Why Rams' Nate Scheelhaase Could Be a Hot Commodity

WOODLAND HILLS, Ca. In the world of college football, the coaching carousel has sent coaches all across the country as millions of dollars in deals are being struck as some of the biggest programs in the country. Penn State, who fired their head coach James Franklin earlier this season, has hired Iowa State's head coach Matt Campbell to lead their program in a new direction.

The Nittany Lions will need a full offensive overhaul and with Campbell headed into Big Ten territory, one must wonder if he'll reach out to the NFL ranks and call a friend from the past.

Los Angeles Rams Pass Game Coordinator Nate Scheelhaase is a man destined for football greatness. Not only is he a brilliant offensive mind but he's genuinely a solid guy who develops relationships with his players.

Scheelhaase has a group chat with his former wide receivers and he even detailed how close he gets with his guys.

When I spoke to Scheelhaase earlier this season, he stated that Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson and his partner would watch his son.

"Xavier Hutchinson literally babysat my oldest son," stated Scheelhaase. "His girlfriend really was the one who babysat my son, but my son would be most excited about Xavier Hutchinson coming over. "My son's stows away the jerseys that he has...it's more than just football with those dudes like Xavier Hutchinson."

It is in that spirit of developing interpersonal relationships with genuine efforts that has made Scheelhaase a respected name within the organization and a clear-cut offensive coordinator candidate this offseason.

The Job

Scheelhaase was an Iowa State assistant from 2018-2023, rising through the ranks to become the Cyclones' offensive coordinator. He's a talented recruiter who played a pivotal role in securing multiple premier receivers, including Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, and others.

Scheelhaase is also a former quarterback who understands passing concepts at an elite level. Penn State has lacked talent at the quarterback and wide receiver positions.

There are many reasons Scheelhaase would take the job if he's offered the offensive coordinator position. The money and the ability to compete instantly are right there, and it's not without precedent that a Rams offensive mind went to the collegiate ranks to further their career.

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen was a position coach with the Rams before taking the Kentucky Wildcats' offensive coordinator job. The Rams would re-hire him in that role in 2022 before Coen returned to the Kentucky job in 2023. Coen then took the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator job in 2024. He was hired by Jacksonville this offseason.

Plus, Scheelhaase is from the Midwest so Pennsylvania is within striking distance from his home.

Scheelhaase's Relationship With Campbell

We spoke about Iowa State and Scheelhaase could not stop praising the community of Ames, Iowa. That is where he built his home and established a foundation for his family. His eldest son grew up in the community, while his daughter was born in the city.

Scheelhaase would speak on Campbell, Ames, and what was special about that situation, describing elements that also define Penn State.

"[Iowa State's} starting point is Matt Campbell, he's a culture builder," stated Scheelhaase. "So what was cool about Iowa State is that you felt like you had a huge recruiting edge, because there was a unique culture that was specific to guys that really wanted to be around great people, really loved and had a passion about football if you could get that right fit.

No matter whether they're from Kansas City, Jaylen Noel from Florida, Xavier Hutchison, and Jayden Higgins. Whether they were transfers that were looking for the right fit or there were guys coming out of high school or junior college, like you found that right fit any type of way."

That culture that weeded out fits for the program came from Campbell, as stated by Scheelhaase.

McVay's Backing

I've spoken to multiple people within the Rams facility about Scheelhaase and there are only positive words being said. I asked Sean McVay on Monday about Scheelhaase.

“He’s a great coach," stated McVay. "He has great leadership, great capacity for the game, similar to a lot of our other great coaches. First and foremost, he has great character. There's an ability to be able to connect with all different types."

"There's an ability to own the game from an all-22 perspective. He's excellent. I've really enjoyed working with him. He's a great person, first and foremost, and he has a great family. He's been outstanding, working with the receivers, but he has a tremendous impact on our team and our group as a whole.”

It's time to get serious about Nate Scheelhaase because he's a rising star and from what I've seen, he's the next offensive guru within the coaching ranks.

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