McVay mum on reasons for Rams’ defensive co-ordinator change

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McVay mum on reasons for Rams’ defensive co-ordinator change

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McVay mum on reasons for Rams’ defensive co-ordinator change

THOSUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Sean McVay still isn’t saying why he fired defensive co-ordinator Wade Phillips after their third straight winning season with the Los Angeles Rams.

McVay introduced new defensive co-ordinator Brandon Staley at the Rams’ training complex Wednesday, nearly a month after Staley was hired to replace Phillips. The Rams (9-7) finished 13th in the NFL in total defence last season with a unit that over-performed that ranking in many analytical statistics, but Phillips was still dismissed along with a handful of other assistants.

When asked directly, McVay said there “really wasn’t anything in particular” behind his decision to replace a 42-year NFL veteran one year removed from a Super Bowl appearance with a 37-year-old with three years of NFL experience, all as an outside linebackers coach.

“Very excited about what Brandon will add,” McVay said. “His ability to work in unison with our coaching staff that’s currently in place, you look at the foundation that Wade was instrumental in establishing, (and) I think Brandon has done a great job. I’ve really enjoyed sitting in on some of these meetings and watching the collaboration of Brandon’s leadership with the coaches that we’ve had in place.”

The Rams also introduced new offensive co-ordinator Kevin O’Connell and special teams co-ordinator John Bonamego. O’Connell, who also will coach the Rams’ quarterbacks, is McVay’s first offensive co-ordinator since his rookie season in 2017, when current Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur had the title.

Staley is taking a major step up in his career after his brief stints on Vic Fangio’s staffs in Chicago and Denver. Just over three years after Staley was the defensive co-ordinator at Division III school John Carroll, he has taken charge of an NFL defence boasting superstars Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey.

“Sean is just a guy that I’ve held in such high regard for so many years,” Staley said. “As a defensive coach, you’re always trying to stay ahead. You’re always trying to anticipate where the NFL is going. (Los Angeles) was always an offence that you always had to be aware of, a team that you always had to be aware of.”

Staley expects to keep Phillips’ basic 3-4 defensive structure with the Rams next season. Los Angeles could have major turnover at several key defensive positions, with free agency looming for leading tackler Cory Littleton, pass rusher Dante Fowler and longtime defensive lineman Michael Brockers.
 
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This writer is being misleading when he says that McSlay "fired" Wade. He wasn't fired... Wade's contract ended and the team decided to go in a different direction. Not sure if the writer is purposely trying to be misleading by saying McSlay FIRED Wade... but any decent writer would know better than to describe it that way.

McSlay did nothing but praise Wade and the job he did while he was coaching our defense. Nothing but class from McSlay and Wade both. Something this writer is lacking big time.
 
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Selassie I said:
This writer is being misleading when he says that McSlay "fired" Wade. He wasn't fired... Wade's contract ended and the team decided to go in a different direction. Not sure if the writer is purposely trying to be misleading by saying McSlay FIRED Wade... but any decent writer would know better than to describe it that way.

McSlay did nothing but praise Wade and the job he did while he was coaching our defense. Nothing but class from McSlay and Wade both. Something this writer is lacking big time.
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Yep. No where near as salacious to tell it like it is. Idiots like this have to do this because they lack the skill to write anything interesting.
 
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Rams43 said:
I think you just nailed it there, OldSchool.

I think that it’s really that simple.
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It's also about learning for McVay.

After 3 years picking Wade's brain on a system that is assignment/alignment driven (and less varied than most other systems which have stood the test of time) he wanted to learn about the system that gave him the most fits as an OC.

Think about it... It benefits his knowledge of the defensive side of the ball but also his ability to gameplan on offense i.e. using the defensive rules against them through his design.
 
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RamDino said:
Well.. even though Wade's contract was not renewed, he was basically fired. Just my opinion.
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It’s also simple enough that he didn’t renew his contract. He knew it was coming to an end and didn’t get an extension. I’m also surprised he hasn’t been hired anywhere else. There are some first time coaches who needed a DC and a couple vet coaches in new positions that didn’t look at him.

And he wasn’t fired he was not retained. If you don’t have a contract you’re not employed you aren’t fired.
 
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Rams43 said:
I think you just nailed it there, OldSchool.

I think that it’s really that simple.
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I think Wade was maybe a little too laid back for McVay. I could see him thinking those games, where the D did not show up, could have been preventable. Could be that Wade's approach might have been a factor in his eyes...D was getting soft.
 
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I'm hoping it's as simple as McVay wants more input on the defense.

That really wasn't going to happen with Wade. He'd been coaching since before McVay was born and I'm sure part of what sold him in the first place was autonomy.

When you factor in that our defense was a mixed bag, and probably overall underachieved during Philips's tenure, easy decision IMO.
 
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PhillyRam said:
think Wade was maybe a little too laid back for McVay. I could see him thinking those games, where the D did not show up, could have been preventable. Could be that Wade's approach might have been a factor in his eyes...D was getting soft.
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I see a grain of truth
 
I believe he wanted to be game plan specific weekly. Vs rolling same Def out weekly. League is about match ups more so now
 
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PhillyRam said:
I think Wade was maybe a little too laid back for McVay. I could see him thinking those games, where the D did not show up, could have been preventable. Could be that Wade's approach might have been a factor in his eyes...D was getting soft.
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He was 60+ years old. If his D wasn't getting soft he would be a medical anomaly.
 
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I seem to recall that WP earned the nickname "Coach Marshmellow" while in Dallas.

That moniker would also apply well to the Ram's D in several games last year. Which happens to include the worst home loss in the entire history of the LA Rams.

You either get your job done properly or McVay will find someone who can.

Real simple philosophy.
 
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Selassie I said:
This writer is being misleading when he says that McSlay "fired" Wade. He wasn't fired... Wade's contract ended and the team decided to go in a different direction. Not sure if the writer is purposely trying to be misleading by saying McSlay FIRED Wade... but any decent writer would know better than to describe it that way.

McSlay did nothing but praise Wade and the job he did while he was coaching our defense. Nothing but class from McSlay and Wade both. Something this writer is lacking big time.
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This is a case of misleading writing and the guy should be ashamed of himself and his editor should be too.


sjm1582002 said:
You either get your job done properly or McVay will find someone who can.
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McVay better start holding himself to some standards too. His play selection left a lot to be desired at times last season.

There is a lot of room for improvement all around.
 
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