Coach Jimmy Lake Leaves Rams for Falcons; What's It Mean for Los Angeles?
The Los Angeles Rams' coaching staff has taken a considerable hit this offseason, with the Atlanta Falcons alone netting three of head coach Sean McVay's assistants.
Atlanta hired Raheem Morris, who was the Rams' defensive coordinator for the last three seasons, to be its next head coach on Jan. 25.
In the days that followed, Morris snatched a pair of Rams assistants as his offensive and defensive coordinators - quarterbacks coach and pass game coordinator Zac Robinson and assistant head coach Jimmy Lake.
Morris and Robinson had defined roles in Los Angeles - but how does Lake's departure affect the Rams?
McVay spoke extensively about Lake's position last spring, noting that while he wasn't the official righthand man, his leadership and experience made him an integral factor in the Rams' coaching complex.
"Great overall perspective, obviously as a head coach, areas on the defensive side of the ball," McVay said March 10. "But some of the different things he'll be able to provide from a leadership perspective, from an offense to defense, defense to offense will be incredibly valuable.
"It's been great having Jimmy in the building."
Lake received opportunities to stand in front of the team and communicate messages and presentations throughout the season, further confirmation of his leadership presence in Los Angeles.
The 47-year-old Lake was instrumental in the growth of second-year cornerbacks Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick and helped implement late addition Ahkello Witherspoon into a prominent role.
Be it on or off the field, Lake's impact, despite not being directly visible in the public light, was felt inside the Rams' facilities.
"I think some of the leadership experiences that he's had will serve well," McVay said. "There's a bunch of different roles, but the assistant head coach is a reflection of the respect I have for Jimmy, but then also his involvement on both sides of the football."
Los Angeles hasn't yet filled any of its coaching vacancies, though McVay and staff have started conducting interviews.
Nonetheless, whoever the Rams hire for their various openings will have big shoes to fill - as much with their off-field presence as on-field coaching.
