The Los Angeles Rams are entering 2026 with a revamped offensive staff, and one idea dominates: this combination of Sean McVay, Kliff Kingsbury, and Nathan Scheelhaase just makes sense. Each brings a distinct strength, and together, they could push the Rams’ offense to new levels.
The Marriage of Styles
Sean McVay remains the play-caller and guiding mind of the offense, but he’s intentionally empowering his assistants to fill gaps and innovate. Kliff Kingsbury brings years of experience with spread concepts, run-pass option principles, and mobile quarterbacks, while Scheelhaase adds cerebral creativity and spacing concepts from his Iowa State background.
Cody Alexander of MatchQuarters explained the logic during a recent Rams LAFB Show:
“It’s a marriage that makes sense. Kingsbury’s system adds value where McVay is deficient, Scheelhaase brings creativity and spacing, and McVay ties it all together. I’d love to sit in those meetings.”
In other words, each coach’s strengths complement the others rather than clash—something that can help the Rams remain balanced, dynamic, and adaptable.
Kingsbury: Adding a New Dimension
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Kingsbury’s NFL reputation leans toward the air raid and run-pass option, but Alexander cautions fans against expecting a wholesale system overhaul.
“He’s not coming in to install the Mike Leach air raid or go tempo-heavy. But he adds an element to the passing game McVay hasn’t had—manipulating space, quick-hitting passes, and yards-after-catch creation.”
Kingsbury’s experience running gap scheme-inspired run games alongside Anthony Lynn can also help LA diversify its rushing attack, an area McVay has leaned into but can always improve.
Scheelhaase: The System’s Creative Engine
Nathan Scheelhaase’s rise to offensive coordinator (or expanded passing game role) brings a cerebral, system-minded approach to the Rams’ offense. Alexander highlighted how Scheelhaase can marry collegiate spacing concepts with NFL efficiency:
“He understands the system and is going to bring creative ideas. College-style spacing concepts can now be used to create layups for the quarterback instead of forcing tough outside throws all the time.”
Scheelhaase’s familiarity with 12-personnel and gun formations also dovetails perfectly with Kingsbury’s passing concepts, creating a seamless marriage of philosophies.
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McVay: The Anchor
Sean McVay remains the architect and play-caller, providing structure while allowing his assistants to shine. Alexander emphasizes McVay’s ability to identify gaps in his own expertise and bring in complementary voices:
“He’s always looking for that edge, where his circle of competence needs to get better. This staff gives him that.”
The combination of McVay’s overarching strategy, Kingsbury’s passing and spacing innovations, and Scheelhaase’s creative flexibility gives the Rams a balanced, modern offense capable of adjusting to any quarterback or defensive scheme.
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Learning from Kingsbury’s Past
Kingsbury’s Washington offenses illustrate both potential and caution. His 2024 season was efficient, explosive, and multi-dimensional, but 2025 saw regression across passing efficiency, completion percentage, and rushing variety. Alexander believes LA can learn from these lessons:
- Keep quick-hitting passes and yards-after-catch principles
- Avoid one-dimensional rushing schemes
- Protect the quarterback while creating intermediate throw lanes
By blending these lessons with Scheelhaase’s creativity and McVay’s structured approach, the Rams can capture Kingsbury’s upside without the pitfalls.
Why Rams Fans Should Be Excited
The central takeaway: this coaching trio is greater than the sum of its parts. McVay provides the foundation, Kingsbury offers new dimensions in passing and run schemes, and Scheelhaase injects creative flexibility and spacing that modern NFL offenses demand.
“If you’re a Rams fan and you think this looks weird, it’s a marriage that makes sense,” Alexander said.
With Matthew Stafford retired and young quarterbacks on the horizon, this marriage could be the key to sustained offensive success in 2026 and beyond.