The NFL offseason is here and the Los Angeles Rams will face plenty of questions in the coming weeks, including those regarding Matthew Stafford's future with the franchise.
Stafford's outlook has come into question ever since it was revealed that he and the Rams have been struggling to agree on a new contract. Los Angeles recently granted the veteran quarterback permission to seek a trade, and now NFL insider Albert Breer is reporting that at least four teams "have shown interest" in the two-time Pro Bowler's services.
As Stafford's future with the organization goes back and forth, the Rams announced another coaching hire on Monday.
Rams Hire Former OC Alex Van Pelt to Staff
NFL insider Adam Schefter has revealed that the Rams have hired former New England Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt to their 2025 coaching staff. After spending the last five seasons as an OC, the 54-year-old coach will work as a senior offensive assistant in Los Angeles.
Rams have added former Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt to their coaching staff: pic.twitter.com/uehTsaksIG
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 24, 2025
While the hiring isn't the flashiest transaction, Van Pelt's hiring makes sense on paper.
The Pittsburgh, PA native is a former NFL quarterback who's spent the last 20 years with various professional and collegiate programs. He began his NFL run as an offensive quality control coach with the Buffalo Bills in 2006, eventually being promoted to quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator during his tenure.
Van Pelt then spent two seasons as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers QBs coach before coaching the same position — as well as running backs — across six years with the Green Bay Packers. After a two-year run coaching the Cincinnati Bengals' signal-callers, he was hired as the Cleveland Browns OC in 2020 and held that position — mixed with some QB-coaching duties — for four seasons.
Although he oozes experience, Van Pelt's poor showing with the Patriots last year likely has Rams fans wondering why he's been added to Sean McVay's staff.
While part of the blame can be put on a poorly constructed roster, it isn't a secret that the Patriots struggled offensively in 2024. According to Pro Football Focus, New England finished last season with the third- and ninth-worst grades in terms of overall offense (63.2) and passing (68.2), respectively.
Having said that, it remains to be seen what Van Pelt's official role will entail. Being an offensive assistant might mean that he doesn't have much power and that he's only someone who McVay and OC Mike LaFleur ask for advice from regarding personnel and lineup decisions.
Nevertheless, Rams fans will likely have a better idea of Van Pelt's role when the first offseason workouts begin the week of Apr. 21. In the meantime, Los Angeles and its coaching staff will be focused on this week's NFL scouting combine.