When Mike LaFleur took the job as the Arizona Cardinals’ new head coach, the Los Angeles Rams turned to a familiar face to become the team’s new offensive coordinator.

The Rams promoted former pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator in February.

Scheelhaase joined the Rams’ coaching staff ahead of the 2024 season. He worked alongside LaFleur for two seasons, so he is expected to be a similar offensive coordinator to LaFleur.

At the NFL’s Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, LaFleur gave his opinion on the Rams promoting Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator. He said Scheelhaase is prepared to be a strong offensive coordinator for Los Angeles.

“I’ve been on record there in L.A. a lot just talking about what I feel in Nate Scheelhaase, so that was a no-brainer,” LaFleur said on Monday, via the Rams. “Obviously, he’s prepped for that. He sat in with Sean and I in a handful of game planning (meetings) and stuff like that, so he kind of knows what that 3 a.m. wake up call looks like Wednesday through Friday.”

“But he’s a stud of a coach. He’s a better person. He’s a better connector than he is even a coach, and that’s strong, and he’s going to do a great job for them… His future is obviously really bright,” LaFleur added.

Puka Nacua Said Scheelhaase Is A Good Communicator

In addition to receiving praise from LaFleur, Scheelhaase has impressed multiple Rams players, including star wide receiver Puka Nacua. Scheelhaase has been part of the Rams’ coaching staff for two of the three seasons Nacua has been on the team.

Nacua explained that one of Scheelhaase’s strengths is his ability to be a calm communicator in tense moments.

“His ability to communicate to us in a calm demeanor and the demeanor that helps us have success on Sundays is something that you don’t take for granted because you know that in the heat of the moment the ability to communicate is so needed,” Nacua said, per the Rams. “He does a great job of keeping his cool and then being able to communicate the message clear and precise so we can go out there and execute.”

Nacua will be playing on the final season of his four-year rookie contract in 2026. He is projected to earn a big contract in the near future, and the Rams want to keep him around long-term.

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