With Raheem Morris gone to the Falcons, Sean McVay has started his search for his next defensive coordinator. Despite a long history with Brandon Staley, a new voice in the defensive meeting rooms could be what the young Rams defense needs to take their game to the next level.
In recent years, McVay has aligned his staff with coaches whose resumes are filled with college jobs. It may be time his defensive play caller reflects those same values.
Johnny Nansen is a hot commodity in the world of college football right now. Nansen worked under longtime NFL assistant Jedd Fisch at Arizona from 2022-2023 and the results are as clear as day. Arizona was 1-11 in 2021 and they’ve gone 15-10 with a 10-3 season in 2023 since Nansen’s arrival.
Nansen’s “no name” defense was a force to be reckoned with. He employed creative tactics and formations that stifled the high-flying passing attack of the Pac-12. His defense averaged 21 points surrendered per game at the collegiate level. That’s absurd. This was capped off in a 38-24 win over Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl where his defense forced six turnovers.
Nansen’s stats are impressive but what’s even more impressive is the attitude of his defense. I am not exaggerating when I say his defense took zero plays off in 2023. Even in blowouts. Check the Utah game where they’re up by over three touchdown in the fourth and they’re flying to the ball.
Nansen was hired by Texas this offseason but perhaps a move to the NFL would suit him even better. He’s only 49 years old, his defensive philosophy is ahead of the curve and let’s not disregard that Mike Macdonald, someone who got their stripes as a defensive play caller in college, didn’t just scheme up one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Nansen deserves an interview and the Rams, a forward-facing franchise, should be the one to give it to him.