The Los Angeles Rams have built one of the NFL’s most respected cultures under head coach Sean McVay. Known for his attention to detail, offensive innovation, and ability to connect with players, McVay has created an environment where football IQ is highly valued. Throughout the league, several former Rams players have already transitioned into coaching roles, and it would not be surprising to see more follow that path in the future.
Robert Woods (2017 – 2021) and Brian Allen (2018 – 2023) are two
players that have turned to the coaching field and are with the Los Angeles Rams this year. Among the current roster, a handful of players stand out as potential coaching candidates once their playing days are over.
1. Nate Landman
Linebackers often make successful coaches because of the leadership and communication responsibilities that come with the position, and Nate Landman fits that profile perfectly. The veteran linebacker has built his career through preparation, effort, and football intelligence rather than relying solely on elite physical traits.
Landman has earned praise throughout his career for his understanding of defensive schemes and his ability to put teammates in the right positions. Those qualities translate naturally to coaching. His experience working within multiple defensive systems could make him a valuable assistant coach, particularly at the linebacker position. Landman possesses the type of work ethic and attention to detail that coaching staffs value, making him a strong candidate to remain in football after retirement.
2. Steve Avila
Offensive linemen frequently become coaches because they spend so much time studying technique, assignments, and defensive tendencies. Steve Avila appears to have the ideal foundation for that transition.
One of the Rams’ most versatile offensive linemen, Avila has demonstrated an advanced understanding of both guard and center responsibilities. His ability to communicate protections and adjustments before the snap reflects a high football IQ. Coaches often gravitate toward players who can teach concepts clearly, and Avila’s leadership qualities have already been evident early in his NFL career.
Whether as an offensive line coach or eventually an offensive coordinator, Avila’s combination of intelligence, versatility, and leadership could make him a valuable addition to a future McVay coaching staff.
3. Tyler Higbee
Tyler Higbee has long been one of the most respected veterans in the Rams organization. As one of the longest-tenured players on the roster, he has served as a mentor for younger teammates while mastering one of football’s most demanding positions.
Tight ends are often required to understand both the running and passing games, giving Higbee a broad perspective of offensive football. He has spent years working directly with McVay and learning the intricacies of one of the league’s most sophisticated offensive systems.
Higbee’s calm demeanor, leadership presence, and extensive knowledge of offensive concepts would make him an excellent candidate for a coaching role. He could easily envision himself beginning as a tight ends coach before potentially climbing the coaching ladder.
4. Poona Ford
Poona Ford has earned a reputation as one of the NFL’s most technically sound defensive linemen. Despite being undersized for his position, he has consistently succeeded through leverage, discipline, and understanding of line play fundamentals.
Those same qualities often produce effective coaches. Ford understands how to maximize talent through technique, a skill that would be invaluable when teaching younger players. His journey from overlooked prospect to respected veteran gives him credibility that players would immediately respect.
Defensive line coaching demands patience and attention to detail, and Ford has displayed both throughout his career. His personality and experience could make him a natural fit on a future Rams coaching staff.
5. Quentin Lake
If there is one current Rams player who appears destined for coaching, it may be Quentin Lake. The son of longtime NFL coach Carnell Lake, football has been a central part of his life from an early age.
Lake has developed into one of the Rams’ smartest and most versatile defensive backs, regularly handling multiple responsibilities within the secondary. His ability to process information quickly and communicate with teammates mirrors many of the traits found in successful coaches.
Growing up around NFL coaching staffs has provided Lake with a unique perspective on the game. He understands not only what coaches teach but also how they teach it. That background, combined with his leadership skills and football intelligence, makes him perhaps the strongest candidate among current Rams players to eventually join Sean McVay’s staff.
