Los Angeles Rams OC Makes Playcalling Ambitions Clear

While LaFleur no longer controls the headset on Sundays, he hasn’t hidden the fact that he still misses it. “Absolutely. It’s a fun job… Truly being in it with the guys for that three-and-a-half-hour window because everything in this league matters,” he told The Athletic’s Nate Atkins. Yet he made clear that his energy remains fixed on the present: “With that being said, that’s not where any of my focus is right now.”

Part of that contentment comes from working with elite personnel. A transition from Zach Wilson to Matthew Stafford has transformed his day-to-day reality. Stafford’s resurgence—an MVP-level campaign leading a 9-3 team—illustrates how much difference a stabilizing quarterback can make.

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McVay’s Confidence and the Coaching Future

Sean McVay, never shy about endorsing his assistants, went further than usual when asked whether LaFleur is ready to call plays or even lead his own team.

“Oh, heck yeah,” McVay said. “Mike could call plays here and shoot, maybe he will. He does a great job. I can’t say enough about Mike… He can go as far as he wants. He’ll break my heart like everybody else and end up leaving me.” McVay added that there would be “zero hesitation” if LaFleur eventually handled play-calling duties for the Rams.

That endorsement comes as multiple franchises prepare for staff changes this offseason. LaFleur’s name is expected to surface.

Building Confidence in Young Talent

LaFleur’s influence stretches beyond quarterbacks. Wide receiver Xavier Smith—once an undrafted return specialist—has emerged in recent weeks. LaFleur’s message to him is simple: “You belong.” Smith delivered a career-best 82 yards last week, a sign the Rams may have found another needed weapon down the stretch.

For now, LaFleur isn’t looking ahead. He’s immersed in this season, this roster, and this opportunity—an “awesome job,” as he calls it. And it’s clear he’s made the most of his second act.