Rams Make Surprise Move: Former Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury Joins Sean McVay’s Staff

The Los Angeles Rams are bringing Kliff Kingsbury back to the NFC West, hiring the former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator for a key position on Sean McVay’s offensive staff, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter and multiple league insiders. While the Rams have yet to clarify Kingsbury’s exact title, team sources indicate he is expected to serve as a senior offensive assistant who will collaborate closely with coordinator Mike LaFleur on weekly game plans and quarterback development. The move reunites Kingsbury with the division where he spent four seasons as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals (2019–22), compiling a 26-33-1 record and guiding the franchise to its first playoff berth in six years. Kingsbury, 46, is widely regarded for his quarterback-centric “Air Raid” concepts that helped unlock Kyler Murray’s 2021 Pro Bowl season and earlier propelled Patrick Mahomes to national prominence at Texas Tech. In 2025 he transitioned to Washington, where his creative passing designs elevated a stagnant Commanders offense and revived Sam Howell’s career trajectory before staff changes led to this winter’s split. For Los Angeles, the hire is an aggressive step to maximize a championship window with veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who confirmed last week he will return for 2026. Pairing Kingsbury’s vertical spread principles with McVay’s motion-heavy wide-zone system could stress defenses horizontally and vertically, adding a fresh layer to an offense that finished ninth in scoring but only 17th in explosive-pass rate last season. The addition also gives the Rams valuable succession insurance. Kingsbury has interviewed for multiple offensive-coordinator vacancies (Giants, Ravens) this cycle and still carries head-coaching aspirations; the Rams can benefit from his play-calling acumen if LaFleur earns future promotion opportunities elsewhere. Los Angeles is expected to finalize staff titles after Super Bowl LX. If Kingsbury’s role includes in-game play-design input, expect an uptick in four-receiver and empty-set usage that mirrors his collegiate roots and suits emerging star wideout Puka Nacua. With the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, Kingsbury’s recruiting connections in the Big 12 and Pac-12 footprints could also enhance the Rams’ scouting reach. Bottom line: by securing Kliff Kingsbury, the Rams strengthen their offensive brain trust, give Stafford another innovative voice in the headset, and position themselves as one of the NFL’s most intriguing schematic laboratories heading into the 2026 season.