Raiders, Cowboys, Patriots, and Colts are either on hot or very warm seats. That’s potently nine jobs that will need filling.
It is expected that Mike Vrabel, Ben Johnson, Kliff Kingsbury, Kellen Moore, Jesse Minter and Aaron Glenn will be among the most popular names on the head coaching market. However, LaFleur has both film and familial ties on his side.
LaFleur is at least acquainted with a big portion of the NFL. He comes from both the Shanahan and McVay school of offense, he’s the brother of Matt LaFleur, he used to work for Matt’s best friend Robert Saleh and the Rams’ front office is well connected throughout the league.
McVay has had seven of his former assistants become a head coach either in the NFL or at the collegiate level. All permanent hires have had explosive offenses at their new home.
LaFleur has played a critical role in the production of Kyren Williams and the run game as a whole. He also understands and had been apart of the creation of the modern passing concepts that have taken over the NFL.
Teams are looking for young, brilliant offensive minds to fill their head coaching roles. General managers are looking for coaches with experience and fellow head coaches willing to vouch for them. Do not be surprised when the LaFleur family has two head coaches in 2025.