Los Angeles Rams Defensive Back Quentin Lake Praises Atlanta Falcons' Coaching Hires
The new league year has yet to start, and yet the Los Angeles Rams have been in the shoulder-high waters of NFL transactions. Head coach Sean McVay has seen his staff interviewed, promoted, and investigated by seemingly every team with an opening, taking coaches from every facet of the game.
That’s a tribute to the Rams’ successes in 2023, exceeding expectations on the way to a Wild Card Round appearance. But it’s also a challenge as McVay rebuilds his staff with an assortment of internal promotions and lesser-known hires.
No group of coaches will leave a bigger impact than those who left for the Atlanta Falcons this offseason. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris was named Atlanta’s next head coach. With him, he brought quarterbacks coach Zac Robinson and assistant head coach Jimmy Lake to be his coordinators. It’s a full-on brain drain in Los Angeles and one that the players are well aware of.
Los Angeles Rams safety Quentin Lake (37) tackles Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) in the third quarter at SoFi Stadium.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Rams safety Quentin Lake spoke to LA Football Network about those coaching departures through the lens of their ambition.
“I was said, I was like, ‘Man, we’re getting poached!’” Lake said.
Even so, he was understanding of the business aspects of football and how important promotions are to coaches, much like free agents moving from part-time to full-time roles on new teams during free agency.
“I mean it’s a credit one for McVay to develop the guys but also, two, these coaches deserve every opportunity that they get,” Lake said. “Obviously Coach Lake has had experience at Washington. Coach Morris had experience in Atlanta, had experience in Washington, and now is getting his well-deserved position to be the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.”
McVay, despite being around the game for fewer years than many of his counterparts, has earned high praise for his ability to build a staff and replenish it when other teams come calling. Los Angeles, having gone to two Super Bowls and winning one since McVay’s arrival, has constantly had to deal with other teams trying to capture that same lightning in a bottle.
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, and former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley all got their gigs after finding success on McVay’s staff. It’s a trend that continued into this offseason and seemingly will continue to for as long as the Rams find success.
Los Angeles won’t play Atlanta next season unless playoff seeding intertwines their fates, but Lake will make sure to keep an eye on the coaches that helped him develop in 2023.
“I’m excited to see what they do this year.”
