How Dennis Erickson Inspires Rams WR Coach Eric Yarber

Eric Yarber was hired as the Los Angeles Rams' receivers coach in 2017, joining then-first-time head coach Sean McVay. Yarber, McVay and offensive line coach Zak Kromer are the longest-tenured members of the Rams current coaching staff.

The Rams have their own version of "Hard Knocks" called "Behind The Grind" and in the latest episode, Yarber briefly talks about Dennis Erickson, his college coach, but also his coaching assistant years later.

Yarber explained that Erickson has been a major inspiration throughout his coaching career.

"One of the biggest impacts on me was coach Dennis Erickson," Yarber said. "[Erickson would say] 'Yarbs, I could teach you football, but I can't teach you how to be loyal and to be a good person. The Xs and Os are gonna come, but if you can be loyal and a good person, you're going to go far in this profession. That's why I try to be loyal, enthusiastic and a good person [with the Rams]".

From 2017-21, the Rams receiving room had a huge impact on the team's success, especially with Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. 2022 was rough though, as Woods was traded before the season and Kupp was injured for half of it. Despite the struggles, Yarber has utilized his key values for the upcoming season and loves working with his receivers and the Rams organization.

"I get to work with Cooper Kupp, Tutu [Atwell] Van [Jefferson]," Yarber said. "I don't have to work with them, I get to work with them. That's what excites me and motivates me. The game of football has been really good to me. People like coach [Sean] McVay, you get to see every day".

Yarber closed the interview by explaining his positive outlook on life and that others should learn from it.

"You can choose to make it a bad day or you can choose to make it a good day, and every day I choose to make it a good day".

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