Los Angeles Rams Hire Former New York Jets OC LaFleur

The Los Angeles Rams have found their new offensive coordinator. Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the team has officially hired recently ousted New York Jets OC Mike LaFleur to serve in the same role.

The #Rams are hiring former #Jets OC Mike LaFleur as their new coordinator, sources say. The favorite all along, another LaFleur joins coach Sean McVay. pic.twitter.com/yXgmOVkC8U
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 27, 2023

LaFleur was the offensive coordinator for the Jets from 2021 to 2022, leading the team to the 28th and 29th most points in the league. Among his many failures was the inadequate development of quarterback Zach Wilson, the 2021 NFL Draft's second overall pick. Before that, LaFleur was the passing game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers from 2017 to 2020. The 49ers made the Super Bowl following the 2019 season but finished with losing records and below-average offenses in the three other seasons LaFleur coached.

LaFleur bombed in spectacular fashion as the Jets offensive coordinator, but the Rams job is a much cushier, less demanding gig: head coach Sean McVay schemes much of the offense and calls plays, and the team has an established quarterback in place with Matthew Stafford. LaFleur also has some good old-fashioned NFL cronyism working in his favor: his brother Matt LaFleur is the current head coach of the Green Bay Packers and served as the Rams offensive coordinator in 2017.

Mike isn't likely to be a needle mover for the Rams in 2023; if they rebound after a dreadful 2022 season, it will be due to better health and increased focus from McVay. LaFleur landing in such a plum spot with the Rams after his struggles with the Jets speaks to how much NFL coaching is a business of who you know.