February 06, 2017 08:26PM
Here are five key items on the checklist for new Rams coach Sean McVay

By RICH HAMMOND / STAFF WRITER

No packing tape, no moving vans, no hotel rooms. In contrast to last year, this is a calm offseason for the Rams, but that doesn’t mean they can relax. After a 4-12 season, there are no merits upon which to rest.

The only relocation this spring is that of new coach Sean McVay and his staff to Southern California, but there are plenty of moves to be made. It will be fascinating to see how aggressive McVay, the youngest coach in the NFL’s modern era, acts, both on and off the field as he attempts to revitalize the Rams.

McVay and General Manager Les Snead quickly must make decisions about their young, inconsistent group of players. Will they make wholesale roster changes, or look to complement the core, which is led by players such as Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, Aaron Donald and Alec Ogletree?

The Rams clearly need a lot of work, and this is how their checklist of offseason duties looks:

1. FINALIZE COACHING STAFF

This is almost done. The Rams have yet to hire an offensive coordinator, but that’s not going to be a huge job on this team. McVay, formerly the offensive coordinator in Washington, announced last month that he will call offensive plays, so the coordinator will be more of a support man for McVay.

Landing veteran defensive coordinator Wade Phillips was the big move, and the Rams already have agreed on terms with most of the assistant coaches who will fill out McVay’s staff. Returning assistants John Fassel (special teams) and Skip Peete (running backs) will provide some continuity.

Assistant coaches Greg Olson (quarterbacks), Eric Yarber (receivers), Shane Waldron (tight ends), Aaron Kromer (offensive line), Bill Johnson (defensive line), Joe Barry (linebackers) and Aubrey Pleasant (secondary) are expected to join the Rams, but the team has not yet announced the hirings.

Moreover, the Rams must finalize a team of behind-the-scenes folks – trainers, video people, etc. – who keep the team running, and McVay will have his own ideas about how these jobs should be executed.

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[www.ocregister.com]
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  Here are five key items on the checklist for new Rams coach Sean McVay

RamBill641February 06, 2017 08:26PM