Posted on Feb 20

Rams promote Scheelhaase to OC, Ragone to co-OC, while Stafford confirms return for 2026

Posted Feb 20, 2026

The Los Angeles Rams are undergoing significant changes in their offensive coaching staff as they aim to build upon last season's success.

Why it matters: The Rams are promoting Nate Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator and Dave Ragone to co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, signaling a commitment to continuity and innovation in a high-performing offense.

Last season, the Rams boasted the top offense in the NFL, which sets a high bar for the incoming leadership.
With these promotions, the Rams are looking to leverage the existing talent and experience within their ranks while integrating fresh ideas from Kliff Kingsbury, who has been brought on board as a new addition to the offensive staff.

What’s new: Both Scheelhaase and Ragone joined the Rams in 2024, following their respective stints in other organizations, and have now ascended to key roles in the team's offensive strategy.

Scheelhaase was previously the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Iowa State, where he gained valuable experience before his arrival in Los Angeles.
Ragone served as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons for three seasons, bringing with him an understanding of diverse offensive schemes that could benefit the Rams.

Yes, but: While the promotions suggest a clear path forward, their effectiveness will ultimately depend on how well they can adapt to the evolving landscape of the NFL.

Both coaches were involved in developing game plans that excelled last season, but the challenge lies in maintaining that success amid increased competition and scrutiny.
Additionally, Matthew Stafford’s announcement of his return for the 2026 season adds another layer of expectation to the Rams’ offensive approach, especially considering the quarterback’s veteran experience.

What to watch: The synergy between Scheelhaase, Ragone, and Stafford will be crucial as they implement their vision for the Rams' offense moving forward.

How effectively they can collaborate will determine the team's ability to replicate or exceed their previous accomplishments.
Furthermore, the potential integration of Kingsbury’s philosophies may introduce new dynamics to the Rams' offensive play calling.

The big picture: These changes reflect a broader trend within the league, where teams are increasingly prioritizing familiarity and internal promotion over external hires.

The Rams strategy underscores a belief in building a cohesive unit rather than continuously reshuffling the deck, which can lead to inconsistency.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the focus will remain on not only retaining their offensive prowess but also evolving to meet the demands of a competitive landscape.

The bottom line: The Rams are betting on their internal talent to drive their offense forward, hoping that the combined expertise of their newly appointed coordinators will result in sustained excellence and adaptation in the years to come.

Rams promote Scheelhaase to OC, Ragone to co-OC, while Stafford confirms return for 2026

Alex Parker

Posted Feb 20, 2026

The Los Angeles Rams are undergoing significant changes in their offensive coaching staff as they aim to build upon last season's success.

Last season, the Rams boasted the top offense in the NFL, which sets a high bar for the incoming leadership.

With these promotions, the Rams are looking to leverage the existing talent and experience within their ranks while integrating fresh ideas from Kliff Kingsbury, who has been brought on board as a new addition to the offensive staff.

What’s new: Both Scheelhaase and Ragone joined the Rams in 2024, following their respective stints in other organizations, and have now ascended to key roles in the team's offensive strategy.

Scheelhaase was previously the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Iowa State, where he gained valuable experience before his arrival in Los Angeles.

Ragone served as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons for three seasons, bringing with him an understanding of diverse offensive schemes that could benefit the Rams.

Yes, but: While the promotions suggest a clear path forward, their effectiveness will ultimately depend on how well they can adapt to the evolving landscape of the NFL.

Both coaches were involved in developing game plans that excelled last season, but the challenge lies in maintaining that success amid increased competition and scrutiny.

Additionally, Matthew Stafford’s announcement of his return for the 2026 season adds another layer of expectation to the Rams’ offensive approach, especially considering the quarterback’s veteran experience.

What to watch: The synergy between Scheelhaase, Ragone, and Stafford will be crucial as they implement their vision for the Rams' offense moving forward.

How effectively they can collaborate will determine the team's ability to replicate or exceed their previous accomplishments.

Furthermore, the potential integration of Kingsbury’s philosophies may introduce new dynamics to the Rams' offensive play calling.

The big picture: These changes reflect a broader trend within the league, where teams are increasingly prioritizing familiarity and internal promotion over external hires.

The Rams strategy underscores a belief in building a cohesive unit rather than continuously reshuffling the deck, which can lead to inconsistency.

As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the focus will remain on not only retaining their offensive prowess but also evolving to meet the demands of a competitive landscape.