As has become typical under Sean McVay, the Los Angeles Rams’ coaching staff is making major changes this summer. Eric Henderson, an Aaron Donald favorite for a long time, will take a job at USC as co-defensive coordinator.
Despite having a lot on his plate right now, McVay seems to have identified Henderson’s replacement quickly. The Rams are adding Giff Smith as their defensive line coach and run game coordinator, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network:
Smith has coached football since the 1990s and has been with the Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, and Los Angeles Chargers franchises since 2010.
Smith worked in a few different capacities under a number of different head coaches after joining the Chargers in 2016, including outside linebackers coach and defensive line coach. Smith demonstrated his respect within the organization by taking over as the team’s temporary head coach for the balance of the season following Brandon Staley’s firing in the middle of the previous campaign.
Smith’s job was not kept after Jim Harbaugh took over as head coach, but he won’t have to relocate because he’s now a member of McVay’s staff.
With Donald leading the way, Smith has a formidable group of Rams defensive linemen at his disposal. Throughout the 2023 season, other young players like Kobie Turner, Bobby Brown, and Byron Young also made an impression. With Smith in charge, they should only get better going forward.
Chris Shula was elevated by the Rams to defensive coordinator.
With Raheem Morris landing a head coaching position with the Atlanta Falcons, defensive coordinator was the most critical position on McVay’s staff to be filled.
Chris Shula was hired as coordinator, marking the first internal promotion to that position under McVay’s leadership.
Shula has spent a significant amount of time with the Rams, so he is well-versed in their staff and game plan. Shula most certainly had some influence in this hiring as well because he is acquainted with Smith from their time together as coaches with the Chargers in 2016.
