Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay has a strong relationship and plenty of familiarity with new quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone, who was formerly with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Los Angeles Rams filled a key vacancy on their coaching staff Monday, hiring former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Dave Ragone.
It’s essentially a direct swap between Los Angeles and Atlanta, as the Falcons hired former Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Robinson to be their new offensive coordinator. Now, Ragone takes over Robinson’s position in Los Angeles.
Rams head coach Sean McVay was often complimentary of Robinson, who became one of the most popular coordinator candidates in the league this spring. Ragone has big shoes to fill – but McVay isn’t taking a shot in the dark.
Ragone and McVay have long known each other. They were together on the then-Washington Redskins coaching staff in 2015, McVay as offensive coordinator and Ragone as a quality control coach.
They grew close and stayed in touch over the years – and McVay dished praise on Ragone’s character prior to the Falcons’ road trip to Los Angeles during the 2022 season.
“Really close friend, great human being,” McVay said Sept. 14, 2022. “He’s one of my good friends and (I) love Dave Ragone, love his kids and his wife, Marju. They mean a lot to me.”
On the field, McVay is similarly impressed by Ragone – both in terms of playing at coaching.
Ragone starred as a quarterback at the University of Louisville, earning Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year three times before spending 2003 through 2007 on several NFL rosters. He was with the Rams in 2006.
McVay referred to Ragone as a baller at Louisville – and McVay believes he’s carried his prowess over to the headset, dubbing the 44-year-old “outstanding.”
“He’s got a great capacity for the game, really knows all 22, great ability to be able to connect with his players,” McVay said. “I think whether it be the quarterback – he knows every position on the field – but his ability to connect, really build and develop relationships, communicate, all the things that I think make a good coach.”
Then-head coach Arthur Smith was the primary play caller, but Ragone had an impact in play design and building the script.
Ragone was also tasked with coaching quarterbacks this past season and oversaw a struggle-filled unit spearheaded by Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke, who combined to throw for 17 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.
Heinicke credited Ragone for helping take a significant stride with his footwork.
“There’s a lot of things I needed to work on, and Coach Rags has homed in on it and I’ve gotten better at it,” Heinicke said Nov. 8, 2023.
The passage you provided highlights the close personal and professional relationship between Sean McVay, head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, and Dave Ragone, a former quarterback turned coach. Here’s an analysis:
1. **Personal Relationship**: McVay and Ragone are portrayed as close friends who have stayed in touch over the years. McVay speaks highly of Ragone’s character, describing him as a “great human being” and expressing affection for Ragone’s family.
2. **Professional Background**: Ragone’s football background is detailed, noting his successful college career as a quarterback at the University of Louisville, where he earned accolades such as Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year multiple times. Ragone also spent several years in the NFL as a player, including a stint with the Rams in 2006.
3. **Coaching Prowess**: McVay praises Ragone’s coaching abilities, describing him as “outstanding” and highlighting his comprehensive understanding of the game. McVay emphasizes Ragone’s capacity to connect with players, his knowledge of all positions on the field, and his communication skills as attributes that make him an effective coach.
4. **Role with the Rams**: While Arthur Smith was the primary play caller during Ragone’s time with the Rams, Ragone had a significant impact on play design and scripting. He was also responsible for coaching quarterbacks, overseeing their development and game preparation. Despite facing challenges with a struggling quarterback unit, Ragone’s coaching abilities are still recognized and respected.
Overall, the passage portrays Ragone as not only a talented coach but also a respected figure within the football community, valued for his personal qualities and professional expertise.
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