Instant analysis of Rams' unique offensive coordinator setup — and more

After losing Mike LaFleur to the Arizona Cardinals, Sean McVay said the Los Angeles Rams would conduct a thorough search for his replacement as offensive coordinator. He wasn’t lying when he said that because the Rams were the last team in the NFL to hire an OC this offseason.

In the end, they landed on the most logical candidate from the start: Nate Scheelhaase. But he’s not their only offensive coordinator. Quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone has added co-offensive coordinator to his job title, too.

A tandem of Scheelhaase and Ragone makes perfect sense. Scheelhaase is 35 and a fast riser who’s destined to be a head coach at some point in the near future. He had several head coaching interviews this offseason despite never being an offensive coordinator in the NFL.

Ragone, on the other hand, is a more experienced assistant coach. Still only 46, he’s coached in the NFL since 2011 when he got his start working with the Titans’ wide receivers. Since then, he’s been a quarterbacks coach for three different teams: Titans (2013), Bears (2016-2019), and Rams (2024-present).

Not to mention, he was the Falcons’ offensive coordinator from 2021-2023, so he’s held this job before. That experience will certainly help Scheelhaase – and in turn, McVay – in his new role as a first-time coordinator.

McVay has never been one to take the conventional approach, and he’s thinking outside the box with this new OC setup. Since being hired as the Rams’ head coach in 2017, McVay has had seasons in which he had one offensive coordinator, no offensive coordinator and now two.

In 2018, the Rams had no designated OC, just a pass game coordinator (Shane Waldron) and run game coordinator (Aaron Kromer). That year, Los Angeles finished with the No. 2 overall offense and No. 2 scoring offense in the NFL, which helped them reach the Super Bowl.

As long as McVay is running the show, the Rams are capable of finishing with a top-10 offense, no matter who their offensive coordinator is. McVay is trying something new with two offensive coordinators, though it sounds like Scheelhaase will be the primary guy in the role.

Having an experienced offensive mind like Ragone, who has worked with Matthew Stafford for the last two years, will only make things easier for everyone involved.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams news: Analysis of LA hiring Nate Scheelhaase as new OC

Liverpool Lead Race for Mateus Mane Amid Wolves Uncertainty

Liverpool are currently leading the pursuit of Wolves forward Mateus Mane, according to reporting by Caught Offside, with Manchester United and Arsenal also expressing interest in the 18 year old.

There is a growing acceptance within Wolves that retaining Mane this summer will prove challenging, particularly with relegation to the Championship described as a near certainty. Early conversations have taken place regarding a potential transfer, and indications are that Liverpool have moved swiftly to position themselves at the front of the queue.

One source is quoted as saying, “Wolves accept that it’s going to be very hard for them to keep Mateus Mane. This is one of the most outstanding talents in the country, and his rapid progression is no secret to Premier League scouts.” That assessment aligns with the level of interest emerging across the top end of the division.

Early Engagement from Anfield

While Manchester United have been widely linked, the information available suggests Liverpool have undertaken preliminary work on a possible deal. Contact has been made with the player’s representatives and initial discussions are described as “positive”.

Wolves are understood to value Mane at around £50m. Whether that figure proves negotiable remains to be seen. If maintained, it may test Liverpool’s appetite, given their recent preference for structured deals and targeted investment.

Mane, an England youth international, has attracted attention for his development trajectory and adaptability in advanced areas. Recruitment departments across the Premier League have monitored his progress closely over the past 12 months.

Arsenal Interest Adds Competition

Arsenal are also admirers. Their recent recruitment strategy has combined immediate impact with long term planning, illustrated by the acquisitions of William Saliba, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli. Those deals have delivered both performance and appreciation in value.

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The report notes that Arsenal are “keen to mix it up by bringing in more young players this summer,” suggesting Mane fits a broader profile rather than being an isolated target.

For now, Liverpool hold what is described as an early advantage. However, the situation remains fluid, and formal bids have yet to materialise. Wolves’ league status, valuation stance and the player’s own preference will all influence the outcome in the coming weeks.

EPL Index, Wolves Fan Perspective

From a Wolves standpoint, this situation feels painfully familiar. When a young player is labelled “one of the most outstanding talents in the country,” it rarely ends with him staying at Molineux for long.

Supporters will understand the financial realities, especially if relegation is confirmed, but £50m must represent more than a headline figure. If Mateus Mane departs, Wolves need maximum value and clarity on reinvestment. Selling talent without a robust succession plan has hurt clubs before.

Fans will also take pride in the fact that Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are circling. That level of interest underlines the quality emerging from Wolves’ development system. Yet pride does not soften the blow of losing a player capable of shaping the club’s future.

If a sale becomes inevitable, transparency and smart recruitment will be essential. Wolves supporters will accept difficult decisions, provided they are part of a coherent strategy rather than another step in decline.

Australia depart the T20 World Cup with a thumping, nine-wicket consolation victory over Oman in Pallekele.