Rams hire Kingsbury as OC after LaFleur becomes Cardinals head coach

The Los Angeles Rams have hired Kliff Kingsbury as their new offensive coordinator, marking a significant shift in the team's coaching staff after a successful previous season.

Why it matters: This move comes in the wake of Mike LaFleur's departure to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, leaving a vacancy that the Rams needed to fill quickly.

  • Kingsbury brings a wealth of experience from his recent tenure with the Washington Commanders, where he served as offensive coordinator.
  • His hiring signals the Rams' commitment to maintaining their high-powered offense, which led the league in scoring last season.

What’s new: The Rams are now under the leadership of Sean McVay, who has emphasized the importance of finding a suitable replacement for LaFleur.

  • McVay stated, "We will do an extensive search to find LaFleur's replacement and that we have some great in-house candidates," highlighting the confidence in their current staff while also welcoming Kingsbury's expertise.

By the numbers: Kingsbury's time with the Commanders was marked by challenges, as the team finished 22nd in both scoring and yardage during the 2025 season.

  • Despite this, his previous success in college football and innovative offensive strategies could provide fresh perspectives to a Rams team that thrived last year.

Yes, but: While Kingsbury’s offensive schemes have shown promise, his recent track record in the NFL raises questions about their effectiveness at the professional level.

  • The Rams will need to ensure that Kingsbury can adapt his approach to fit the strengths of quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is returning for his 18th season and coming off an NFL MVP performance.

What to watch: As the Rams integrate Kingsbury into their system, pay attention to how this affects player dynamics, particularly the development of emerging stars like wide receiver Cooper Kupp and any potential adjustments in the overall offensive scheme.

  • Stafford's relationship with Kingsbury will be crucial, especially given the quarterback's recent injury history and the need for stability moving forward.

The bottom line: The Rams decision to hire Kingsbury reflects both a desire for continuity in their offensive approach and a willingness to innovate following LaFleur's exit.

  • As they gear up for the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring how well Kingsbury's style meshes with the existing talent on the roster.
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