Nate Scheelhaase, the Los Angeles Rams' offensive coordinator, will call the team's offensive plays in Saturday's preseason opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. Rams head coach Sean McVay announced Thursday that Scheelhaase, 35, will lead the offense for the game, providing another opportunity for the coach to demonstrate his skills.
McVay has historically used preseason games as a testing ground for his coaching staff, delegating duties that assistants typically do not handle during the regular season. Last year, Scheelhaase was given a similar opportunity, calling plays in a preseason matchup against the Chargers. Mike LaFleur also handled an exhibition game before departing to become the head coach of the Cardinals.
Scheelhaase's profile has significantly elevated since his previous play-calling opportunity. He was promoted to offensive coordinator in February after serving as passing game coordinator in 2025. During that season, he helped oversee a Rams passing attack that led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns, contributing to quarterback Matthew Stafford's MVP award.
The strong offensive performance made Scheelhaase a notable head-coaching candidate, despite having only two seasons of NFL coaching experience at that point. He interviewed for multiple head coaching vacancies during the 2026 hiring cycle, with reported interest from the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Las Vegas Raiders. ESPN reported he interviewed for five head coaching positions before ultimately deciding to remain with the Rams.
NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah reported that Scheelhaase made a strong impression during these interviews, with his limited experience being one of the few drawbacks noted. Saturday's game offers Scheelhaase more than just a typical preseason assignment; it provides valuable experience in managing an offense under game conditions.
The Rams' offense in the preseason opener is expected to feature Stetson Bennett IV and rookie first-round quarterback Ty Simpson, who will be getting his first taste of NFL preseason action. Scheelhaase's role will involve managing personnel, sequencing play calls, reacting to defensive adjustments, and ensuring the young quarterbacks operate efficiently.
The Rams organization has a history of developing offensive coordinators who go on to become head coaches, including Matt LaFleur, Kevin O’Connell, Liam Coen, and Mike LaFleur, all of whom served under McVay before securing head coaching positions. Scheelhaase appears to be on a similar trajectory in his coaching career. Saturday's game provides him with another chance to showcase his readiness for advancement.