Sean McVay calls plays for the Los Angeles Rams and that isn’t likely to change in 2026, but the head coach is once again using the preseason as an opportunity to give play calling experience to the offensive coordinator. McVay officially announced on Thursday that new offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase will call plays against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Rams’ season opener on Saturday.
Scheelhaase, considered one of the rising stars of NFL coordinators, first called plays in a preseason game against the L.A. Chargers last year. So this will be his second go-around, and potentially his last year in a role under McVay as he is likely tabbed for more head coaching interviews in 2027.
“That production helped Scheelhaase become a legitimate head-coaching candidate despite having only two seasons of NFL coaching experience at the time. He interviewed for multiple vacancies during the 2026 hiring cycle, with interest from Baltimore, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Las Vegas. ESPN reported he ultimately interviewed for five head-coaching jobs before remaining with Los Angeles.
NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah also reported that Scheelhaase impressed during those interviews, with his relative lack of experience viewed as one of the few knocks against him.
Saturday therefore offers something more valuable than simply another preseason assignment: experience.”
The 35-year-old Scheelhaase started his coaching career in 2015 with Illinois, and his first OC role with Iowa State in 2023. He is now entering his third season in the NFL and as an assistant under McVay. It would be an upset if he didn’t become a head coach, following in the footsteps of:
- Matt LaFleuer
- Mike LaFleur
- Kevin O’Connell
- Zac Taylor (never an OC with the Rams)
- Raheem Morris (DC)
- Brandon Staley (DC)
- Liam Coen
Of course, none of the offensive coordinators called plays in the regular season under McVay. This didn’t stop them from being promoted, and Scheelhaase is likely to be in the same boat eventually. Can he call a perfect game for Stetson Bennett and Ty Simpson on Saturday?
That’s what McVay, and other teams, look to find out.