Rams Set to Hire Nate Scheelhaase as New Pass Game Specialist
According to ESPN, the Los Angeles Rams are set to hire Nate Scheelhaase, currently Iowa State's offensive coordinator, as their new pass game specialist for the 2024 season. Scheelhaase, 33, will join Sean McVay's coaching staff, replacing Jake Peetz, who departed to become the pass game coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks this offseason.
Scheelhaase began his coaching career at his alma mater, Illinois, in 2013, initially working with running backs before transitioning to an offensive analyst role from 2016 to 2017. He later joined Iowa State's coaching staff in 2018, initially as the running backs coach before moving to coach wide receivers the following season.
In 2023, Scheelhaase was elevated to offensive coordinator, where he made significant strides in enhancing the Cyclones' offensive performance. Under his guidance, the team saw a notable improvement, scoring an average of six more points per game (20.2 to 26.2) compared to the previous year. Additionally, Iowa State led the nation with 11 touchdown plays of at least 50 yards.
Scheelhaase played a pivotal role in the development of Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht. The redshirt freshman's outstanding performance earned him the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year award after throwing for 3,120 yards and 23 touchdowns. Notably, Scheelhaase was also part of the Iowa State coaching staff during the tenure of former Cyclone standout and current San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
The move adds to a recent trend of college coaches transitioning to the professional level this offseason. Notable examples include Jeff Hafley, who left Boston College to become the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, Jim Harbaugh, who departed Michigan to coach the Los Angeles Chargers, and Ryan Grubb, who moved from Alabama to become the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks.
