INDIANAPOLIS — Kliff Kingsbury is set to join the Los Angeles Rams coaching staff under his close friend Sean McVay, although he’ll have a different role than before.
In addition to Kingsbury, the Rams are welcoming another familiar face: Robert Woods, who recently retired, is coming on board as an assistant wide receivers coach.
Kingsbury, formerly the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and, more recently, the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, has linked up with McVay during Super Bowl week. While his exact responsibilities are still a bit unclear, he’s expected to serve as McVay’s right-hand man with the title of assistant head coach.
McVay leads the offense and has been calling the plays. Meanwhile, the former passing game coordinator Nate Schielhaas has stepped up to become the new offensive coordinator, taking over from Mike LaFleur, who has become head coach of the Cardinals.
The specifics of Kingsbury’s role are yet to be fully defined, but his connection with McVay and his past head coaching experience could prove to be invaluable to the Rams. It appears Kingsbury is eager to get back to leading his own team or offense, as he’s already interviewed for head coaching positions with the Ravens and offensive coordinator roles with teams like the Giants and Titans. His current position with the Rams might just be a stepping stone toward that goal.
Robert Woods recently signed a one-day contract with the Rams, wrapping up his 12-year NFL career, which included a notably productive five years with the Rams, featuring two Super Bowl appearances.
This former standout from Los Angeles and USC is now making the shift into coaching and will work alongside McVay and seasoned figures like Eric Yarber, who has long served as the Rams’ senior offensive assistant and wide receivers coach, as well as Rob Calabrese, previously promoted to wide receivers coach.
Additionally, Dave Ragone has been named associate offensive coordinator after spending the last two seasons as quarterbacks coach, while former center Brian Allen moves from consultant to assistant offensive line coach.
Other new appointments include Michael Hunter as assistant defensive backs coach, Brian Johnson as an offensive assistant, Bubba Ventrone as special teams coordinator, and Kyle Hoke as assistant special teams coach.
