PHOENIX – Former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur's responsibilities in the role evolved over his last three seasons with the team, so much so that head coach Sean McVay wanted someone similar to him in the position after it was vacated by LaFleur becoming the next head coach of the Cardinals. McVay on Monday said LaFleur allowed him to be a better coach because of the trust and autonomy he gave LaFleur.
McVay didn't have to look far to find the person who met that criteria in promoting pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator.
"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 at the NFC coaches breakfast Monday at the NFL Annual Meeting. "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."
When asked about Scheelhaase in mid-January, LaFleur praised him for the human being and coach that he is. He also said at the time how fortunate they were to have him on staff, because LaFleur initially thought he was going to say "no" to the Rams given the "really good job" Scheelhaase had at Iowa State. Scheelhaase began as a running backs coach on Iowa State's staff in 2018 and was promoted to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach by 2023.
"I've seen him grow and he grows because he puts a lot of work in it," LaFleur said. "He's a tireless worker and he doesn't even look tired ever. I don't think he sleeps that much, but you would never know. He is extremely efficient with his note taking, with his learning, with studying around the league, but not overloading himself. He has incredible brain power to reach back into stuff that we talked about in April, stuff that I forgot about that he can remember. That's all awesome. He can communicate to these players, but again, overall he's a better person. He's a great husband, he's a great father, he is a great friend. Love him, love seeing the success he's had so far."
Players likewise spoke highly of Scheelhaase last season, with wide receiver Puka Nacua praising his calm demeanor on game days, and the way his communication in those tense moments puts them in a position to succeed. Nacua also said the trust McVay put in Scheelhaase came in different ways.
"I know substitution," Nacua said. "You never know what's said on the headset, but I know they're always talking to Coach Nate. 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. 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."
Scheelhaase can also relate to the players whether communicating on the field or in the meeting rooms.
"I guess I'm new in the NFL too, but I feel like he's the modern age coach of somebody who's a little bit familiar with some of the slang terms that we might use in the meeting rooms like 'lit, slap, gang, or fire,'" Nacua said. "Things that wouldn't make sense when we're watching football, he understands those. His ability to communicate what our job is on Wednesday through Sunday is something that I'd say has been a blessing in our room. His ability to understand how we operate, but then also to be on the same page as the quarterbacks, be on the same page when the groupings have changed from 13 personnel to 11. He's done a great job every step of the way of making sure everybody is on the same page."
Scheelhaase is already on the rest of the NFL's radar, having reportedly interviewed for the Bills', Browns', Ravens' and Steelers' head coach openings this cycle, as well as the Buccaneers' offensive coordinator opening. The Rams will appreciate what he'll bring in his new role for as long as he's on staff.
"His future is obviously really bright," LaFleur said.
