Mike LaFleur was the offensive coordinator of the New York Jets for the past two seasons, taking on an increased role, joining Robert Saleh as the two coaches took promotions after their successful stints with the San Francisco 49ers. But LaFleur was let go after the Jets’ season concluded.
When LaFleur joined the Jets, he was given the chance to work with Zach Wilson, the second overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. But after leading the 28th and 29th-ranked scoring attack, the offense has yet to take flight, leading to his departure.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, the Rams recently granted their coaching staff permission to speak with other teams while coach Sean McVay tried to work through his future as well. But now that McVay has announced his intent to return to the sidelines in 2023, the Rams could be at risk of losing a few coaches who had already begun discussions with NFL teams in the past few days.
This comes in addition to their offensive coordinator from this past season Liam Coen, who has already taken a new job with Kentucky. With the Rams searching for a new coach to lead their offense, LaFleur could become a solution, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
If so, it would be a lateral move for LaFleur, but being that the Jets have moved on after seeing a stagnant offense each of the past two seasons as their perpetual search for a QB begins anew this offseason, he may not have another choice.
For LaFleur, he’d get to start fresh in a new atmosphere, and one that already has an established starting quarterback with Matthew Stafford. Plus, Cooper Kupp isn’t a bad consolation prize.
Either way, the Rams do need a new offensive coordinator, and well, the Jets could likely afford to continue making changes until something clicks.
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