It took a little while, but the Los Angeles Rams found their replacement for John Fassel as their special teams coordinator. They announced the hiring of John Bonamego on Monday, bringing in the experienced 56-year-old coordinator.
Bonamego will be introduced and speak to the media on Wednesday, but before he does, let’s get to know him a little bit better. Here are four things to know about the Rams’ new special teams coordinator.
He’s been a special teams coach in the NFL for 17 years
Unlike the other assistants Sean McVay has hired this offseason, Bonamego has extensive coaching experience. He’s been a special teams coach – either an assistant or a coordinator – in the NFL for 17 years, getting his start back in 1999 with the Jaguars.
In addition to Jacksonville and Detroit, Bonamego has made stops in Green Bay, New Orleans and Miami. His longest stint with a team was with the Jaguars, where he spent four years.
Spent four years as head coach of Central Michigan
Bonamego has deep ties to the state of Michigan. He was born there, played high school football at Paw Paw in Michigan, went to Central Michigan where he played quarterback and wide receiver and had two stints as a coach with the Lions.
Additionally, he coached at his alma mater for four years from 2015-2018. He led the Chippewas to three bowl games in his first three seasons, but in 2018, things fell apart. Central Michigan went 1-11 – the worst season in school history – and Bonamego was fired in November.
Lions’ punt coverage, kick return units were great in 2019
The Lions were great in two areas of special teams last season under Bonamego’s watch. They allowed an average of just 4.5 yards per punt return, which was second-best in the NFL. That’s a credit to the coverage, but also punter Sam Martin, who pinned 31 punts inside the 20-yard line (6th in NFL).
Additionally, the Lions averaged 24.5 yards per kickoff return, which was seventh-best in the league. That was aided by Jamal Agnew’s 100-yard return for a touchdown in September, but the unit was strong as a whole.
Was voted NFC North ST coach of the year
Last season, The Athletic polled NFC personnel people on various topics in the division, including MVP, Coach of the Year and several others. Bonamego was voted special teams coach of the year in the division, receiving two of the four votes to win the award.
Bonamego is obviously well respected around the league, as he’s gotten countless chances as a special teams coordinator by a number of teams, and this vote shows that the Lions’ special teams unit was arguably the best in the division last season.
