Sources: The Rams blocked OC Kevin O'Connell from interviewing for the same job with the Chargers. They really value O'Connell, and the job he did for them this year.
Lines of communication remain open, so things could change. But that's where the Rams stand now.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 19, 2021
The Los Angeles Chargers already stole Brandon Staley from the Rams, so Sean McVay isn’t going to let them poach another coach from his staff. According to Albert Breer of The MMQB, the Rams blocked the Chargers from interviewing Kevin O’Connell for their offensive coordinator position.
It’s no surprise that Staley targeted O’Connell for that role on his staff after working with him in 2020 with the Rams, but it is somewhat interesting that McVay blocked the interview from happening. The NFL permits teams from blocking interviews if it’s a lateral move for the coach, meaning it’s for the same position with another team.
McVay allowed Matt LaFleur to leave the Rams in 2018 to join the Titans as their offensive coordinator, but he doesn’t want to lose O’Connell in the same fashion. It makes sense, too.
By keeping O’Connell, McVay keeps some sense of continuity for Jared Goff, who otherwise would’ve gone through yet another offensive coordinator if O’Connell left.
That’s bad business for a quarterback and does nothing to help his development. With O’Connell being a former quarterback himself, he can help develop Goff further in 2021, assuming the Rams keep him as their starter.
