The Los Angeles Rams have found a replacement for Wade Phillips as their defensive coordinator, and they’ve also added an offensive coordinator, too. According to Adam Schefter, the Rams are finalizing a deal to hire former Redskins offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell to the same position.
They’re also hiring Brandon Staley, former Broncos outside linebackers coach, as their new defensive coordinator to replace Phillips, according to Ian Rapoport. Both additions are somewhat surprising, but fit the mold of how Sean McVay wants to shape his coaching staff.
Rams are finalizing a deal to make former Redskins offensive coordinator Kevin O'Connell their offensive coordinator, per source. O’Connell succeeded McVay as OC in Washington, now will work with him in LA.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 11, 2020
The #Rams are hiring Brandon Staley, formerly the #Broncos outside linebackers coach, as their new defensive coordinator, source said. A surprise hire and the first branch of the Vic Fangio defensive tree.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 11, 2020
O’Connell, 34, replaced McVay as the Redskins’ offensive coordinator in 2017 when McVay was hired by the Rams. He didn’t call plays until this season when Jay Gruden was fired by Washington
Staley, 37, has been an outside linebackers coach in the NFL for three seasons. He started under Vic Fangio in 2017 with the Bears before following him to Denver. He began his coaching career in 2011 at Hutchinson Community College.