[Dare]

It's wonderful to see the optimism on the board. Back in the bye week at 1-5 I knew in my heart that this opportunity would arrive. Raise your hands if you foresaw how this team would be in a position to win out the last 3 games and go into the playoffs as a division winner with a record of 12-6?

But regardless of how you felt during the bye, this team has done it again. They've come roaring out of that bye to make themselves relevant and a team that simply can't be overlooked by the opposition except at their peril. Once again McVay has vindicated himself as one of the best if not the best HC in the NFL along with Snead as one of the top GMs in the business.

IMO not only will this organization have to face it's coaching roster being raided, but a whole lot of franchises are going to look a Brad Holmes as an example of how deep the quality of personnel runs. I wouldn't be surprised at others in the player evaluation chain aren't poached as GMs.

I only hope that Shula stays at least one more year. I really like the guy as a potential successor to Sean as a HC. Sean will probably reassess his career option after the 2026 season. It wouldn't surprise me as a new father if he decided to move on to broadcasting in 2027 after 10 years and to go into the HOF a few years later. That is why I think Snead may talk to Shula, if they haven't already done so. I also think it's one of the reasons Shula was made DC.

There is a good likelihood that Mike LaFleur might be poached in 2025 and move on as a HC. If that happens and Shula moves to fill that position then we will know who the next HC of the Rams will be in 2027. That is a move I would love to see if McVay moves on.

Shula's history with the Rams and his coaching style is a perfect fit for this organization and culture. People were skeptical about Shula as a coach, about the impact his lineage would have on his ability as a coordinator. But he has more than proved himself IMO under the most difficult challenge to face a coordinator. How to mold a bunch of raw talent into a very formidable unit.

I remember Chris when he was hired as a quality control coach for the then San Diego Chargers back in 2015. For those who don't know what quality control coaches do in the NFL it a position that teams give to young coaches that they see HC potential in.

I think Pleasant would become the next DC after Shula. If Pleasant can mold Forbes into the player people think he could become, that would prove his chops as a DC in many ways. So IMO we will get a clue about Sean's future by the movement or lack thereof by Shula.

Why do I think LaFleur might move on next year? Because of rumors I heard that he could be on the Niner's short list to replace Shanahan who could end up being traded in the offseason. Though IMO Ben Johnson is the more likely candidate to replace Shanahan as they like what he's done with Goff and hope he can do the same with Purdy.

Regardless, this Ram's offseason will likely be as intriguing as this season has been.

[Dare]

Okay I know most if not many wonder where I get my info. Back in 2006 I worked parttime at Torrey Pines Golf Course. Many media and NFL personalities love to golf there. Through the years I got to know several people in both the media and the NFL. Many of them like myself are retired but I stay in touch with them, especially in regards to the NFL. They talk about what they know, what they hear via their own contacts, and their own personal view points. I don't take them at complete face value but I do consider many to be credible sources.

Case in point more than one said LA fans don't realize just how close McVay came to walking away from the NFL. That Kroenke and Snead convinced him to stay through his contract which was reworked and expires after the 2026 season. Some of these people as well as myself feel he could walk away once his contract is done. He would make more money with the networks and it would be less domestic stress because of the hours and commitment required.

The Rams went out of their way to openly market Morris for a HC job. This cleared the way for the Rams to promote Shula to be a DC something Kroenke wanted as a prerequisite to consider Shula. So if LaFleur leaves if they move Shula to OC it's probably a clear indication that at some point he will be the Rams HC when McVay leaves.

Regarding potential GMs the two names I've heard repeatedly as being considered are Marty Barrett and Ray Farmer.

So everything in this thread are things I've heard and personally believe as well. I'm simply offering the info as a "take it for what it's worth for each of you."

[max]

McVay ain’t making the HOF right away with only 1 SB win. How long did it take Vermeil?

[ramsman34]

I think championships, as Max referred, are the determining factor for the top of the roster and staff. I.E. you have a greater chance of losing Stafford, and maybe to a lesser degree MCV, if/when they win another Lombardi. Parasitic loss can affect the staff if there are coaches Kroenke doesn’t want to lose. Hard to say if Stan feels that way about Shula or anyone else. But, if Dare has insider info, perhaps he knows more where this is heading beyond speculation.