Rams Coach Mike LaFleur Adds ‘Competitive Environment’ to Sean McVay Staff
Same song, different verse.
There's set to be a LaFleur on the Los Angeles Rams sideline holding the role of offensive coordinator - but unlike 2017 when it was now-Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur, it's his younger brother, Mike, previously of the New York Jets.
Still, considering the tight-knit nature of the LaFleur brothers, Mike feels as if he already knows Rams coach Sean McVay like it was him who was an assistant in Los Angeles some five seasons ago - thanks in part to what he's heard from Matt.
“He's told me a lot," the younger LaFleur said. "Obviously even in 2017, being in the same division, we still talk quite a bit. You had to be a little bit conscious of obviously what you were saying because we were in the same division. But (he) loved working in this organization ... and just in the 72 hours or three days whatever I've been here, you can see exactly what he's talking about.
"There's just a lot of great people in this building and (I’m) fired up to be here.”
For Mike, who spent four years as an assistant with the San Francisco 49ers, it's not quite the culture shock some may expect, which has only been aided by his familiarity with McVay.
This relationship is particularly interesting because the two have never worked together - but they've known each other for more than a decade.
LaFleur said that he was first introduced to McVay in 2010, when the former was "fresh out of college" and the latter had just arrived for a job with the now-Washington Commanders.
But how exactly did LaFluer hear about McVay? Well, his brother, of course ... which fostered a memory that seems all too fitting in retrospect.
"I'll never forget they interviewed (McVay) in Washington for the quality control job and I remember my brother calling up like, ‘Yeah, we interviewed a QC and he was awesome,’" LaFleur said. "And I'm like how good could this QC truly be? And especially (because) he was as young as I was. Now I think we all know what he was kind of talking about."
At the time, the younger LaFleur was just getting his start in coaching, serving as quarterbacks coach for Division II St. Joseph's College while his brother held the same role for the Commanders.
McVay, meanwhile, had spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and United Football League's Florida Tuskers leading up to his interview in Washington - and the rest is history.
The duo first met during OTAs in Washington, thanks once more due to McVay's relationship on staff with the elder LaFleur.
"Obviously, Matt and (McVay) had a pretty tight relationship right off the bat right there so just got to know him there and it just kind of grew," said Mike LaFleur. "He's always been a guy that I've been able to call when I was coaching in college or obviously just staying in connection with and being able to learn and ask questions."
LaFleur added that he hopes he's been able to help McVay in some form or fashion over the last decade and "couldn't be more excited" to get to work.
And while the 35-year-old wasn't expected to say anything differently, it's certainly noteworthy considering that his brother's relationship with McVay wasn't always smooth sailing.
There were several disagreements - including one in which LaFleur told McVay to fire him - before the former departed for a promotion to become the playcaller for the Tennessee Titans.
But ultimately, that relationship remains strong ... and the younger LaFleur is entirely unconcerned by the idea and doesn't see much of a problem with disagreements among coaches.
“That's what happens when you get two guys that have a ton of respect for each other," LaFleur stated. "They work really hard. It's a competitive environment, not just with the players, but with the coaches and the whole building. It's competitive. It's one of 32 (teams) right? So, there are going to be some stressful times and that can be a good thing.
"I wasn't there, so it doesn't really matter, but those arguments and whatnot, it led to a lot of good stuff."
LaFleur added that he's experienced similar things during his nine years as a professional coach, including some with his brother in 2015 as members of the Atlanta Falcons.
But through it all, LaFleur said that he and those that he's disagreed with have "(grown) and learned how to work with each other better," making it an overall positive experience that he's "not worried about at all."
As such, LaFleur is entering Los Angeles firmly excited to join an organization that won the Super Bowl almost exactly a year ago and is now searching to get back to the top after a disappointing 5-12 season.
"I came into not just Sean, but just from the players, the coaches, and the rest of the people in this building, they've won, they know how to win, and on top of it, they're very, very good people that are highly motivated. So, I'm just pumped to be here,” LaFleur claimed.
Moving forward, LaFleur will look to follow in his brother's footsteps and become a head coach of his own - even if it means having difficult conversations along the way.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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